Tennessee offensive lineman Ramon Foster isn't going to complain about Tennessee's physical spring practice.

The countless one-on-one drills and all the contact is exactly what he wants.

And what the Vols needed.

"We have a couple knickknacks here and there," Foster said Thursday. "But you don't hear too much complaining. Guys are showing they want to work."

Foster more than some.

The junior lineman earned Tennessee's Harvey Robinson Award, given to the most improved offensive player in spring practice.

"He was the most consistent guy we had out here, day-in and day out," offensive line coach Greg Adkins said of Foster.

He's consistent, sure, just not always at the same position.

Injuries and a suspension to three likely starters on the offensive line this spring has forced Tennessee to try different players at different places.

Foster has played everywhere but center.

Backup center Michael Frogg has played some at guard.

Sophomore Chris Scott has played all five positions on the offensive line.

While Scott is listed as the starter at left tackle on the post-spring practice depth chart, the shuffling will continue into two-a-days to figure out who will play where.

Scott's versatility has impressed his coaches.

"That's vitally important in offensive linemen, not to be a one position player up there," Adkins said. "The more that they can learn about the overall concept of what's happening up front, the better we're going to be."

Scott, Foster and Eric Young will all get their chance to replace All-American Arron Sears at left tackle and help protect quarterback Erik Ainge's blind side.

Scott is the favored choice, which would allow UT to leave Young at right tackle, where he started last year.

Consistency and strength are the two major areas in which Scott needs to improve before August if he's going to play left tackle.

"He's got really good feet, but you can't make mistakes in pass protection very often at left tackle," offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said. "You're not going to be perfect, but we all know that the people we play in this league are going to put guys over there that can rush the passer.

"He's got to stand the test of time in the pass rush and show that he's capable of being consistent there."

If Scott isn't ready at left tackle, there's probably another place for him.

The ability of Tennessee's linemen to play multiple positions gives the coaches plenty of flexibility when determining who will start.

It might even change from week to week, depending on the opponent.

"I love the versatility and athletic ability on the offensive line," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "All the good players that I've had, the great players that I've had, have been able to move around and do different things."

"Sometimes you're looking for matchups. You want your best player on the best defender, and you can move around and get that."

Like Scott, Foster knows all about moving around.

Right now, he's penciled in at left guard, but all that could change in two-a-days.

And like his coaches, he likes being versatile.

"Coach Fulmer always says the guys who last in the NFL are the guys who play multiple positions," Foster said. "That's what he and coach Adkins really emphasized, being able to understand the concept of playing both positions.

"If you understand both, you have a better chance of getting on the playing field and you understand the game better."