Packer: Warren understands patience

What Warren understands more than any of those fans is the importance of practice.

"We used to dread practice," said Warren. "There weren't any green jerseys back then."

Back then to Warren were his playing days as a quarterback for the Vols 1963-67.

"So much talk has been made about (offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe and his practice tempo," said Warren. "There's a lot of truth to the talk of his tempo making a difference. I remember of a story that taught me the difference in the little things being important.

"We were in practice in 1965 and I was running the option. You have to remember I wasn't wearing a green jersey. Anyway, I got blasted by the defensive end. I mean he nailed me right in the chest. Well, it was a little thing that I did wrong that cost me. I was supposed to attack his inside shoulder and make the pitch just after he committed to me. Coach (Doug) Dickey let me know in a hurry about the little thing I had just done wrong.

"Erik Ainge has learned how the little things make a difference. He has bought into what Coach Cutcliffe is doing in practice and, except for the first half against Alabama, he's executed like David has wanted him to.

"Listen, if you do the little things well, then the God-given talent comes to the front. If you don't, sometimes that talent doesn't come out on the field. I buy into what David has been doing over there. He demands excellence from every position on the offense, not just the quarterback. He demands that the running back, wide receivers, tight ends and linemen know where to go, how to go there and when to go there."

Warren was one of the best natural athletes the Vols have ever had at quarterback. But, Warren also was a free-spirited person. And thanks to his roommate he pulled a prank one day in practice.

"Richmond Flowers was my roommate," Warren said. " Well, he had more shoes given to him than he knew what to do with. Puma had given him some new orange and white football shoes. But, everyone was chicken to wear them because we all wore black shoes back then. Since we wore the same size shoe, they all fit me. Nobody thought I would ever where them to practice. So, one day I came prancing out to practice with these orange and white shoes on.

"Coach Dickey came out and walked straight towards me. Well, everyone was snickering when he told me I had five minutes to get inside and change those crazy shoes. Listen, I was ahead of the times. Now that's all they wear. You don't see anyone wearing black shoes now, they're all wearing white shoes."

It's hard to believe that Warren's playing days were 40 years ago. But, thanks to the radio, Warren has remained a visible part of Tennessee football. And, he's still preaching the importance of practice.