Vols counting on Class of '05

"You talk about having a number one recruiting class the year before last," Tennessee's football coach said last week, referring to UT's 2005 signing class. "It's time you show if you're really number one. Are you really going to play?"

So, where are those highly touted prospects of 2005? Some are poised to make an impact in their second year. Some are not.

Here they are:

• Demonte Bolden: There's no question that Bolden is one of UT's key underclassmen. UT will need four to five competent defensive tackles this fall. Now, they have three (at best). Bolden has the potential to be a star in the near future.

• Josh Briscoe: This is Briscoe's second spring. He's got a clean slate with UT's new offensive coaches as he tries to overtake the older wideouts with unfulfilled potential. Briscoe has shown strong playmaking ability in practice. Some say he should have played more last year when the older receivers struggled.

• Wes Brown: Playing Brown at defensive end instead of tight end was a good move. First of all, UT has plenty of tight ends and more on the way. Secondly, there is plenty of opportunity for Brown at defensive end this fall where UT is thin.

• LaMarcus Coker: Coker is my "light switch" player of this class. If Coker proves he's tough enough, then he could turn it on in 2006. He's limited this spring but has the jets to compliment Arian Foster. We'll see.

• Jeff Cottam: Cottam has good athletic ability. He could see the field plenty in 2006 if new offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe decides to use multiple tight end sets. Cottam already is on the field when UT goes to a three-tight-end set.

• Jonathan Crompton: UT's most talked about 2005 signee was sidelined with a shoulder injury last fall. Despite the limited work, Crompton has looked good in spring scrimmages and looks to challenge incumbent quarterback Erik Ainge for playing time.

• Montario Hardesty: Hardesty vaulted to second string last season before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. He's been very limited this spring. But, once he's healthy, his potential is exciting.

• Raymond Henderson: Henderson is the newest Vol to take snaps at defensive tackle. UT's coaches moved him from defensive end just over a week ago. Henderson's quickness could be a strong point at that position.

• Marsalous Johnson: UT's coaches said Johnson, a speedster, has looked good this spring. He could be a contributor despite UT's deep secondary.

• Ricardo Kemp: Kemp is a player looking for a position. Kemp played wide receiver and defensive back in high school. He was projected to play in UT's secondary but was moved to tailback this spring to help a position short on manpower.

• Andre Mathis: UT's coaches have challenged this linebacker to be more consistent. There are glimpses of greatness but there is pressure to keep up with UT's other very good young linebackers.

• Rico McCoy: McCoy took a step into Fulmer's doghouse when he wasn't able to compete this spring as he recovers from foot surgery. Fulmer challenged McCoy and he responded by participating and making some plays in a limited role last week. He's one to watch when healthy.

• Josh McNeil: McNeil has been sidelined with shoulder issues since arriving on campus last summer. He recently returned to spring practice and, given UT's youth on the offensive line, could be a factor if healthy.

• Demetrice Morley: Fulmer publicly challenged Morley on the opening day of spring practice. Fulmer said the defensive back needs to be a starter this fall. Coaches have described Morley as tough and he's been a playmaker in a limited role. Still, Fulmer wants more.

• Darius Myers: Myers spent a semester at prep school and enrolled in January. There's opportunity on the offensive line but it may be a bit too early for a player who was considered raw when he signed with UT 13 months ago.

• Adam Myers-White: Fulmer recently complimented this linebacker's tenacity. Myers-White may not start this year but the converted safety appears to be a star in the making.

• Malcolm Rawls: Rawls could still use some maturity but, given his intelligence, he could be a factor at offensive guard if he continues to grow up.

• Vladimir Richard: Richard's athleticism was on display this spring until he broke his leg during last Saturday's scrimmage. Still, he is poised to be an impact player if he's healthy this fall.

• Austin Rogers: His speed, size and attentiveness could get him on the field sooner than most would have expected. Rogers is a young one who can break into the lineup.

• Chris Scott: Scott was a highly regarded offensive lineman that has yet to live up to his billing. That could change soon. Scott has lost 30 pounds. He still has more weight to lose but has really improved and is very athletic.

• Slick Shelley: Shelley may not be the fastest wide receiver on UT's roster but he has shown some fantastic hands. Some more speed and toughness will be needed to get Shelley on the field.

• Lucas Taylor: Taylor's quickness offer UT wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor something he doesn't have on the rest of his roster. Taylor is a playmaker who must get the ball.

• Antonio Wardlow: Wardlow has a growing reputation for being a strong hitter. The defensive back is physical and has made vast strides.

• Dan Williams: UT could use Williams for the shallow defensive tackle position. Williams had three sacks and appears to be making a move up UT's depth chart.

• MIA: Wide receiver Ulysses Alexander, linebacker Todd Cox and defensive lineman Gerald Williams also were part of the signing class.

UT allowed Alexander, a wide receiver, to go to Auburn after the Vols came up short on scholarships.

Cox was declared academically ineligible. He attended a junior college last fall and since committed to Ole Miss.

Williams participated in fall camp last year before being sent home due to issues with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The defensive lineman from South Florida is supposed to return in the fall.

Dave Hooker may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.