LaMarcus Coker wears a lot of hats.

Off the field, the Tennessee tailback is often sporting one of his many Cincinnati Reds caps. It's not that he's a baseball fan. "Coke," as he's known, likes the distinctive 'C' on the front.

On the field, if UT needs a big play, Coker usually is on deck -- waiting for an opportunity, whether it comes from the backfield, as a receiver or returning kicks.

Still, Coker admits his athleticism has its limits.

"Granted, I can't throw so I'm never going to throw a touchdown," he said.

Coker remembers one pass well. It might have been his first. It was definitely his last. It happened during a high school game against Gallatin.

"I threw one and it was an interception," the former Antioch star said. "I was running and I was trying to do some Michael Vick stuff and I just threw it. Next thing I know everybody was running the other way."

When healthy, defenses often saw Coker running the other way. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder led UT in rushing with 673 yards. His 6.4-yard rushing average was almost double that of UT's other two tailbacks. Montario Hardesty and Arian Foster averaged 3.7 and 3.3 yards, respectively.

But that's just part of Coker's game. He was UT's leading kick returner -- eight for 159 yards. He also caught 10 passes for 133 yards, averaging 13.3.

Such versatility is just fine with Coker.

"Hopefully I'm just getting started," he said. "I don't think I've reached my full potential ... I'm not big on (just) rushing yards. For the most part, since I've been playing football, I've been all-purpose."

Coker said he emulates LaDanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints, both NFL speedsters who threaten defenses in a variety of ways. Given those comparisons, it's a bit surprising when Coker is asked what aspect of his redshirt freshman season stands out.

"I'm most proud," he said, "that I didn't give up a sack."

Practice Report: UT coach Phillip Fulmer was plenty pleased with Wednesday's practice.

"I thought we set a great tempo today for what it needs to be like in our preparation," Fulmer said. "Today's practice was really good."

Fulmer said the timing and chemistry hasn't been tough to regain after the extended break following the conclusion of the regular season.

"I thought we got it back today," he said. "We didn't want to (mess) around. I was really encouraged. It didn't take us anytime to get that back."

UT held two practices last weekend before a two-day respite for final exams. The Vols will practice through Wednesday before Christmas break and report on Christmas evening to travel to Tampa.

Injury Report: Fulmer said linebacker Jerod Mayo is beginning to run and is expected to return to practice on Dec. 26 when the Vols report to the bowl site.

"It wasn't as bad as we thought," Fulmer said of Mayo's left knee, which was injured against Vanderbilt on Nov. 18. "We thought it was a fractured kneecap. The doctors did a great job of not jumping the gun and doing something too quick."

Fulmer said UT's medical staff nearly performed surgery on the ailment when they couldn't completely ascertain the extent of the injury. Fulmer said he's been pleased with redshirt freshman Rico McCoy, who has been practicing in Mayo's place.

"Rico's done a good job," Fulmer said. "He's considered a starter for us. Jerod has to work to get back on the field."

Coker said the sprained knee that sidelined him for two games is 100 percent.

Scouting Report: Fulmer said Penn State tailback Tony Hunt was one of the first players to impress him in evaluating game film for the Nittany Lions.

"They've got the big back," Fulmer said. "He's a 1,200-yard plus rusher -- very good back."

Coker said the Nittany Lions linebackers have his attention.

"Real good linebackers," he said. "Real good, athletic team. When you watch them, their uniforms kind of throw you off a little bit."

Old-fashioned uniforms may belie Penn State's ability. The Nittany Lions are ranked 16th in total defense in the NCAA.

After his game-tape evaluation, Coker said there are differences between Penn State and linebackers he's used to seeing.

"Linebackers in the SEC tend to be real, real fast," he said. "Their linebackers seem to be a little more physical and smarter players."

Jacked Up: Offensive line coach Greg Adkins said he can see a change in freshman right guard Jacques McClendon. The former Chattanooga star is expected to start against Penn State after starter Anthony Parker was forced to undergo knee surgery.

"He (McClendon) has a little bit more energy knowing that he's got an opportunity to seize," Adkins said.

Adkins has said for more than a month that McClendon was ready to play. Still, the snaps were few and far between.

"I thought he had one little lull in the middle of the season there ... but other than that he's had good work habits and a good attitude throughout the entire year," Adkins said.

Roll Call: Offensive tackle Arron Sears did not practice. Fulmer said the senior had to take a final exam. A handful of experienced upperclassmen were allowed to miss Wednesday's practice.

Focus First: Fulmer said he addressed his team about the importance of focusing on Penn State, not getting ready for next year.

"Our first and foremost intent," he said, "is to get us ready to play this ball game and Penn State."

Ticket Tally: Only 400 of UT's allotted tickets remain for the Outback Bowl.