UT's Karl impressed by Cal’s speed

As far as skill-position players are concerned, Ryan Karl thinks Tennessee has seen the finest that 2007 will offer.

“Probably the best we’re going to play all year,” the senior linebacker said of Cal’s running backs, receivers and quarterback following Saturday night’s 45-31 loss. “They have better speed than probably anyone we’re going to play all year. All of them have that big-play potential.”

That was a far cry from a year ago, when UT dominated Cal in Neyland Stadium, beating the Golden Bears 35-18.

“They have great speed on offense,” Karl said. “It surprised me how fast they were.”

The quickness was most evident as the Vols were missing tackles.

“It’s really frustrating,” Karl said of the missed tackles. “We’ve got to be more consistent in that area.

“Our defense went out and was just up and down. We had spurts of playing real well and spurts of not playing well at all. They did a lot of stuff we hadn’t seen before.”

Injury Report: Senior defensive end Xavier Mitchell seemed to have no ill effects from the concussion that prompted a scary scene Saturday. Mitchell was carted off the field on a backboard late in the Cal game.

“I’m straight,” Mitchell said as he walked through the athletic complex during Monday’s media opportunity.

Mitchell practiced Monday.

Quarterback Erik Ainge was wearing a brace on his right pinky early in the afternoon. Ainge suffered a fracture in the finger early last week, but plans to continue to play with the ailment.

The senior threw on a limited basis Monday, but did not participate in team periods during the portion of practice open to the media. Sophomore Jonathan Crompton got the first-team snaps.

Punter Britton Colquitt did not kick during the media-allowed sessions.

Fulmer said Colquitt’s pulled quadriceps did not affect the junior on his first punt against Cal. Fulmer said on Saturday that Colquitt was supposed to kick away from Cal returner DeSean Jackson, but instead kicked to him, resulting in a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.

“He’s fine,” Fulmer said of Colquitt. “He looks like he’s fine. He’ll be ready to go on Saturday just like he was ready to go last week.”

Top Tight End: Senior tight end Chris Brown led UT with seven receptions on Saturday, gaining 54 yards and two touchdowns.

“I thought his effort was outstanding,” tight ends coach Matt Luke said. “I thought he tried to play physical and tried to play fast.”

UT’s other tight ends, sophomore Jeff Cottam and freshman Luke Stocker, didn’t catch a pass against Cal.

The Vols are without senior Brad Cottam, who suffered a wrist injury in preseason camp, until late October or November.

Demonte’s Directive: Defensive tackle Demonte’ Bolden said UT’s defensive plan against Cal was to pressure quarterback Nate Longshore without having to blitz linebackers or safeties.

“That was the whole plan,” the junior said. “Going into the game, I felt that as a defensive front that was key, getting pressure on the quarterback.”

The Vols never registered a sack against the Golden Bears.

Bolden blamed himself as much as anyone.

“If I could have fought those double teams a little bit harder, I could have gotten off and made plays,” Bolden said.

Dan’s The Man: Bolden was plenty impressed with fellow defensive tackle Dan Williams.

“I’m proud of Big Dog,” Bolden said. “I’m proud of Dan. Whether people from Tennessee know it or not, Dan came a long way.”

Williams was the only backup defensive lineman to make a tackle for a loss against Cal.

“I feel like Dan should be able to play,” Bolden said. “Get more reps than he did.”

Long Days: UT’s coaches went straight to the office Sunday after arriving in Knoxville at approximately 7:30 a.m.. The coaches then worked through the day, leaving the athletic complex at approximately 7 p.m.

Practice Report: Sophomore tailback LaMarcus Coker was back in an orange jersey on Monday. Coker was in a blue scout team jersey last week after returning from his suspension. Coker has been reinstated and will be available Saturday against Southern Miss.

“He’s in good shape,” Fulmer said. “He’s been working out while he’s been out.”

No Stopping the No Huddle: Fulmer said he was pleased with the debut of UT’s no-huddle offense on Saturday.

“It gave us pretty much what we wanted out of it,” Fulmer said. “Erik did a good job with it.”

Drew Edwards contributed to this report.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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