Only knees slowing Parker

Don’t trust Anthony Parker.

The junior offensive guard is determined to tell coaches, fans and trainers what they want to hear as Tennessee prepares to play at Alabama on Saturday.

He’ll tell anyone who asks that he’s healthy — ready to play in a moment’s notice despite sore knees (especially the right one) that require almost constant attention.

“I’m a little beat up but it’s not as bad as it could be,” Parker said. “It’s very manageable. I think I can handle it.”

Parker certainly handled it last Saturday, playing more than 40 snaps against Mississippi State. UT’s coaches hoped to get 25 to 30 plays out of a bum knee that kept Parker out of practice leading up to the game.

“I got a few more snaps (from Parker) than I thought I would for sure,” offensive line coach Greg Adkins said.

Against Mississippi State, the Vols’ once-deep offensive line suddenly became a bit thin. While Parker was gimpy, fellow guard Chris Scott was battling a 103-degree temperature.

Still, both players played, reinforcing what Adkins already knew about his group.

“If you play up front,” Adkins said, “you’re going to be tough.”

In order to play college football, Parker has had no choice when it comes to toughness.

As the leaves turn color and the days draw short, it’s simple. Play with pain or don’t play at all.

“He’s kind of been with this really ever since his first year on campus,” Adkins said referring to Parker’s sore knees. “It’s about that time of the year it starts flaring up on him, the wear and the tear.

“He’s done a good job fighting through things.”

Perhaps that’s because Parker is so used to the battle. He knows all too well the difference between pain and injury, having dealt with knee ailments in both high school and college.

“I’ve been through it for years. I know how it feels. So I’m able to push through it,” said Parker, who’s started 18 of UT’s last 19 games. “Maybe on Sunday I’m doing real bad, but on Saturday, I’m real rested.”

Eventually, Parker will be more worried about Sundays than Saturdays. As one of UT’s most athletic linemen, Parker has a chance to play in the NFL — if his knees hold up.

That can wait.

“I don’t think about it much right now,” Parker said of life after UT. “I’m worrying about here right now. Hopefully that’ll take care of its self.”

Parker doesn’t seem ready to acknowledge his leadership skills, but UT coach Phillip Fulmer already has.

“I think he has that personality trait that he’s going to be cool with the guys but he works really hard,” Fulmer said. “He’s a great example.”

Leadership by example, that’s how Parker leads. The motivation is simple: live in the now and play with pain as much as possible.

Subsequently, that makes Parker a leader, whether he planned to be one or not.

“I definitely hope that everybody would do the same thing, as far as playing through injuries,” Parker said. “But I don’t know about the leader thing.

“I’m just doing what I’ve got to do for the team, to help us win.”