Taylor preparing Vols, Oklahoma State

TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee’s soon-to-be-departed receivers coach Trooper Taylor admitted Friday that he’s been working towards his next position.

Taylor, who accepted the co-offensive coordinator position for Oklahoma State last week, will leave UT following its Outback Bowl game against Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Taylor said he studied Oklahoma State tape before UT left Knoxville for Tampa on Christmas. He said he has been in contact with three OSU prospects, none of which is being recruited by UT.

Since arriving in Tampa, Taylor has been in frequent contact with OSU head coach Mike Gundy about the transition west. Taylor also has been doing his homework.

“I’ve been looking at the media guide so I can familiarize myself with the players,” Taylor said. “I haven’t talked any scheme or anything like that yet.”

Evidently, the time spent isn’t affecting his work at UT. Fulmer said the departing coaches, which will at least include Taylor and offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, have handled the transition professionally.

“I’ve been really impressed with how they’ve gone about their business,” Fulmer said.

Receiver Josh Briscoe said he hasn’t noticed any change in Taylor whatsoever.

“We’re still doing up-downs and still running extra for the mistakes we make,” Briscoe said. “It’s the same Troop we had in two-a-days.”

Briscoe admitted there’s some extra motivation to send Taylor out on a good note, but added that Taylor’s impending departure hasn’t been a distraction.

“He’s done a great job of keeping our mindset on winning this game,” Briscoe said.

Burnt Orange: Friday’s high temperature topped 80 degrees, nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of year in Tampa. Fulmer said similar conditions on game day could present some problems to both teams, although he didn’t seem overly concerned.

“If it’s 85 degrees and the humidity is up,” Fulmer said, “it’s always something to be aware of.”

Center Josh McNeil, a Mississippi native, didn’t seem to mind the heat.

“It’s way hotter than I’m used to in Knoxville but it’s fun,” the sophomore said. “You get to practice in the sunshine a little bit and not be out here freezing. I’d rather be hot than cold.”

McNeil said the high temperatures have made it tough to gain the weight he wanted to put on in December following a regular season in which he lost 15 pounds. McNeil, who left Knoxville weighing 280, said he’s gained “a pound or two,” thanks to the many bowl festivities.

“They feed us down here more than I’m used to,” McNeil said with a smile.

Injury Report: Fulmer was non-committal when asked about starting strongside linebacker Ryan Karl, who suffered a broken elbow in the SEC championship game. Fulmer said the senior made it through the entire practice on Thursday but didn’t participate in any scrimmage snaps.

“I’m not going to sit here and say that he is going to start or finish the game,” Fulmer said. “We’ll just see how it goes.”

Receivers Report: Taylor said the NCAA needs to examine any academic rule that eliminates receiver Lucas Taylor from competition. The junior was deemed ineligible for the Outback Bowl after failing to meet the minimum passing requirements for six hours in his chosen major.

Trooper Taylor said Lucas Taylor’s replacement will depend on what formation the Vols decide to run against Wisconsin. If it’s a three-wide approach, expect Briscoe or freshman Gerald Jones to step in. If it’s a four-wide look, freshman Denarius Moore is the most likely candidate, Trooper Taylor said.

Practice Report: No matter what happens in the Outback Bowl, you won’t hear Fulmer complaining about bowl practice.

“It’s been real good for us,” Fulmer said. “We’ll see in the game how we play, but I know production wise, it’s been real good for us … We’ve basically had a spring practice, almost.”

Visitors: Former UT linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Frank Emanuel visited practice. Emanuel, who lives in Tampa, played for UT 1963-65, earning All-America honors his senior season.

Former NFL quarterback Doug Williams also was at practice. Williams was the MVP of Super Bowl XXII after leading the Washington Redskins to a 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Bowling: Friday’s schedule included the bowl’s first formal press conference, with coordinators and players from both teams, followed by a night at GameWorks arcade in Ybor City.

The Vols will hold their first morning practice to begin acclimating to Tuesday’s 11 a.m kickoff before attending Busch Gardens later in the afternoon.