Calling a preseason SEC projection of fourth place “a good starting point,” Tennessee men’s cross-country coach George Watts is more concerned with the finishing point.

The Vols open a new season Friday at the 8,000-meter Covered Bridge Open in Boone, N.C. There’s a lot of sorting out to be done between now and the finish in No-vember.

“We were picked fourth,’’ Watts said, “and that’s a good starting point, although I do think it will take us all season to get to that competitive level we need for the SECs and (NCAA) regionals.’’

A heavy graduation toll leaves only three Vols with SEC experience: Matt Piccarello and Denton Jones from last year and Steve Tobin from 2005.

Tobin was waylaid by an appendectomy last year when the Vols finished fourth — fulfilling their preseason projection.

Andrew Press, a former Webb School runner, is a transfer from William & Mary. Michael Spooner of Springfield, Va., is expected to be one of the top freshmen in the conference.

Then there’s the track contingent. If an 800-meter race were to break out at a cross-country meet this fall, the Vols would be in great shape.

Yarrick Kincaid, Paul Cross, Andrew Dawson and freshman Axel Mostrag are primarily middle-distance men on the track team who are hoping to stretch out their distance and contribute in the fall.

“Yarrick improved by leaps and bounds last fall,’’ Watts said. “I think he’ll handle the 8K distance really well. He’s not raced a 10K ... but he’s a pretty tough guy.

“He’s very loyal and willing to help the team.’’

The door is open for Chris Rapp or Knoxvillian Chris Kane, both of whom redshirted last fall, to run their way into the mix.

There doesn’t appear to be a bell cow in the bunch, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“I think we’re the kind of team that will have to run as a pack,’’ Watts said, “where the spread has got to be 20 to 30 seconds, for us to be successful.’’

The Vols’ only home meet is Sept. 14. The finishing point?

That would be the SEC meet in Lexington, the South Regional in Gainesville, Fla., and, ultimately, the NCAA meet at Terre Haute, Ind.

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

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.