Hooker: 2005 class a work in progress

If Tennessee’s football team doesn’t achieve its goals this season, blame it on 2005.

Remember that 2005 class, the one that was supposed to pave the Vols’ road to championship success?

Well, this is their third and likely decisive year in the program.

In honor of Labor Day, here is UT’s 2005 class, broken into four categories:

CEO’s: Players who have truly added to the bottom line

Montario Hardesty has started five games and played in 15 during his UT career despite being slowed by a serious knee injury his freshman year. The tailback gained 402 yards rushing last season while splitting time with Arian Foster.

The buzz around UT is that Hardesty could be ready to explode this season.

Rico McCoy will begin his first season as a starter tonight. Expect the athletic linebacker to be a natural playmaker on the weakside.

Because of the talent in front of them, linebackers at UT have to wait their turn. McCoy, despite his ability, has been no exception.

Josh McNeil gave UT’s coaches just what they desired when they signed him — a center to build an offensive line around. McNeil took over the starting position early last season and figures to hold it for the next three.

Middle Management: Working their way up

Wes Brown might be UT’s quickest defensive end. He’s played in 13 games and looks to be an heir-apparent starter next season when UT loses its top two defensive ends.

Jeff Cottam was supposed to have this year to work his way into the system. That’s no longer the case with his older brother, Brad, sidelined until late October or November with a wrist injury.

Jonathan Crompton will likely move to CEO status next season. The top-rated prospect of this class, Crompton has shown flashes of greatness.

Marsalous Johnson was lauded by coaches for his preseason camp. It looks like the cornerback has held onto his starting position despite freshman Eric Berry’s arrival. .

Adam Myers-White is a solid special-teams performer and, with time, might prove to be a playmaking linebacker. He’s definitely athletic enough.

Austin Rogers might be UT’s best deep threat and most consistent receiver. Rogers has started a game and played in 12. His experience should help a young unit.

Chris Scott is slated to be UT’s left tackle of the future. He’s preparing to start his first game at right guard. Scott lost over 50 pounds his first year at UT, which slowed his progress because he couldn’t gain strength during that time.

If Scott shows he’s got his power back, he could be a force up front, thanks to his athletic ability.

Lucas Taylor hasn’t shown UT fans what they hoped for when he made national headlines, rushing for over 500 yards in a high school game.

Still, he’ll at least be a dependable starter at receiver. The Vols also have discussed showcasing his ability by lining him up at quarterback.

Dan Williams has worked his way into UT’s top four defensive tackles. Having lost over 50 pounds to begin his UT career, he’ll have to show he’s strong enough to hold up to the nation’s top competition.

Trainees: Still learning the ropes.

LaMarcus Coker certainly isn’t in this category because of his athletic ability; he has plenty of that. But the speedy tailback has yet to show the maturity that his coaches demand and his teammates need.

Ricardo Kemp will need to do some major hustling if he wants to be more than a special-teams contributor. Getting reps in the secondary hasn’t gotten any easier with the defensive back talent UT has added since 2005.

Andre Mathis could soon become a speedy, pass-rushing defensive end after being moved from linebacker. He’s expected to play this season.

Darius Myers was supposed to be a diamond in the rough. So far, the jewel hasn’t risen up the depth chart.

Vladimir Richard has more than enough strength and athletic ability. He’s shown improvement lately, but he still has to show a better mental grasp of the game. Richard was moved to offensive guard from defensive tackle last fall.

Antonio Wardlow became the first Vol on the cover of Sports Illustrated since Peerless Price in 1999. His block of a kick against Georgia was great, but Wardlow has only started one game at defensive back and doesn’t seem to be in the picture this season.

Pink Slips: Don’t let the door hit you on the ….?

Raymond Henderson had plenty of talent but the defensive tackle found himself in trouble just as UT was taking a hard line against such transgressions. Subsequently, he was dismissed and is playing at Minnesota.

Demetrice Morley would have been a CEO had the starting safety kept his academics in order. Morley is trying to return to UT, but that looks doubtful.

Early Retirees: Sometimes you’ve just had enough.

Malcolm Rawls left UT. The offensive lineman is playing for Memphis.

Slick Shelly transferred to Tulsa shortly after seeing the current class of receivers. Smart move.

No Shows: Some never make it. Others are still trying.

Ulysses Alexander saw that the Vols were tight on scholarships and the receiver decided Auburn would be a better fit.

Gerald Williams was one of the highest rated prospects of the 2005 class. Since then, he sat out a year, went to Hargrave and is attending junior college in San Francisco.

Whether or not he rejoins the Vols is anyone’s guess.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting, He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.