Don't hold your breath waiting for Tennessee to pick its captains for 2006.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday the Vols will select captains on a game-by-game basis, at least early in the season.

"We talked about it and decided, and I decided we're going to have game captains for a while," Fulmer said. "I see our leadership growing right now, and I don't want to do anything to deter that whatsoever."

In seasons past, the Vols have named captains for the entire season, sometimes as early as spring practice.

Last year, UT named its captains before the start of fall camp. This year, it could be well into the fall -- or even after the season ends -- before the Vols announce the season's captains.

"We've got some really strong leaders on this team, and we've got some other guys who are working really hard to be," Fulmer said. "We may do it at some point during the season or more than likely we'll just name captains after the season."

Fulmer said he had already addressed the team about using game captains.

"Already told the team," he said. "I don't think they care because they see the leadership growing."

California Scheming: Fulmer said the Vols began preparations for the Sept. 2 opener against Cal.

"Got started on Cal for real on both sides," he said. "Trying to get a little bit ahead in our scout report, get a look at some ideas. I thought we were off to a good start."

Fulmer said that the Golden Bears' defense is similar to those the Vols have seen and will see in SEC play.

"They're a very good team, eight-man front, a lot of pressure, a lot of looks," he said. "Nothing that different than we haven't seen before, but very talented."

Searching For Depth: Tennessee's coaches are pleased with the first team offense and defense at this point, but Fulmer stressed the need to develop depth following Thursday's practice.

Tuesday's scrimmage consisted of mostly reserves, and Fulmer said he was glad the Vols were able to focus on their back ups before the season begins.

"Our backup units, they're only one play away from having to go in and play," he said. "I'm really glad we did the Tuesday scrimmage the way we did it because we gave those guys a lot of reps. Some of the guys took advantage of it.

"I think the first teams are prepared and ready, got to get healthy a little bit now, through all the bumps and bruises of camp. But I'm real concerned about our depth."

Injury Update: Several players who missed time this week should be ready for full-speed work by Monday, including freshman guard Jacques McClendon (ankle), kicker James Wilhoit (sore leg), tailback Ja'Kouri Williams (ankle) and Jerod Mayo (ankle).

"They'll all be fine by Monday," Fulmer said.

Cal Tickets Available: Now that construction is complete on Neyland Stadium, a few hundred tickets remain for the Cal game.

Tickets are still available for Air Force (Sept. 9), Marshall (Sept. 23) and Kentucky (Nov. 25). Tickets are available online at www.utsports.com or by calling 865-656-1200 or 800-332-8657.

Air Force Game On PPV: UT's game against Air Force will be televised on pay-per-view across the state. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Fans interested may contact their cable providers Monday to place an order and receive pricing information.