Arian Foster has even surprised himself.

The sophomore tailback said he expected two offseason surgeries would hamper his progress after a strong finish to the 2005 season. That hasn't been the case.

"At first, I thought it was going to (be a hindrance) ... (but) I'm in the best shape of my life," said Foster, who had his shoulder and knee repaired. "I'm quicker, faster, stronger, a better pass-blocker because I got one of my wings (shoulders) fixed.

"I'm just an all-around better football player."

As UT prepares to play host to California on Saturday, Foster is rarely mentioned as one of the SEC's top tailbacks. Maybe that's harkens back to UT's 5-6 season last year.

Or, maybe it's because Foster played well against suspect defenses when he posted five 100-yard efforts in the season's final five games.

South Carolina, Notre Dame, Memphis, Vanderbilt and Kentucky weren't the best run-stoppers. Those teams ranked 85th, 34th, 27th, 82nd and 102nd in rush defense last season, respectively.

"It's natural that people are going to be skeptical because of the strength of schedule when I came in," Foster said.

Foster is still sporting his laid-back demeanor off the field. That is, until someone calls him as a power back.

"I'm not a power back," Foster said with a smile. "Who's describing me as that?"

Whether he likes it or not, Foster's power should help him late in games this season. It's easy to imagine defenses growing weary of tackling a 220-pounder who isn't afraid of contact.

"I can deliver a blow," Foster said. "It's in my repertoire."

Foster's repertoire was on full display early in fall camp. Then, UT's coaches limited the number of carries their featured back received.

Foster admitted he was a bit gassed early last week as the physical phase of fall practice wound down. He doesn't believe that will be the case when the Vols hit the field for real.

"I've never had so much lungs (endurance) in my life," the Californian said, "so I feel like this year I can wear a defense down."

"I felt like I had to prove myself this (preseason) camp. ... I think I've done OK. Towards the end, I think could have done better."

Versa-Turk: UT senior Turk McBride will start Saturday at defensive end, but that doesn't mean he'll finish there. That will depend on UT's production at end and tackle. McBride said he expects to play both against Cal.

UT plans to play five defensive ends Saturday, according to coach Steve Caldwell. Junior Xavier Mitchell, sophomore Robert Ayers and redshirt freshman Wes Brown are slated to join McBride and Antonio Reynolds, who will start.

Caldwell said he's pleased with Reynolds' fall camp but concerned about his lack of experience. The junior has never started a game at UT.

"Physically," Caldwell said, "he's ready."

Mystery Bears: UT coach Phillip Fulmer said the unknown is always a part of a season opener. Cal, however, may be more of an enigma than most.

The Golden Bears have yet to name their starting quarterback and also have a new offensive coordinator.

"It'll take some time during the course of the game to make some adjustments," said Fulmer, who admitted both sides of the ball would ready a larger game plan than they usually would during a midseason game."

Cal's new offensive coordinator, Mike Dunbar, ran a spread offense at Northwestern before being hired away by head coach Jeff Tedford, who has specialized in a West Coast attack.

"We have seen the spread," Fulmer said. "We've practiced against the spread. There's a lot of things you can do out of it

"... That first quarter, quarter in a half is kind of a chess match to see what everybody is really doing, what they've got and how to play the rest of the game."

Fulmer said the unknown also could benefit UT, with the return of offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.

Top Notch: McBride didn't mince words when discussing Marshawn Lynch, who is considered a Heisman Trophy contender.

"Top five I've ever seen," McBride said of the Cal running back.

Weather Watch: Fulmer just smiled when asked if he was hoping for hot conditions for Saturday. That would seem to benefit UT at home since it has practiced in the heat and humidity.

Injury Report: Linebacker Jarod Mayo returned to practice Monday after missing much of fall camp with a sore ankle.

Redshirt freshman Rico McCoy filled in at weakside linebacker for Mayo, who is listed as probable for Saturday's game.

Also listed as probable are offensive lineman Jacques McClendon (ankle) and running back Ja'Kouri Williams (ankle).

Linebacker LaMarcus Thompson (ankle) is listed as questionable while defensive back Roshaun Fellows (torn pectoral muscle), defensive end Walter Fisher (shoulder), defensive end Jared Hostetter (knee) and guard Cameron Mayo (knee) will not play.