Cornerback Marsalous Johnson has been awarded the Andy Spiva Award as the most improved defensive player during Tennessee's spring football practice.

Johnson, a sophomore, said it was all a matter of confidence.

"I came out this spring knowing that I was going to get better," Johnson said.

That confidence only grew this spring as UT's secondary often manhandled a group of receivers trying to replace its top three performers from 2006.

"When we came out early and we knew that we could play and we knew that we had the upper hand, our confidence skyrocketed," Johnson said.

Johnson played sparingly in eight games last season. He was suspended for four games after he was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly flashing a pellet gun at an undercover police officer on the interstate.

"I've matured a whole bunch," said Johnson.

Johnson admitted he's been motivated by all the talk that UT's incoming signees can secure the three starting spots left open from last season's secondary.

"It's going to turn into a real competitive situation once we get to the fall," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "I'm really proud of what Marsalous has done and how he's competed.

"You could say the same thing about (senior cornerback) Antonio Gaines. We could give the award to either one of those guys."

UT's defensive backs were some of the first players Fulmer challenged. He did so by nicknaming them the Smurfs in February. Johnson and Gaines are both listed at 5-foot-9.

"I think those guys have shown the tenacity to play," Fulmer said, "and that's been good to see."

New Coke: Tailback LaMarcus Coker said he's ready to play slot receiver, as he has over the past two weeks.

"It gives me a chance to get out in the open field and make some plays," the sophomore said.

UT's coaches hope Coker can have the same sort of open-field success that New Orleans Saints star Reggie Bush had for Southern Cal.

"That's one of my favorite players right now," Coker said. "To say you're going to put me in the type of offense they had Reggie Bush in, that's a big compliment to me."

Said Fulmer, "Not that he's Reggie Bush or anything, but he's a pretty exciting guy in the open field."

Coker has evidently made some Bush-like plays this spring. The former Antioch star's helmet was adorned with four stickers, each with a teammates' name on it.

"Anytime you make a play on somebody, you get their sticker," Coker said with a grin.

Safety Jonathan Hefney, linebacker Adam Myers White and defensive linemen Victor Thomas and Andre Mathis were the victims listed on Coker's helmet following Thursday's practice. Not bad for a player whose practice time has been limited this spring because of a conflict with his class schedule.

"With the practice time that I had," Coker said, "I think I performed well."

Starting lineups: Fan voting on Utsports.com selected the starting lineup for Saturday's Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium.

Here are the players selected on offense: Eric Young and Ramon Johnson at tackle, Ramon Foster and Jacques McClendon at guard, Josh McNeil at center, Chris Brown at tight end, Lucas Taylor and Josh Briscoe at wide receiver, Coker at running back, David Holbert at fullback and Jonathan Crompton at quarterback.

On defense, Xavier Mitchell and Robert Ayers at end, J.T. Mapu and Demonte' Bolden at tackle, Jerod Mayo, Ryan Karl and Rico McCoy at linebacker, and Jonathan Hefney, Roshaun Fellows, Antonio Wardlow and Antonio Gaines at defensive back. Mayo is not expected to play because of a sore knee.

Online voters also selected the first offensive play of the game, to be featured just after the 2 p.m. kickoff. Saturday's festivities, including the annual Fans Day autograph session at 11:45 a.m., are free.

Peeping Toms: Fulmer said he's not concerned that scouts from other schools could be watching the Orange and White Game.

"I don't think it makes a hill of beans," he said. "The reason we are so simple in the spring game is you've got mixed and matched people."

Practice Report: The Vols focused a good portion of their 65-play scrimmage on special teams, particularly the punt team.

"We've had good work with those guys," Fulmer said. "I think we're pretty close to being ready with our protection, for the summer at least."

Running back Montario Hardesty turned in an impressive run. The sophomore broke a handful of tackles as he scampered 30 yards for a score. Alas, the play was called back because of a holding penalty.

Fulmer said UT's receivers had one of their better days in spring practice.

"Today," Fulmer said, "we made some plays at receiver."

Orange Bites: Senior Xavier Mitchell continues to be bothered by a sore left shoulder. The defensive end was forced to pull himself out of an early drill. ... Quarterback Erik Ainge was off crutches and helping UT's coaches run practice. Ainge joined some of UT's coaches in the press box during the scrimmage.