Tennessee’s football team looked like a group that had just finished its first two-a-day practice on Tuesday.

Senior Arron Sears and redshirt freshman Vladimir Richard had to be attended to by trainers as they lay on the ground after the afternoon session. Both offensive linemen later were able to walk off.

Several other linemen were slow to get off the field and noticeably drained after an afternoon practice preceeded by an early morning session.

A handful of linemen were driven on carts to to Gibbs Hall. That was a break from a rule mandating that UT’s players walk to their rooms following preseason practices. Players would often drive or ride to practice in previous years.

The players worked hard Tuesday, but that didn’t necessarily mean they worked well.

"Not really," offensive line coach Greg Adkins said when asked if he was pleased with the afternoon practice.

Adkins said his players struggled with blitz pickups. The Vols will hold a small scrimmage mid-week followed by a full-scale scrimmage Saturday.

UT will hold one more two-a-day practice Thursday.

"It’s one of those things where these kids are not used to it," Adkins said. "We’re in good shape. We just have to make sure that they’re weighing in and out, getting the fluids that they need and taking care of their bodies."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said his players did "OK" with the heat but cramps were an issue for several players.

"We pushed ’em pretty darn hard today," Fulmer said.

Injury Report: Montario Hardesty did not practice. However, the medical report on his surgically repaired right knee was good.

Hardesty’s MRI on Tuesday showed no structural damage. UT’s medical staff is still unsure why his knee shows persistent swelling after practice.

Sears Talks: Sears doesn’t have to be a captain to act like one.

He spoke to the entire team following Monday’s practice. The message was clear: This is no time to let up.

After 12 practices in as many days, some players are undoubtedly dragging a bit.

"It would be easy to be tired but ? you can’t hit a plateau," Sears said. "You’ve got to test some guys. Everybody is responding very well."

Sears said he tried to remind the younger players to always play hard, stay aggressive and forget mistakes as quickly as possible.

Sears’ speech came at the request of offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe. Sears was more than willing to answer the call. The Vols have yet to select captains for the 2006 season but Sears is all but a sure thing.

Sears expected more of a leadership role when he returned to UT for his senior season instead of pursuing an NFL career.

"That’s one of the reasons I came back," Sears said, "was to be a leader to these younger guys."

As Expected: Bo Hardegree wasn’t nearly as surprised by his performance in Saturday’s scrimmage as many media and onlookers. The junior quarterback said it was typical of his preseason work.

Hardegree completed 7-of-8 passes for 92 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

"I try to be smart with the ball," said Hardegree, who was 7-for-7 in another scrimmage last week. "I’m trying to show them that I’m not going to turn it over."

Hardegree said his personal goals for the season are all about improvement, such as footwork and overall understanding of the offense.

"Since coach Cutcliffe’s gotten here," Hardegree said, "I’ve learned a thousand things that I didn’t know."

Hardegree said junior Erik Ainge is taking all of the first team snaps at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton is handling most of the second team snaps while Hardegree jumps in as time allows.

Trench Talk: Fulmer said freshman Dan Williams and sophomore Demonte Bolden still needed to improve in order to give UT more depth at defensive tackle.

Fulmer complimented junior Steven Jones progress at offensive tackle. Fulmer said redshirt freshman Chris Scott has also done a "really good job."

"He’s quicker," Fulmer said of the offensive lineman, who lost 60 pounds during the offseason. "He’s a better technician. Strength wise, he’s got a ways to come.

"But you could get him in the game and play some."

Fulmer also said freshmen Richard and Jacques McClendon have tremendous upside.

Fulmer said freshman Ramone Johnson probably won’t play this year but definitely is a good offensive tackle prospect.

Ailing Anderson: Senior fullback Cory Anderson is back on the practice field this week after missing Saturday’s scrimmage.

"You can tell his knee is still sore and stiff but it’s good to see him pushing through," Fulmer said. "He needs to be that type of example."

Anderson said he missed Saturday’s scrimmage for precautionary reasons.

"I wanted to get out there and help," Anderson said. "It was hurting pretty bad."

Playing time for Anderson could be up for grabs if he doesn’t answer Fulmer’s preseason challenge when he called him disappointing.

Junior fullback David Holbert has improved. Also, UT can play one of several tight ends at H-back instead of having a fullback in the game.

"I expect Cory to meet the challenge and do what he’s supposed to do," Fulmer said.

A for Effort: If UT’s wide receivers improve as much as fans hope, effort will surely be a factor. Fulmer seems to have seen plenty, especially when it comes to UT’s receivers laying out for overthrown passes.

"You’re not going to make everyone that you’re diving out there to make the fingertip catch but, by gosh, we’re diving out there to make the fingertip catch," Fulmer said. "That was good."

Asumnu’s Assessment: Former basketball player Stanley Asumnu said he can’t help but wonder what would have happened had he played football instead of basketball. He’s not the only one.

"A lot of the players say ‘You were playing the wrong sport,’ " the senior said.

Asumnu told the News Sentinel last week that he would need a scholarship to continue his football experiment. Asumnu said his basketball scholarship runs out this month and he hasn’t found any other form of financial aid.

"If I get a scholarship, I’m going to be here," Asumnu said. "If not, I don’t know what’s going to happen."

Alignment and run blocking continue to hold Asumnu back.

"I love Stanley," Fulmer said. "But he cannot get on the field if he’s going to bust."

No News: Fulmer said there hasn’t been any developments concerning athlete Stephaun Raines or defensive lineman/linebacker Gerald Williams. Both are awaiting academic clearance from the NCAA.

Wilhoit Watch: Senior James Wilhoit was one of 30 kickers named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list.

Wilhoit is the SEC’s active scoring leader with 229 career points. He is coming off his best season as a Vol, having made 14-of-19 field goals last year and leading the team in scoring for the third straight season.