Mapu leaner, stronger for 2007

Tennessee defensive tackle J.T. Mapu showed up in Knoxville last summer weighing 315 pounds and struggled with his conditioning throughout the football season.

It was hardly Mapu’s fault he was too heavy. After all, he was returning from an 18-month Mormon mission.

Now, Mapu weighs 285 pounds and has transformed his physique.

“A totally different person,” the senior said when asked to compare his July body to its January counterpart. “Got a little lighter and a whole lot stronger. Got a little quickness back.”

That’s good news for UT. One of the Vols’ most pressing concerns is at defensive tackle, where they must replace two players selected in April’s NFL Draft.

Turk McBride was selected in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Harrell, who was injured for most of the 2006 season, was selected in the first round.

For the new Mapu, lighter doesn’t mean weaker. He bench-pressed 425 pounds earlier this month.

“I felt like I could have done more but they stopped me,” the Hawaii native said.

Asked what he could bench press last summer, Mapu wasn’t sure. He was sure, however, that it wasn’t 425 pounds.

“Not even close,” he said with a smile.

Hef’s House: Jonathan Hefney is the unquestioned leader of UT’s secondary. The senior free safety who was lauded by his coaches for his leadership last season said he hopes to continue what he did in 2006.

“I’m basically just teaching all over again,” Hefney said, referring to the three vacated defensive back positions that have to be filled this season.

Hefney said all the newcomers have impressed him, but one less-heralded prospect has definitely caught his eye.

“I like lil’ C.J. right there,” Hefney said as he pointed to freshman cornerback C.J. Fleming from Richmond, Va. “I think he’ll be the sleeper. I think he’ll be like Inky.”

That’s strong praise. Inky Johnson was a starter for UT before suffering a career-ending injury to his right shoulder last season against Air Force.

Hefney also seems plenty impressed with Eric Berry, who was UT’s highest-rated prospect of the 2007 class.

“He’s a beast,” Hefney said. “I think he’s going to be good but we’ve got to put on the pads. He told me he was a safety. Well, we know he can hit then.”

Saint David: UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe spent some of the offseason looking at the New Orleans Saints’ offense, which, under first-year head coach Sean Peyton, finished the season 10-6 and advanced to the NFC Championship game.

So, what was Cutcliffe studying?

“Just wanted to see how they were getting the ball to their guys,” Cutcliffe said, “the different places they’re putting those guys in their offense.”

Cutcliffe was impressed by New Orleans’ ability to spread the ball around while making sure its best players were always involved. Running back Deuce McAllister had 274 touches while athlete Reggie Bush had 271.

That could prove to be a blueprint for the Vols, who have a deep corp of talented tailbacks.

Challenging Cutcliffe: Cutcliffe said the no-huddle offense will make it even harder to get some of UT’s talented freshmen involved this fall.

“It’ll be a real challenge,” he said. “I knew that coming in. We can teach them what they need to know.”

Still, there’s no substitute for speed.

“We’ve got some guys that can really run fast, I mean, really run fast,” Cutcliffe said, referring to some newcomers. “The challenge is to put the ball in their hands where they can make plays.”

Cutcliffe also said he’s talked to Berry about playing offense as soon as possible.

“I think he can be an impact player for us in a lot of areas but what will happen initially is he’ll play defense,” Cutcliffe said. “If he progresses and is comfortable there, then we’ll look at the possibility of trying to use him.

“His ball skills are great. When he intercepts the ball, he knows what to do with it real quickly.”

Cutcliffe said Berry also could factor into special teams, pending defensive coordinator John Chavis’ approval.

“We have to get coach Chavis’ permission to begin with,” Cutcliffe said.

High Marks: Recruiting coordinator Matt Luke echoed what many in UT’s football program have been saying for weeks.

“This is a special class,” Luke said of the 2007 group. “We have a bunch of great kids. They kind of have that infectious personality.”

And it’s not just their character. UT’s 2007 class was one of the highest-rated in the country, so there should be plenty of talent.

“That’s what makes them special, that blend of both,” Luke said.

Defensive lineman Ben Martin from Ohio is one of a handful of prospects who have garnered the most praise.

“It’s hard to build up a freshman,” defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said, “but being able to spend time with him in my office and talking to him about everything, not just football, he seems to be such a great kid. I’m looking forward to getting to know him and coaching him.”

Big Gaines: Jarod Parrish isn’t the only defensive back garnering rave reviews for his effort in summer workouts. Cornerback Antonio Gaines, who held down a first team spot throughout spring practice, also is on his coaches’ minds.

“He’s taken it to another level,” defensive backs coach Larry Slade said. “… Antonio has really blown it out.”

Slade also complimented cornerback Marsalous Johnson for his offseason work. Head coach Phillip Fulmer compared Parrish to former UT star Chris White earlier this week.