Tennessee's 2006 motto is "Fired Up, Focused and Prepared."

The Vols didn't seem to be lacking any fire to begin the week.

Head coach Phillip Fulmer was very complimentary of his team following Monday's practice.

"We came to practice today to get better," Fulmer said. "What a heckuva day these kids had. The energy was there. The effort was there.

"It was really good to see them busting their rears."

After reviewing the practice tape, Fulmer cited several inexperienced players as having helped themselves in UT's first major scrimmage, held on Saturday.

Freshman offensive lineman Jacques McClendon, redshirt freshman tailback LaMarcus Coker, redshirt freshman safety Antonio Wardlow and sophomore linebacker Ellix Wilson caught Fulmer's eye.

Fulmer lamented that Wilson suffered an injured shoulder Monday but said he doesn't think it's serious.

Fulmer didn't have any definite direction concerning his starting center position. The battle is between junior Michael Frogg and redshirt freshman Josh McNeil.

Fulmer said McNeil still is working on consistency, technique and limiting potentially devastating mistakes when snapping the ball. McNeil was part of several center-quarterback exchange issues Saturday.

"In big ball games, when everything's about even," Fulmer said, "a couple of plays like that make a huge difference."

Fulmer said he needs some young defensive lineman to improve quickly for depth.

"That's really crucial for us right now," Fulmer said.

Fulmer said sophomore Montario Hardesty will have an MRI on his right knee to determine what is causing some unusual swelling in the joint that was surgically repaired last fall. Fulmer said he didn't expect any structural damage.

Final Five: Wide receivers' coach Trooper Taylor complimented Slick Shelley's hands and fresh legs. he redshirt freshman returned to practice after a minor abdominal surgery during the preseason.

Lucas Taylor seems to have reaffirmed himself in Taylor's mind. Taylor said the sophomore had slipped a bit last week but played well in Saturday's scrimmage.

"I tell you what he did a better job was, the separation," Taylor said. "(But) you've got to be consistent."

Taylor along with seniors Jayson Swain and Bret Smith and junior Robert Meachem are expected to be the top four in UT's five-wide receiver rotation. Sophomores Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe are battling for the final spot.

"I'm hoping one of them will separate from each other," Taylor said.

Taylor said one of quarterback Erik Ainge's interceptions could have been prevented by the officials in Saturday's scrimmage. The miscue occurred when senior cornerback Jonathan Wade made contact with Smith and intercepted the pass.

"That's cheating," Taylor joked. "I've got people in jail for less than that."

Focused Foster: Some UT fans might be praying that Arian Foster can hold onto the ball better this season than he did a year ago. Maybe a little divine intervention will help.

The sophomore tailback with a history of loose ball handling went so far as to carry a football to church Sunday.

"I had a little trouble holding onto the ball in the first scrimmage so everywhere I go I carry a ball to make sure that's not going to happen again," Foster said of his self-imposed punishment.

Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe spoke to the Sunday morning congregation and called Foster to the front when he completed his address. Foster then presented the football to the pastor of First Baptist of Concord.

Senior Marvin Mitchell and sophomore Demonte' Bolden were baptized during the team function by UT chaplain James "Mitch" Mitchell.

More Morley?: Sophomore safety Demetrice Morley implied that fans shouldn't read too much into the fact that he ran with the first team Saturday, in front of senior Antwan Stewart.

"Everybody's a starter," Morley said. "We've been doing a lot of rotating. We're playing strong."

It's hard not to be stuck with Morley's selflessness when it comes to media interviews about securing his first start as a Vol.

"I care, but I'm not a greedy person," said Morley, who played in every game last season. "I'm going to wait my turn.

" I'm not going to talk about it and get real greedy about it. When I'm called upon, I'm going to try to make plays for the team.

"I'm a team player."

If Morley does join entrenched starter Jonathan Hefney at safety, there will surely be a strong chemistry between the two good friends.

"That's like my brother from another mother," Morley said with a smile.

Morley said he hasn't worked at receiver lately but has seen extensive work as a punt and kick returner.

"I feel hyped about my chances (to contribute)," the South Floridian said.

Pound-Dropping Parker: Anthony Parker said losing 10 pounds in the offseason helped him prepare himself for fall practice. Now the sophomore is running with the first team at right guard, having displaced Ramon Foster, the sophomore who was expected to win the starting job.

"It feels good," Parker said of the promotion. "I know I'm going to keep working hard. I'm going to do everything I can to hold my spot."

The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder played in six games last season and started once, against LSU.