Vols report card: Aug. 23

Jonathan Crompton appeared the most effective, orchestrating two long drives and handling pressure situations. Erik Ainge made some nice throws, but for the most part appeared ordinary. Bo Hardegree, after his first two sterling scrimmages, threw four interceptions.

RUNNING BACKS (B)

Arian Foster looked strong in his limited work. Montario Hardesty wasn't as dominant as in Scrimmage Two Saturday night, but he looked decent. LaMarcus Coker must adjust to running between the tackles; too often the electrifying runner looks for cutbacks opportunities. David Yancey was the most impressive of the backs, as he continues to find cracks and crevices to squeeze out yardage.

RECEIVERS (C)

Robert Meachem had a 5-yard TD catch on a drive that started on the defense's 3, and another grab for 16 yards, but he's still not dominating. Bret Smith also had a nice catch. The emerging story continues to be freshman Quintin Hancock, who hasn't met a decent throw he can't catch. Austin Rogers, too, continues to impress.

OFFENSIVE LINE (C)

Still having their issues against the first team defense. The unit appears more than willing, but blitz pickup has been an issue, particularly with the backups. UT appears intent on developing depth, hence the growing pains in scrimmage.

DEFENSIVE LINE (B)

Another solid outing, particularly for the defensive tackles. Demonte Bolden continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Robert Ayers is showing some improvement, but the effectiveness of the ends is still a question mark heading into the opener against California.

LINEBACKERS (B-)

This unit showed improvement from the last scrimmage, particulary from the standpoint of tackling and swarming to the ball. Marvin Mitchell had an interception return for a touchdown. Still, the inexperience is evident at times and Cal's Heisman Trophy candidate, Marshawn Lynch, is fast approaching.

SECONDARY (A-)

The Vols' first-team cornerbacks are stingy to be sure, as they haven't been scored on in a scrimmage yet. Jonathan Wade had another interception and could be the most improved player on the team. The safeties appear solid in coverage and are reliable in run support. With any kind of pass rush, UT will be hard to throw against.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B)

Didn't see a lot of work in this scrimmage. James Wilhoit had a 51-yard field goal clang off the upright. Wilhoit had plenty of leg, however, and Phillip Fulmer likely wouldn't hesitate to allow Wilhoit to try from 55 yards in depending on game situation, field condition and wind direction/speed.

OVERALL (C+)

Fulmer would certainly like to be further along from an execution standpoint, but at the very least the effort and enthusiasm is there. UT will now beging gearing more preparation toward Cal with the depth chart tentatively set. First-game results, however, could trigger changes. Fulmer has made it clear he will not stand pat with mediocrity.

Progress Report

The first two scrimmages featured more playing time for the first teammers, but Fulmer was wise to put his quarterbacks in green "no-contact'' jerseys and minimize risk for first-teamers suffering injuries. If anything stood out in Scrimmage Three, it was the play of Crompton. At the very least, the coaching staff must know they have a very capable backup. At times in this scrimmage the Vols looked tired, but they were less than 72 hours removed from Saturday night's very physical scrimmage.

While it's not a time for panic, UT fans should be concerned with how the Vols match up against a very talented and hungry California football team. The weather, presuming it's hot and muggy, could be UT's greatest ally. If nothing else, the Vols are well-conditioned and are playing hard.