Walter Fisher looked as if he was living up to his billing during Saturday's Tennessee football scrimmage.

The former junior college star flew off the edge and registered two sacks and nearly a third on three consecutive plays.

Onlookers thought the Vols had found their speed-rushing defensive end of the future.

Tennessee's coaches aren't convinced.

"I thought he'd be a little further along," defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said of Fisher, who has been slowed by a sore ankle. "I was expecting a little more quickness out of him."

Caldwell said fatigue limited Fisher as the scrimmage wore on. Learning a new system has been another factor.

"He doesn't know the overall scheme," Caldwell said. "He's having to think a little bit."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer jokingly said UT's coaches were considering keeping two of Fisher's junior college All-American trophies until he raised his level of play. Fisher said it's all about getting comfortable.

"When we first started practice," he said, "I was so worried about what to do, I wasn't coming off the ball fast enough."

Junior offensive tackle Steven Jones, who is from Brentwood, was impressed by Fisher, who is from nearby Hillsboro. Fisher beat Jones on the three quarterback pressures.

"Another representative of the 615 (area code) out of Nashville," Jones said. "He's going to be a good one. He got me a couple of times on the outside. Definitely going to pay him back."

Fisher is a key player for the Vols, who lost two starting defensive ends from last year. Caldwell seemed pleased by the flash of brilliance and hopes the playmaking helps Fisher's confidence.

"He's got to build his confidence and find out what it takes on this level," Caldwell said. "Every once in a while, you see some quickness. We have to get him more consistent."

Said Fisher, "It's not hard but it's not simple either. You've got to get in there and study film. That's what's the most hard, finding time to study plays and get it right."

Tough Enough: Fulmer was heard easily and often as he chided his offensive line. At one point Fulmer yelled, "You look like an old woman," to one of his projected starters.

"We're not very mean upfront yet," Fulmer said. "It just looks like two butterflies making love out there to be honest with you."

UT's offense struggled at times during the scrimmage, especially when it came to picking up multiple blitzes. Some of the problems were expected as UT's coaches continue to insert its new playbook.

Offensive line coach Greg Adkins said versatility is the goal of the moment. He's doing that by playing players at more than on position.

"Assignment wise, in my opinion, we're probably a little bit ahead of schedule," Adkins said. "We're probably a little bit behind technique and fundamental wise."

Adkins said Jones, despite struggling against Fisher, is his most surprising player.

"Steve looks a lot more athletic and a lot quicker," Adkins said. "He's competing at four positions for me."

Name Calling: Fulmer has started using a new nickname for the many players sidelined with injuries who are wearing green, non-contact jerseys.

"It's not 100 percent their fault but I call them greenie weenies," Fulmer said. "We need to get out of the green shirt and get out here and play."

On Tuesday, Fulmer said freshman linebacker Rico McCoy's absence was hurting his development. McCoy, likely challenged by the comments, was a surprise participant in Saturday's scrimmage. He has been slowed by a sore leg.

Yancey's Pledge: Fulmer said running back David Yancey continues to impress with his attitude.

"He's why you coach," Fulmer said.

Fulmer said he expected Yancey, a walk-on, to ask for a scholarship during a recent meeting. To Fulmer's surprise, it never came up.

"He never mentioned it," Fulmer said, "(He) just (said) 'Coach what can I do to help?' "

Yancey rushed for 63 yards on five carries Saturday.

Injury Report: Freshman defensive lineman Vladimir Richard suffered a broken tibia and is out for the remainder of spring practice.