Willingham is surprised by honor

Ayers, Stocker and Paige also earn spring awards

By Dave Hooker

Originally published 08:51 p.m., April 17, 2008
Updated 08:51 p.m., April 17, 2008

Perhaps the ultimate sign of a good worker is a player so engulfed in his craft that he's not even aware his efforts have been singled out.

Such was the case Thursday when Tennessee defensive back DeAngelo Willingham, one of four Vols named the most improved of spring practice, was asked of the honor.

"Who me?" the senior said. "I didn't even know to tell you the truth. I just found out through you."

Let us also inform Willingham and others that senior defensive end Robert Ayers, sophomore tight end Luke Stocker and redshirt freshman receiver Ahmad Paige complete the foursome of top workers of spring practice.

Paige's transformation has been something to behold. In just one offseason he has turned himself into a big-play threat. That comes just months after last season when the lost, skinny newcomer admittedly didn't give football his all.

"He can help us as an offense," first-year receivers coach Latrell Scott said. "I reiterate the fact that he still has a long way to go, but he has shown the big-play potential that people thought they'd see a year ago."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Paige can be dynamic, if he can continue to mature.

"I've been kidding him," Fulmer said, "He's become a wide blocker rather than a wide receiver."

That's a compliment as Fulmer and staff demand receivers be good run blockers.

Blocking is only one of the aspects of Stocker's game that has flourished. Once starter Jeff Cottam was lost for the spring with a leg injury, Stocker proved the tight end position was, indeed, well-stocked.

"As soon as Jeff got hurt, I felt the weight on my shoulders," Stocker said. "It was a great opportunity for me to step up and show the coaches what I've got, that I can be a playmaker and a force on the field. I feel like I did a good job of that."

Willingham's improvement has been all about confidence, which has led to improved tackling and a knack for turning in big plays, such as interceptions and forced fumbles.

What changed for UT's most versatile defensive back, who has played safety and cornerback this spring?

"My own mindset," Willingham said. "I wanted to come out and get better this year so I could help the team."

It's unusual to have two seniors named most improved. Willingham makes sense. As a junior college transfer, he only arrived at UT last summer.

Ayers is another matter. The late bloomer has shown significant improvement this spring, just as he has for more than a year.

"He has made improvement every year but he has made up his mind that he's going to be a great player (this fall)," defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said.

Ayers declined to talk to the media as he's done all spring, citing disapproval of media criticism of Fulmer.

"John Adams knows how I feel," Ayers was overheard saying, referring to the News Sentinel's sports editor.

Spring Sizzle: Fulmer said UT's defense will be "handcuffed" during the Orange and White Game on Saturday to give fans an opportunity to see UT's offensive weapons.

Fulmer said he's not worried about UT's spring finale being televised, even with a competitive season opener looming. The Vols play at UCLA on Sept. 1.

The Orange and White Game will be run as last year with one color as offense and the other as defense.

Draft Dish: Former UT linebacker Jerod Mayo worked out for the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Former UT tight end Brad Cottam visited St. Louis earlier this week to work out for the Rams.