Running backs coach Kurt Roper has more proven talent under his watch than any other Tennessee coach. That, however, doesn't mean there not plenty of work left to do.

With sophomore Montario Hardesty (knee) on the shelf until UT returns to spring practice on March 20, sophomore LaMarcus Coker and junior Arian Foster have been splitting the first-team workload.

The results have been overwhelmingly positive.

"Both of them are running really, really well," head coach Phillip Fulmer said after a midweek practice. "They made a couple of cuts out here today that were outstanding."

Foster hasn't been willing to accept a secondary role just because Coker has the speed that coaches and fans covet. At times, Foster has even been the more productive back during spring drills.

That's been the case recently. Foster drew rave reviews for his work in December as UT prepared for the Outback Bowl.

Then, came the play that UT fans would love to forget. Foster's strong performance against Penn State on Jan. 1 was overshadowed by a fumble deep in Nittany Lion territory that was returned for the winning score.

"The thought process has to be 'Put it behind you', but he has to understand he has to own up to that and that was important," Roper said. "That was a mistake that was costly."

Foster was determined not to dwell on the mistake.

"Anything will eat at you if you let it, but if you have a strong mind and strong will, you can get past most things," he said. "That's a test of character to go through the bad times. It's easy to go through the good times and sail the ship but rapid waters test the character."

Foster admits that he allowed his focus on fundamentals to lag last season. Now, Roper is trying to make sure that doesn't happen again. Ball security is the mantra and new tactics, such as running long distances on a treadmill with a football high and tight, are being employed.

"It can't be words," Roper said. "It has to be seen on the practice field this spring. Is he going to carry the ball tighter or not?"

The competition for carries already has begun. Roper said he's looking for two tailbacks to split the majority of the load, one with 65 percent.

As for Coker, his issues haven't shown up on any stat sheet. They've been more serious. The former Antioch star has landed in Fulmer's doghouse more than once.

"If my team calls on me, I want to be there for them." Coker said. "If you're going to get in trouble, then you're not going to play. I've got to continue to do the right things. I can't just talk about it. I have to be a leader.

"I think I've grown. I've really had no choice but to grow up."

Roper said he trusts Coker, and his teammates do to.

"He's a very intelligent guy and because he has a high aptitude to understand things, then his maturing should continue," Roper said. "I think he's a good listener and trying to become better all around."

Whether it's Foster's fumbling, Hardesty's injuries or Coker's off-field issues, there are plenty of things to go with all that talent.