Scouting report on Anderson: making plays

Anthony Anderson spent last fall getting Tennessee's offense better as a member of the scout team. Now, he's focused on the defense - and himself.

After a season worth of mimicking opponents' defenses, the former Austin-East High School star is focused on how the Vols stop their opponents.

The freshman defensive back did his job again this spring when he intercepted a pass thrown by Jonathan Crompton during Saturday's scrimmage.

"It was an overthrow and I was there to make the play," said Anderson, who was working with the second team.

To actually intercept a pass, especially against the first-team unit, was a relief.

"I've been getting my hands on a lot of balls in the last couple of scrimmages," Anderson said. "I'm feeling comfortable like I was in high school again."

Anderson said his improvement has come from film study with safeties Demetrice Morley and Eric Berry. Anderson said the 45-minute sessions occur before and after almost every practice.

"That's why I'm starting to make plays," Anderson said.

Rico Suave: Rico McCoy reeled in an interception, returning the ball 53 yards and nearly reaching the end zone.

"It shocked me," the junior linebacker said of the pick. "I just dropped into my zone. The ball was right there."

McCoy, who had seven tackles, has focused on his pass coverage skills since arriving at UT in 2005. Back then he was mostly known for his blitzing and run stopping.

"I've developed a lot since I first got here," McCoy said of his pass coverage. "I know the coverages now and know other guys' responsibilities. That has allowed me to play faster."

McCoy smiled when asked if he thought UT's defense had bested its offense for the third straight full-scale scrimmage.

"I think we played pretty well," McCoy said.

Poole Ready: After being sidelined with a partially torn meniscus in his knee for almost two weeks, freshman tailback Tauren Poole is once again earning the respect of his peers.

Poole was a workhorse, rushing for 45 yards on 17 carries in the scrimmage, some of which were twisting, spinning runs in the middle of UT's offensive line.

"Outstanding," McCoy said when asked to describe Poole. "I've seen a lot of 'em and he's a good player, for real. He's a tough, strong, physical guy. That's what you want in a back."

McCoy said Poole began impressing his teammates long before UT hit the practice field this spring.

"You should see him in the weight room," McCoy said. "You can tell he's dedicated himself to football. He's a tough guy to tackle out here."

Poole is not allowed to be interviewed by media, as per UT's policy on freshmen. Poole enrolled at UT in January after the first semester of his senior year of high school.

Crash: Walk-on defensive back Derrick Furlow registered the hardest hit of the scrimmage when he hammered sophomore tight end Luke Stocker just after a reception.

"It felt like a good play," said Furlow, who is from Crossett, Ark. "I heard some 'Ooohs.' "

That was from his teammates as they applauded his play. The response surely wasn't out of surprise. Furlow has made more than his fair share of plays this spring.

Williams to Transfer? Ja'Kouri Williams saw action at running back, where the former defensive back has played since Darryl Vereen moved from tailback to safety last week.

Williams would be no better than fifth on the depth chart, behind Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty, Lennon Creer and Poole. With that in mind, UT coach Phillip Fulmer plans to sit down with Williams, a senior, following spring practice to discuss his future at Tennessee.

"We're going to sit down after the spring and decide whether he wants to play here and play that role and special teams or go transfer to a Division II school where he'll play a lot more," Fulmer said. "That'll be up to him and me. I'm glad he's here."

Injury Report: Redshirt freshman William Brimfield had to be helped from the field after suffering a sprained right ankle. Brimfield did not return and left on crutches.

Sophomore defensive end Ben Martin suffered a bruised hip that is not thought to be serious.

Carr To Get Neyland: Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr will receive the Gen. Robert R. Neyland Trophy on April 19 during the annual Awards Brunch held by the East Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Foundry. For tickets, call 865-974-1219.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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