Foster plays role of spectator as precaution

Arian Foster showed a spin move or two Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Only he was going about half-speed, not wearing pads and out of harm’s way on the sideline.

Tennessee conducted its first fall scrimmage Saturday without its first-string tailback.

That meant more snaps for the rest of a well-stocked backfield, particularly Montario Hardesty and freshman Tauren Poole.

First-year running-backs coach Stan Drayton said holding out Foster was a precaution due to “soreness.”

“He’s one of the guys who’s been practicing his butt off,’’ Drayton said, “and he’s been up to game speed in practice for the most part.

“This was a great opportunity to get some other guys some work.’’

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Foster “tweaked” his knee in practice. Judging from Foster’s demeanor and agility on the sideline, it’s nothing serious.

Hardesty started and gained 21 yards on eight carries, but lost a fumble on the first possession.

“We’ve got to handle the ball better,’’ Hardesty said. “I’m going through the hole and the defensive player (Robert Ayers) got a real good hit on the ball and it just came out.

“That’s something I’ve got to correct. I don’t like to fumble at all.’’

Drayton didn’t like it much either.

Poole had a 2-yard touchdown run against the No. 2 defense, the highlight of a 9-carries-for-11-yards day.

“When you put the ball in his hands you don’t worry about him so much,’’ Drayton said. “It’s just when the ball’s not in his hands, he’s got a lot to learn.’’

Ja’Kouri Williams was the leading rusher with 37 yards against reserves.

Warren In Action: Brandon Warren was on the field with Luke Stocker as the No. 1 offense opened in a two-tight-end set.

Late in the session, Warren caught a short pass near the goal line but was denied the end zone by a good defensive hit.

“I’ve been practicing, but to get out here live against some defense is really good,’’ Warren said. “It means a lot to me. I’ve worked hard this summer.’’

The Florida State transfer said he’s “keeping a strong faith” as he awaits an NCAA ruling on his appeal to play this fall.

Warren said his work on the No. 1 kickoff-return team was due to Savion Frazier being injured.

G-Gun Sighting: The Vols ran two plays with Gerald Jones taking the snap at quarterback.

After a no-gainer, a student-body-right play went for 8 yards.

Jones is still itching to go airborne.

“I can throw it a little bit,’’ he said. “I’m dying to hear a pass called, just so I can show my versatility. And to keep the defense honest.’’

Hyphen Alert: Adam Myers-White opened ahead of Nevin McKenzie at outside linebacker with the first-team defense.

Both had five tackles and three of McKenzie’s were behind the line. Myers-White knows the battle is ongoing.

“I’ll just try to do what I can do,’’ Myers-White said, “and come Sept. 1, we’ll see who’s out there first.’’

Kicking Game: Both punting and field goals produced mixed results as several players tried a foot at each.

Chad Cunningham averaged 42 yards on 10 punts and Steven Hensley of Coalfield hit 11 for a 37.5-yard average. Daniel Lincoln was 9-of-13 on field goals. Cunningham was 3-of-5 and Devin Mathis 2-of-7.

“They started slow and ended up finishing well,’’ Fulmer said.

QB Legacy: Tee Martin, quarterback of the 1998 national champion team, visited with Jonathan Crompton after the scrimmage. One topic was how both took over the team as juniors after waiting behind a four-year starter.

“I told him we’re in similar shoes,’’ Martin said, “but it’s even better that he’s had the opportunity to play a little more than I had when I got the job as full-time starter.’’

No-Go List: Besides Foster, the following did not participate:

Walter Fisher (groin); William Brimfield (ankle); Jeff Cottam (leg): Aaron Douglas (shoulder); Frazier (ankle); Cody Pope (illness).

First Timer: Fulmer’s new grandson attended his first scrimmage with dad, ex-Vol Robert Peace, and mom, the former Courtney Fulmer.

“I told my daughter her new job is to provide transportation for my grandson,’’ Fulmer said. “She used to be the princess. Now, he’s the prince.’’