Will Coker be spark Vols need?

By now, everyone knows about LaMarcus Coker's speed and his ability to break free for a big play.

But exactly how much of an impact the sophomore running back will have in No. 24 Tennessee's home opener Saturday is anybody's guess.

Coker, returned last month from a 17-day suspension for an unspecified violation of team rules, will be available for the first time this season after missing last week's trip to California.

However, UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe isn't sure exactly what to expect from Coker on the field Saturday, when the Vols host defending Conference USA champion Southern Miss for a 7 p.m. kickoff (TV: Pay-per-view).

"He didn't practice with us at all prior to the California game - he just went with the scout team - so I don't know what kind of shape he's in," Cutcliffe said. "We'll just see day to day. (Monday) he was pretty rusty from knowing what to do and learning. He hadn't been in a meeting really."

An offense that could have used another big play or two in a 45-31 loss last to Cal last Saturday has plenty of room for a player like Coker, whose dynamics are hard to argue.

As a redshirt freshman last season, he led the Vols with 696 yards rushing. That mark was better than any other freshman posted in the SEC and seventh overall in the conference.

In 11 games, he has two of the longest runs in Tennessee history.

"I'm really glad we get LaMarcus back," said tight end Chris Brown, who caught a pair of touchdowns against Cal. "His speed adds a lot to our game, adds a lot to our offense. He has that big-play thing. Every time he gets the ball, you never know. He could go 90 yards in a split second. That's going to be good for our offense."

And good for Coker, who spent time away from the program while fulfilling obligations set by UT coach Phillip Fulmer and athletic director Mike Hamilton for his reinstatement.

Brown, for one, sees a change in Coker.

"He's the same guy, really, LaMarcus has always been, but he's much more serious about it, doing things that he needs to do. And he knows he messed up," Brown said. "That's what everybody was hoping he would realize - that he messed up on his own and it was no one else's fault but his. I think he realized that."

Running backs coach Kurt Roper, who has a close relationship with Coker off the field, can vouch for that.

"With keeping things within the team, the thing he needed to do is accountability," Roper said. "Did he need major changes? No. You've heard me say it a bunch of times: He's a good person, a good-hearted person and a nice person, a guy you like to be around.

"But you've got to make sound decisions, and you've got to be accountable in everything that you do within school, football and all those things. We got to know what's going to happen."

When asked if he has a better feel now for what might happen with Coker in the future, Roper replied: "I think it's ongoing. I don't think it ever stops. I'm proud of the effort that he's doing, and I hope it keeps going that way."

So does Fulmer, who said Tuesday that Coker is down to his final chance after his second suspension in less than a year.

Coker was held out of UT's final week of Outback Bowl preparations in Knoxville last December for an unspecified violation.

"He is working hard to take care of his business from an academic standpoint, socially and certainly athletically," Fulmer said. "We'll continue to work with him, but as he clearly understands, there are no more chances."

How many chances Coker gets on the field remains to be seen.

Carries were tight last week, with junior Arian Foster and sophomore Montario Hardesty getting just 21 between them last week.

Foster led the way with an average of 6.8 yards a carry, helped by a 42-yarder that nearly resulted in a touchdown.

Coker's impact could be felt in the passing game, too.

During spring practice, coaches talked about using him as a slot receiver, and he's already proved he's a reliable target after catching 13 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown last year.

"He's a heck of a football player," Roper said. "He's electric, really fast, a guy that for the most part knows what to do. It's good when you get your players back. We've got a good group that works well together."

Coker, who asked not to speak with the media Tuesday, has kept up with his workouts, although he is somewhat behind after missing two weeks of practices and meetings during fall camp.

But he's back, and that's a step in the right direction. A really fast, step, says quarterback Erik Ainge.

"You miss his speed," Ainge said. "You forget how fast he is when he's not practicing. He's fresh. He's been doing his weight workouts and doing everything he's supposed to be doing. I'm confident he'll be ready to go."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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