Strange: It's OK to talk up defense during spring : govolsxtra.com

I hope this makes it onto YouTube.

Dennis Rogan intercepted a Jonathan Crompton pass and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown Saturday in Tennessee's football scrimmage. But that's not the real highlight.

By the time Rogan passed midfield on his way to the north end zone, defensive coordinator John Chavis started swinging his arms and high-stepping down the sideline in Rogan's wake.

It was part drum major, part Tennessee walking horse (Clydesdale division).

Over on the other sideline, new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson wasn't doing any high-stepping.

UT's second spring scrimmage was judged a "royal butt-kicking" in the defense's favor by head coach Phillip Fulmer.

There were four interceptions, at least that many sacks and twice that many tackles for lost yardage. Hardly any missed tackles. Demetrice Morley even shot off the edge to block a field goal.

Pretty encouraging stuff for a unit that in 2007 was in the unaccustomed posture of getting torched on several occasions.

The obvious caveat, however, is that this is April. Was Saturday's defensive show of force a mere April Fool?

It's predictable that Tennessee's defense would be ahead of its offense this spring. The Vols are overhauling their offensive system under the leadership of newcomer Clawson. Furthermore, they're missing a four-year starter at quarterback.

With the spotlight on the biggest offensive transition in more than two decades, Chavis and his guys are working under the radar.

"I've never cared for attention,'' Chavis said. "I like it fine this way.

"I'm having fun doing what I'm doing. I've got a great place to do it right here. I couldn't be in a better situation.''

But as Chavis and his veteran staff know better than anyone, all that matters is what the situation is in September, October and November.

Before September is out, Chavis will have matched wits and hits with Rick Neuheisel at UCLA, tried to keep Florida's Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin from running wild and gone toe to toe with Auburn.

One thing clear from the spring is that UT's secondary goes from being the weakest link to the strongest.

In Morley and Eric Berry, the Vols have a safety tandem that can make not only plays but highlight reels. Berry, the sensational freshman from 2007, could be All-America in 2008.

Asked how comfortable he felt with his first season behind him, Berry grinned and answered, "extremely comfortable. La-Z-Boy comfortable.''

Tennessee, however, isn't La-Z-Boy comfortable at any other defensive position. It's more an edge-of-your-seat proposition.

The best two linebackers in the stadium Saturday weren't in pads. Kevin Simon is a graduate assistant in the recruiting office. Jerod Mayo was just chilling as he awaits the NFL draft.

Rico McCoy, Ellix Wilson and Adam Meyers-White did a nice job Saturday. Nevin McKenzie, injured, was cheering from the sideline.

"I'm concerned with depth,'' Chavis said, "but we're good enough to play in the SEC, without any question.''

Steve Caldwell, who coaches the ends, is encouraged. If spring is any indication, Robert Ayers might finally realize his considerable potential as a senior.

"We've just got to keep him hungry,'' Caldwell said.

Chavis has challenged the front four to muster a pass rush without having to rely on blitzes. The jury is out but Chavis liked what he saw Saturday:

"Our four-man rush, to be honest, it's the best it's been in a while.''

So life has been good for the Tennessee defense this spring. Everybody, meanwhile, waits for the offense to come around That includes Chavis.

"It's going to get tougher and that's what we need,'' he said. "They're talented enough to where they're going to eliminate some mistakes and get it done.

"Understand, you're not going to come out here and see this every week.''

But for now, nothing wrong with a little high-stepping.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knoxnews.com.

Strange: It's OK to talk up defense during spring

Few steps ahead