Mapu, Bolden tackle question of performance

Tennessee's defense is supposed to have a soft underbelly. At least, that's what the critics say.

Just look at them. One of UT's defensive tackles has never lived up to his recruiting billing. The other didn't play football for two years because of a Mormon mission.

Surely, Demonte' Bolden and J.T. Mapu can't be the linchpin defensive tackles that any great defense needs.

Or can they be starting Saturday when the No. 15 Vols play at No. 12 Cal?

"We've talked about it a lot," said Mapu, who's ready to begin his second year following a two-year absence. "We went into the offseason with that question mark over the defensive tackles. We welcome that. We just want to work hard to fill in that void."

Defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks doesn't seem worried. He knows both have plenty of potential.

"You want them to play when they're ready to play," Brooks said, "and not because they have to play."

Clearly, Mapu had to play a year ago. Having arrived shortly before the season began, Mapu was admittedly in poor condition to play but was forced onto the field, in part because of a torn bicep that ended Justin Harrell's season.

"I think I was more scared last year - the first game of the season - than I was my freshman year just because I knew the level of competition," Mapu said. "I knew my body wasn't ready, but I knew I had to go out and perform."

"I feel really good going into the season. I feel like I've worked really hard to get ready."

Likewise, Bolden has been working harder this offseason to prepare for his starting role. He's also worked smarter.

"He's a lot smarter," Bolden said, describing himself. "He uses his hands now. He's using common sense instead of just running like a bull in a china shop.

"He's out there knowing his plays."

Brooks admits he wouldn't have been comfortable starting Bolden a year ago. Now, things have changed.

"Demonte feels that responsibility," Brooks said of the high school Parade All-American. "It's his turn. It's time for him to step up."

Brooks has seen many players take that step before, especially at defensive tackle, a position that often requires toiling in obscurity before reaching upper class stardom.

Mapu was quite different. He played in 12 games during his freshman year in 2002, then started 11 games the following season.

In some ways, the Cal game will be like a home game for Mapu. He's expecting more than 20 friends and family in Berkeley. After all, the trip from Hawaii is much easier when the Vols are on the West Coast instead of Knoxville.

Ultimately, UT's defensive fortunes could depend on Mapu and Bolden, two defensive tackles with nary a start last season and barely 30 tackles between them.

It won't take long to determine if the critics are right, especially with Cal looking to avenge last year's loss.

"We know what's at stake," said Mapu, who had eight tackles in 2006 compared to Bolden's 22. "We know they want to get us back for what happened last year.