Call it a contingency plan, but Tennessee's defense is working on a possible new look for the fall .

To help combat a lack of depth on the defensive line, the Vols are working on installing a four-linebacker package in spring practice.

With plenty of talent at linebacker, UT coach Phillip Fulmer says the three down linemen look allows Tennessee a chance to be more multiple on defense.

"One of the things that hasn't happened yet is for our defensive tackles to come through and say, 'OK we're going to have the depth,' " Fulmer said. "We can play some defensive ends different places and bring some linebackers off the edge, and we'll have a little different look about us."

Right now, Tennessee's linebackers are more game-ready than its defensive tackles.

Jerod Mayo and Ryan Karl are starters for the 2007 season, while Rico McCoy and Ellix Wilson have been battling for the third linebacker spot this spring.

The 3-4 would allow both those players to get on the field at the same time.

Tennessee already uses three linemen in its "mustang" package, which utilizes six defensive backs.

"It's something we've always had," Fulmer said. "It's tough for the offense to all of a sudden see four-down and then see three-down. We'd be limited in the package, but also want to be able to use our strengths of our personnel the best we possibly can.

"If that ends up our best personnel grouping we can get on the field, then you might see some of that."

The Vols also spent some of Tuesday's practice with wide receiver Lucas Taylor at quarterback.

Taylor, who played quarterback in high school, threw a touchdown pass to tailback LaMarcus Coker last season against Florida.

The Gators used wideout Percy Harvin at quarterback some last season, as did Arkansas with tailback Darren McFadden.

"This is a great time for us to look at Lucas Taylor some at quarterback, doing some of the option read-type stuff," Fulmer said. "Not only would we like to do a little bit of it, but our defense is going to see some of it throughout the course of the year so it gives us a chance to get ahead."

Young Back: Offensive tackle Eric Young returned to practice after missing the Vols' first eight workouts this spring following offseason shoulder surgery.

Young, who started all 13 games at right tackle last season, participated in individual drills but has not yet been cleared for contact.

"It's on a day-by-day basis," Young said. "I think I'm ready. Just to get back in the groove, that's the main thing."

Depending on the progress of Chris Scott and others at tackle, Young could move to the left side and replace All-American Arron Sears.

"It really doesn't matter," Young said. "I'll play guard if that's where they need me at. I don't think there's much difference."

Pro Day Lineup: Eighteen former Vols are scheduled to work out in front of NFL scouts this afternoon in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.

Players participating are Cory Anderson, Stanley Asumnu, C.J. Fayton, Justin Harrell, David Ligon, Turk McBride, Matt McGlothlin, Meachem, Jason Mitchell, Marvin Mitchell, Sears, Bret Smith, Antwan Stewart, Jayson Swain, Jonathan Wade, Ryan West, James Wilhoit and David Yancey.

Fayton and Jason Mitchell last played for the Vols in 2005.

Coach Meachem? Robert Meachem worked with his former teammates during practice.

Meachem, who set the Vols' single-season record for receiving yards in 2006, spent the early part of practice offering tips on how to shed press coverage from defensive backs.

Practice Visitors: Maryville High School coach George Quarles visited practice with UT commitment Aaron Douglas.

Also present was Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who is in Knoxville for pro day.