Tennessee’s first full scrimmage of fall practice is always the same; the defense dominates.

Not this time.

UT’s offense started quickly when it marched 68 yards on 15 plays for a touchdown Saturday on a drive that relied mainly on key runs by junior tailback Arian Foster, who had 43 yards on 11 carries.

“The first drive, those guys kind of surprised us with the no-huddle offense,” junior linebacker Jerod Mayo said. “But after that, we settled in and had a good scrimmage.”

Indeed. UT’s top tailbacks, Foster and sophomore Montario Hardesty, only gained 18 yards on seven carries, averaging 2.6 yards per carry, after that first drive.

Why the sudden turnaround? It was a well-timed motivational speech by defensive coordinator John Chavis that suddenly changed the tempo.

“Coach Chavis just talked bad to us,” Mayo said. “He talked bad to us like he usually does. It got us fired up. He challenged our manhood and we got out there and played.”

What did Chavis say that could be printed in the newspaper?

“Nothing,” Mayo said with a hearty chuckle.

Mayo said another key to UT’s defensive turnaround was its defensive tackles.

“Those guys up front, J.T. Mapu and Demonté Bolden, really settled in and anchored our defense today,” Mayo said.

Tailback Talk: Running backs coach Kurt Roper said he intended to play sophomore tailback Montario Hardesty more than he actually did.

“Once we got going,” Roper said, “I just wanted to see Arian finish a long drive.”

Hardesty couldn’t hide his displeasure after the scrimmage.

“Wish I’d have gotten some more reps,” said Hardesty, who said his sore hamstring is not an issue. “They’re trying to save me or something. My hammy feels good.

“I’m trying to compete to play football. That’s why I came here. I feel like you need game reps to get ready for the game.”

UT’s three freshmen tailbacks all turned in positive performances. Lennon Creer had 84 yards on 11 carries. Daryl Vereen showed flashes as he gained 41 yards on 13 carries. And Josh Hawkins used a shifty move to get by freshman defensive back C.J. Fleming as he rushed for 16 yards on seven carries.

“I was pleased with them,” Roper said. “I thought all of them tried to run physically.”

Roper said he was particularly pleased with Creer’s speed and Hawkins’ ability to better protect the ball. The three are competing for sophomore LaMarcus Coker’s practice carries. Coker is suspended indefinitely.

“With our situation,” Roper said, “it’s a little more urgent, and they understand that.”

Wide Receiver Review: It was obvious that receivers coach Trooper Taylor wasn’t pleased that receiver Kenny O’Neal was involved in a tussle with another junior college transfer, safety Nevin McKenzie.

“We don’t have time for that,” Taylor said. “This ain’t junior college.”

O’Neal had quite a day. Aside from fisticuffs, he dropped a deep pass in the end zone that would have resulted in a touchdown. Then, he caught a 64-yard touchdown pass from third-string quarterback Nick Stephens.

“That tells you he does have some mental toughness to him,” Taylor said of O’Neal’s ability to bounce back from the drop. “I think the kid is trying too hard. He just needs to go out there and make the plays he’s supposed to make.”

Does O’Neal’s deep route-running day on Saturday mean he could be UT’s best downfield threat? Not yet, said Taylor. He said Austin Rogers still best fits that role.

As for the receiver that is most likely to turn in incredible catches, freshman Gerald Jones may be tough to top. Twice he made tough, leaping catches on passes that were well behind him.

“I don’t have a drill for what he was able to do, to go up and get that football like he did,” said Taylor, who added that Jones’ experience as a high school quarterback has helped him quickly learn his assignments and route running.

Game Ready: UT’s offensive line was the only unit that wore game jerseys.

“During the week Coach (Phillip) Fulmer got tired of defensive lineman trying to grab our jerseys,” senior offensive tackle Eric Young said.

Recruiting: The Vols had a handful of visitors, including defensive tackle Kendall Dangerfield from Giles County High School in Pulaski, receiver Steven Fowlkes from Banneker High in College Park, Ga., offensive lineman Alex Hurst from Arlington, and junior Joseph Sloan from Montgomery Bell Academy.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.