Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer had a clear message for incoming players as he addressed the newcomers following Tuesday’s practice: Keep it up.

And Fulmer wasn’t just referring to the effort on the practice field, he also addressed the young players on handling the challenges they’ll soon face.

With classes beginning, their lives won’t be just all football anymore. Now there will be more off-field obligations to uphold the respect of their coaches and teammates.

Fulmer warned the newcomers of the pitfalls that all students face, including drugs and alcohol.

Fulmer knows all too well that the promise of the 2007 signing class can literally go up in smoke — or be sidelined by a less than adequate dedication to academics.

So far (which isn’t very far at all), UT’s 2007 class has shown the maturity that makes fans hopeful that the newest Vols can avoid the traps that lay in waiting.

“It’s a good group and a very responsive group,” Fulmer said.

On the field, Fulmer and staff are expecting more of what they’ve been getting. UT’s 2007 class has shown plenty of athleticism and attentiveness throughout the opening — and toughest — stages of fall camp.

With fall camp winding down, the top of the depth chart is all but decided. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax.

“Even though we’re getting ready for Cal, Southern Miss and Florida and they may not be in the picture, they can improve during the course of the year,” Fulmer said of the members of the 2007 class. “Nobody’s redshirted until the seventh or eight game of the year. And even then, if we had an emergency, we could pull somebody out.”

That means be ready. And keep it up. Here are the top prospects from the 2007 class, ranked according to their performances during fall camp and the likelihood they’ll play this season:

1. Eric Berry: He’s lived up to the hype — and there’s been a ton of it. It seems only a matter of time until Berry will be a starting cornerback. Will two pass-happy teams in September — California and Florida — keep him out of the starting lineup? Probably not.

2. Denarius Moore: Moore is the young receiver most ready to play, according to receivers coach Trooper Taylor. Once thought to be just part of a package deal with tailback Lennon Creer, Moore has certainly established himself.

3. Kenny O’Neal: Among a class of speedsters, the juco transfer may be the swiftest. O’Neal could grow into UT’s best downfield threat, and soon. First he’ll have to show UT’s coaches he has a firm grasp of the offense, which is much more than just going deep.

4. Gerald Jones: Not only is Jones one of UT’s best young receivers, he’s also lined up in the backfield as a part of a mobile-quarterback package. Also has a penchant for making fantastic catches.

5. Lennon Creer: Nobody was talking about Moore until he broke out in the Aug. 11 scrimmage. With sophomore tailback LaMarcus Coker suspended indefinitely, Creer may prove to be a qualified substitute.

6. Ben Martin: Coaches agree that he’s going to be special. Whether or not his speed gets him on the field for meaningful snaps this year remains to be seen. There’s a lot of experience above him on the depth chart at defensive end. A knee injury in Saturday's scrimmage changes everything.

7. Brent Vinson: Hasn’t had the camp many thought he would. Perhaps learned some bad habits from prep school. Still, most think it’s just a matter of time until he explodes onto the scene at receiver. Fulmer said Vinson could be “special”. Physically, looks more like a junior than a freshman.

8. Ahmad Paige: Taylor said Paige may have the most talent of all the newcomers at receiver, but hasn’t been as aggressive in preseason camp as Taylor would like. Still, he can get open when he wants to.

9. Daryl Vereen: Middle linebacker Jerod Mayo said this young tailback is physical at the point of attack. That’s quite a compliment considering the source.

10. (Tie) Chris Donald/Savion Frazier/Chris Walker: It’s doubtful any of the three linebackers will play significant defensive snaps this season. But that’s only because UT has so much experienced talent ahead of them. And while they’ll probably be limited to special teams, one thing is clear — UT’s future at linebacker is in good shape.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.