Johnny Long isn't one to flippantly throw praise around. So, when he compliments a player's off-season workout, take it to heart.

"I think (wide receiver) Jayson Swain has really stepped up," Tennessee's head strength and conditioning coach said on the News Sentinel Sports Page radio show. "I know he's had surgeries, but he has come on strong. Just watching him become a leader of this football team has been exciting to me.

"(Linebacker) Jerod Mayo, I think, is the closest thing to Al Wilson we've seen in a while. He's very explosive and trains very hard. (Offensive tackle) Arron Sears and (quarterback) Erik Ainge have really taken a step up and committed to the offensive line and committed to throwing."

Swain was extremely limited during spring practice before having knee surgery. Freshman lineman Jacques McClendon also has turned some heads with his quick feet and bench press acumen. He lifted 245 pounds for more than 25 repetitions.

Long, however, doesn't readily dole out praise for first-year players, as they make the transition from high school to college.

"Here, we have 15 strength coaches on the staff," Long said. "Every set and every rep is accounted for. When we get them in here, we have to start them over from scratch, work on their technique and then start their conditioning levels up.

"They're trying to compete with guys that have been in the program for two or three years now."

UT's off-season strength and conditioning program isn't what it once was. NCAA restrictions have shortened the program from 12 to eight weeks. Players are expected to return to campus in the same shape they were in before summer break.

With the first practice little more than a month away, conditioning is the overriding theme.

"These kids run and they're in shape," Long said. "They're probably one of the leanest-looking teams I've seen in a while."

UT's off-season program this year is far different than it was in 2005. The Vols had 22 surgically repaired players to protect last year, a fact that Long said might have been overlooked when UT struggled.

"You always want to start the season with athletes that are ready to play the game of football and not have to worry about how much contact they can get during two-a-days or not," Long said. "Two-a-days are pretty brutal, and that helps them prepare for the first game of the season.

"If you go in with about 10 starters that can't really do much until the first week of the season ... it does take a lot of rhythm and timing away from your offense or defense."

Long said he's pleased with Ainge's development as a leader after a disappointing season in 2005.

"That's very important to have Erik Ainge -- who runs that offense -- who's definitely the guy taking control of the offense out there pushing the guys," Long said. "He's in the heat of the battle as well."

It's not hard to find motivation for the Vols. A 5-6 season can always help a competitor push out an extra repetition or two.

"This team's got a great heart right now," Long said. "They didn't come to Tennessee to be 5-6. Our goal has always been to come here and win championships.

"Our kids are working extremely hard and getting it done. It's amazing. I have 100 percent of the team here right now. We're just trying to get ready to report."

Aug. 3, when the Vols officially report, is just a few workouts away.