Foster running out front

Photo by Clay Owen

Tennessee running back Arian Foster autographs the shirt of Jerrie Larkins of Kingsport television station WKPT-TV during media day Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

Photo by Clay Owen

Tennessee running back Arian Foster autographs the shirt of Jerrie Larkins of Kingsport television station WKPT-TV during media day Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee publicists apparently didn’t consult with UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe when they decided whom they would promote for individual honors this football season.

In the SEC football media guide, each school has four players pictured as “all-star candidates.” UT’s candidates are quarterback Erik Ainge, safety Jonathan Hefney, linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back LaMarcus Coker.

That’s the same LaMarcus Coker who is listed second team on UT’s depth chart.

“Arian Foster is our starter going in,” Cutcliffe said. “I can’t control what is out there.”

Maybe the UT Sports Information Department was blinded by Coker’s speed. As a redshirt freshman, he rushed for 696 yards and had runs of 89 and 87 yards. Against Marshall, he had 146 yards on only 18 carries. Despite Coker’s impressive first season and obvious big-play potential, he couldn’t beat out Foster in the spring. Foster’s comeback from a disappointing 2006 season bodes well for UT’s running game.

“He’s the No. 1 tailback based on what he did in the spring,” Cutcliffe said. “I’m really pleased with him. I’m also pleased with LaMarcus and Montario (Hardesty).

“I think Arian raised the bar, and people reacted. That’s what has been earned.”

But that’s current, not permanent.

“It doesn’t mean he’s got anything locked up,” Cutcliffe said. “He can be beat out like anyone else here can. I want to see the competition. I think it’s better across the board.”

Foster’s comeback isn’t that surprising. His running ability was obvious as a redshirt freshman when he rushed for 879 yards and a 4.8-yard per-carry average for a 5-6 team. He rushed for 100 or more yards in each of his last five games.

But he didn’t win the tailback job by running alone.

“This is why he’s No. 1,” Cutcliffe said. “He runs the football well. He breaks tackles. He’s got enough moves to make you miss.

“He’s a heckuva pass protector and a heckuva receiver. That’s what you are looking for in an every-down back.”

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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