Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer is excited by the “dynamics” of his new freshmen — one of whom could be the first Vol to touch the football when the 2007 season kicks off next Saturday at California.

Freshman Denarious Moore will join junior Arian Foster as Tennessee’s top kickoff-return tandem, Fulmer said after Saturday’s practice dedicated to the kicking game.

At least seven newcomers are likely to play at Cal (TV: WATE, 8 p.m,), and several more are possibilities.

“We usually play about half our freshmen,’’ Fulmer said, “the difference being there are some real dynamics in this freshman class that will help this football team.’’

Moore and junior-college transfer Kenny O’Neal will play at receiver. Gerald Jones could get in the game at receiver.

Lennon Creer will play at tailback and Fulmer hopes to get Daryl Vereen in the game as well.

Dennis Rogan will get on the field, at least in the kicking game.

Eric Berry will play in the secondary and might even start.

Only two true freshmen have started in an opener in Fulmer’s tenure: offensive tackle Michael Munoz in 2000 and quarterback Brent Schaeffer in 2004.

Fulmer said Chris Walker could see action at defensive end soon, possibly at Cal. Chris Donald will likely play eventually this year, either at end or linebacker.

Junior college defensive backs Nevin McKenzie and DeAngelo Willingham will play on special teams and perhaps in the secondary.

“We’ve got a lot of exciting young guys,’’ Fulmer said, “and we’re going to get them in the mix as we go along.

“If we can look at some people because we can or we have to or need to (at Cal) we will certainly do that. But our first order of business is to go win the game.’’

Colquitt Update: Fulmer anticipates Britton Colquitt being good to go at Cal, even though Colquitt didn’t kick Saturday, one week after pulling a quadriceps muscle.

“I don’t know that I’ll ask him to do everything (at Cal), kickoffs, extra points, field goals and punting,’’ Fulmer said. “I want to make sure he’s available for punting. If he can do the others, that would be a plus.’’

Daniel Lincoln could handle place kicks and kick off. Kicking off is the riskiest duty for Colquitt’s injury, Fulmer said.

Coker Works: Sophomre running back LaMarcus Coker worked with the scout team Saturday, his first practice back since his suspension was lifted.

He won’t go to Cal but should return against Southern Mississippi on Sept. 8. Fulmer praised Coker’s attitude in addressing the team upon his reinstatement.

“He not only apologized for his distraction, but also warned the guys to make sure they’re communicating with their coaches, and if they have needs to express those needs ... and seek counsel and advice through the university or somewhere,’’ Fulmer said.

“I hope he’ll follow through because this is it. We’ve kind of drawn the line in the sand now.’’

Travel Squad: The Vols will take between 75 and 80 players to Cal, Fulmer said, but not all will dress due to the cramped visitors dressing room. Two injured Vols, Brad Cottam and Ben Martin, will travel.

“Brad’s been a good leader even though he can’t play,’’ Fulmer said. “I may take Ben because three weeks from now we’re down at Florida and I don’t want him to be wide-eyed in the first game he might play in.

“But you’ve got to earn your way. There won’t be anybody going for no reason.’’

Travel Plans: The squad leaves Thursday, one day earlier than usual for road games, to get acclimated to the three-hour time difference and weather that will be considerably cooler. The forecast for game day is high of 82, low of 60, with sunshine.

The Vols received a waiver from the NCAA in order move up departure to 48 hours before the 5:13 p.m. (Pacific time) kickoff on Saturday. The equipment truck leaves Tuesday on the 2,474-mile trek that takes about 35 hours of driving time.

Specialists: Bram Cannon, a sophomore defensive back from Memphis Briarcrest is the back-up holder behind senior Casey Woods. Nick Guess, a freshman from Farragut is the back-up deep snapper behind sophomore Morgan Cox of Collierville. Guess graduated early and enrolled at UT in January.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.