If media availability is any indicator, don't expect Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge to start Saturday against Arkansas.

For the first time this season, the junior wasn't required to participate in UT's weekly Wednesday teleconference. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton took his place. UT's sports information office confers with its football coaches before setting up the list of players.

Ainge did not practice Wednesday and was wearing a protective boot on his right ankle while sidelined.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer declined to name Crompton the starter after Wednesday's practice. That is expected to happen during his post-practice comments today.

"You hope he makes a considerable amount of progress," Fulmer said. "We all saw the potential that he has. He saw how much he didn't know and how fast the game is. This one (game) will be faster and louder. So he's got to do a great job."

Fulmer sounded as if he had already decided that Crompton would be the starter against Arkansas. Then, he qualified his earlier statement.

"If it ends up being Jon," Fulmer said. "Almost got me there."

Whoever is announced the starter, the proclamation will signal a change from how UT handled the dilemma last week. Ainge wasn't officially named the starter until shortly before kickoff.

"I think it was unsettling for Erik," Fulmer said. "I think it was unsettling for Jonathan. And I think it was unsettling for (offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe."

Crompton's first likely starting assignment will have its challenges, such as playing on the road in the SEC. Crompton said the biggest away crowd he's played in front of was 22,000 fans when his high school, Tuscola, took on rival Pisgah. Crompton doesn't seem fazed.

"It's going to be real fun," he said. "You just have to be loud and calm."

After his first significant playing time last week, Crompton and UT's coaches are taking a look at his physical running style.

"Don't be dumb with it," Crompton said recalling his coaches' advice. "Be smart."

That means running out of bounds and getting down when need be. Neither of which Crompton seems very fond of.

"It gets you pretty fired up; I'm not going to lie," Crompton said of running over a defender. "It gives you that little extra boost of confidence, saying 'I'm not going to back down. It's time to play.'"

Crompton may avoid unnecessary contact but don't expect him to take it too far.

"I didn't say I was going to slide," he said with a grin.

Injury Report: Senior middle linebacker Marvin Mitchell practiced in UT's light helmets-and-shorts session that was held inside because of wet conditions on the practice field.

"I'm fine," Mitchell said when asked about the shoulder injury he suffered against LSU last week. "My strength is fine ... (I was) getting off blocks well and doing all the things I'm supposed to do as a linebacker."

Sophomore running back Montario Hardesty said he's suffered no ill effects from the slight concussion he sustained last Saturday against LSU.

"I'm totally over what happened Saturday," said Hardesty, who is expected to start Saturday with Arian Foster suspended for the first half.

Hardesty should be ready to go. He's only carried the ball 25 times in UT's last five games.

"I feel like I'm as fresh as I was going into the first two or three games," Hardesty said.

Fulmer concurred.

"I commented to him today," Fulmer said, "that he really looked quick."

Fulmer said redshirt freshman running back LaMarcus Coker (knee) will be available on Saturday but won't start.

Practice Report: After a slow start to practice this week, Fulmer was pleased following Wednesday's effort.

"I really felt good today that our guys had re-centered themselves and re-focused themselves," he said.

Politics and Pigskins: Crompton tried to contact mentor Heath Shuler on Tuesday night after the former UT and NFL quarterback won a congressional seat in North Carolina. It's no surprise that Shuler's voice mailbox was full.

"I'm excited for him," Crompton said. "That's a big deal."

Crompton's sister, Brooke, worked in Shuler's campaign.

"She kind of kept me informed," Crompton said.

Shuler was one of the first to call Crompton after his performance against LSU.

"He said I played tough and poised," Crompton said, "but he said, 'You have to play better next time.' "

Coaches' Challenge: Fulmer isn't placing blame on UT's tailbacks for its sub-par running game this season.

"It really hasn't been the running backs," Fulmer said. "It's been knocking somebody off the damn football."