Ayers likely to start for Reynolds (neck)

UT defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said sophomore Robert Ayers and redshirt freshman Wes Brown will split time in place of Reynolds. Both have played extensively this season. Reynolds has started all 10 games and has 31 tackles, including five for a loss and a sack.

Even before Reynolds’ injury, which has sidelined him at practice this week, the defensive end position has been one of concern for UT all season.

"We’re not making as many plays as we should," Caldwell said. "Making that great play, that’s what we’re looking for."

UT’s defensive ends have six sacks and 17 tackles for a loss. UT’s entire defense only has 16 sacks.

"It’s horrible," Caldwell said. "We’ve got to get better."

Much of the pressure to rush the passer will fall on junior Xavier Mitchell, whose four sacks trail only linebacker Jerod Mayo for the team lead. Pressuring Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson will present a familiar set of challenges. Nickson will be the fourth mobile starting quarterback that UT has faced this season.

Are the Vols sick of facing quarterbacks on the run?

"To be honest, yeah," Mitchell said. "It makes it a little tougher on us. As far as defensive lineman, we have to really be smart about how we pass rush. With a guy that likes to sit in the pocket more, we can be wilder because we know we have the athleticism to make up for it."

Ainge Update: Junior quarterback Erik Ainge practiced with the first team on and showed no ill effects from his sprained right ankle. UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Ainge "is probably upgraded to probable at this point."

Jonathan Crompton started in last Saturday’s loss to Arkansas and Ainge played only the first three series the week before in a loss to LSU.

Sore Subject: Josh McNeil has been hampered by a lower right leg ailment. The redshirt freshman center was wearing a walking boot after the Arkansas loss last Saturday. McNeil hasn’t been limited this week in practice and maintains he’s fine, although a bit beat up.

"Each game, there’s usually some kind of new injury that comes up," McNeil said. "The old injuries just keep adding up."

Position Push: Freshman Jacques McClendon practiced with the first team at right guard on Monday and Tuesday. Fulmer said starter Anthony Parker has been sidelined with a headache.

"Jacques is pushing real hard," Fulmer said. "Jacques can play, and can play significant snaps if we went that direction. He’s made real good progress."

Progress Report: Fulmer cited two areas when asked how his team has improved throughout the 2006 season.

"We’ve improved our return game significantly," he said. "We’ve improved our coverage, which have both made differences in our season."

Fulmer also cited sophomore defensive tackle Demonte Bolden, sophomore defensive lineman Walter Fisher and Brown as players that have improved since the season began.

"I really am happy with Demonte and the improvement that he has made," Fulmer said. "Wes Brown and Walter Fisher, you can see the improvement there."

Central-Bred Commodore: Former Central High School star Cassen Jackson-Garrison leads Vanderbilt running backs with 630 yards this season.

"Cassen Jackson is a great running back," UT linebacker Ryan Karl said. "He’s proven himself throughout this year and he’s done well."

Coker’s Comeback: McNeil said redshirt freshman tailback LaMarcus Coker still has some speed left to regain after suffering a knee injury against Alabama on Oct. 21.

"He looked good but — I’m telling you — LaMarcus has amazing speed," McNeil said. "He hits that corner and that’s usually it. He injured his knee just a few weeks ago. It’s going to take a little time to get back and get 100 percent."

Awards: Senior safety Jonathan Hefney was named a semifinalist with 17 others for the inaugural Randy Moss Return Man Award.

Postponed: The case involving UT tailback Arian Foster, fullback David Holbert and defensive back Antonio Wardlow has been reset from Tuesday to Nov. 22, according to Knox County General Sessions Court.

The three were arrested following a fight on Nov. 5 at a Knoxville bar and charged with disorderly conduct and underage consumption. Wardlow also was charged with public intoxication.

Drew Edwards contributed to this report.