QUARTERBACKS (B)

Erik Ainge showed better decision-making ability and more confidence in his throws. Ainge, however, needs to develop a better pocket presence or he’s going to get hurt. Jonathan Crompton feels the pressure better and appears more durable. Ainge, on the other hand, has a rifle for an arm and is very effective when in rhythm. Bo Hardegree is a capable backup.

RUNNING BACKS (A-)

Arian Foster looks poetic gliding and changing speeds in the open field, but Montario Hardesty hits holes quicker and is better in short yardage. LeMarcus Coker is electrifying, particularly out of the backfield on screens. Ja’Kouri Williams, Roy Olasimbo and the dependable David Yancey provide quality depth. Fullback Cory Anderson made a one-handed grab, and David Holbert is finally starting to look the part of a big-time recruit.

RECEIVERS (B)

Robert Meachem had four catches for 74 yards and Jayson Swain made a nice grab for a touchdown. Still, not as dynamic as the Vols are hoping and there’s more room for improvement. Freshman Quintin Hancock continues to make plays — but can he do it against the first-teamers? Tight end Brad Cottom made some nice plays.

OFFENSIVE LINE (C+)

For all the talk, the reality is that this unit is inexperienced and not as talented as past years. Coach Greg Adkins has instilled a toughness and fitness level, but the Vols will have a lot to prove against California. Without good line execution, it won’t matter how much the quarterbacks and receivers improve.

DEFENSIVE LINE (B)

The tackles continue to impress while the ends face a sense of urgency to improve. Justin Harrell probably will need to be double-teamed, and Turk McBride’s versatility and activity makes him as valuable of a defensive lineman as there is in the league.

LINEBACKERS (C +)

By Tennessee standards, this very inexperienced unit isn’t nearly up to par, but it’s hard to downgrade a unit that’s obviously improving each time out. The Vols’ linebackers will be fine with experience, but with Cal and Florida coming in September, there simply might not be enough time. Marvin Mitchell and Jerod Mayo need to continue to lead, and Ryan Karl can’t keep missing tackles.

SECONDARY (A-)

The first-team secondary is as strong as UT has had in years, but they’ll need a pass rush when facing talented teams. Open-field tackling is the only area that needs obvious improvement. The minus is for the backups, who need to step up and be ready when called upon. Larry Slade has taught the front six well.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B)

James Wilhoit was 4-for-10 on field goals, and he simply doesn’t have days like this where he’s the weakness of the unit. In fact, Wilhoit should be a team captain, so exemplary is his play, work ethic and general attitude. Wilhoit did, however, save a touchdown on a kick return. Lucas Taylor and Austin Rogers showed some open-field savvy on returns, and Meachem blocked a punt. Britton Colquitt still is a tad inconsistent.

COACHING (B+)

The attitude is right, the execution is improving and now recruiting needs to pick up. Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe continues to be blunt about his team’s needs and abilities, and having tested his unit’s potential, will now pull the offense in and do what UT can execute. Defensive coordinator John Chavis is pushing as hard as ever, but with six new starters in the front seven, this unit has a ways to go to match last year’s ferocious, well-versed defense.

OVERALL (B)

The Vols have made progress, but they aren’t where they need to be to win the SEC East, and that’s the first goal every year. The unit appears to be well-conditioned and in good health, and Phillip Fulmer has had the wisdom to take the green jerseys off and get back to his physical style of football.

PROGRESS REPORT

This was heard in the stands: "All we need to do is beat California and Florida, and we’ll be fine.’’

This was heard in the rumor mill: If UT loses to California and Florida, Fulmer will be fired and Cutcliffe will be made interim head coach.

My gosh, let’s get a grip here, OK?

It’s not going to be as simple as beating California and Florida, and Fulmer’s coaching "seat’’ should certainly not be that hot.

Now is a time for reason from Tennessee fans, who Fulmer took to the top of the mountain before falling into last season’s valley.

This year’s team has the look of a competitor that won’t beat itself and will make opponents earn their victories. I think fans will embrace this team’s effort, if nothing else.

But Tennessee doesn’t look like a Goliath of any sort.

That’s not saying this shouldn’t be, or doesn’t have the potential to be, a championship program. It’s just that great teams run in cyclical years — that’s a simple fact.

Perhaps UT will get on a roll and prove prognosticators like myself wrong, for that has certainly happened before.

But the level of inexperience, and the lack of dynamic playmakers, likely will stop that from happening.

Even with the improved action in scrimmage, I still see this as an 8- or 9-win football team in the regular season.

But I also see this as a program that’s back on the rise, provided a few star-studded recruits come the Vols’ way and sign in February.