Vols victimized by costly penalties

The officials certainly played a part in Saturday night's scrimmage by Tennessee. The Vols were called for at least nine penalties, including three false starts, holding, offsides, roughing the punter, and three pass interference penalties.

Sophomore Dennis Rogan was called for pass interference on Josh Briscoe when the senior slipped past him on a slant pattern toward the goal line.

Senior Antonio Gaines was also called for interference on a deep route into the end zone.

Defensive backs coach Larry Slade didn't completely agree with the penalties, but added that UT's scheme lends itself to close calls.

"That happens," Slade said. "That's part of it. When you play aggressive man-to-man, you're going to get some of those calls."

Rogan echoed Slade's sentiments.

"I kind of felt him give me a shove," Rogan said of Briscoe. "I was stumbling. The ref said I grabbed his jersey so I guess that's where it came from. I was more in position."

Slade said he was more concerned with some missed tackling.

The Vols played several different lineups on the second team secondary as they look for their best six or seven players, Slade said.

Freshman Prentiss Waggner started with the second team on safety. Waggner intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and had four tackles, one for a loss.

"He's a special guy," junior safety Demetrice Morley said. "He's making good strides. We've been taking him under our wing."

For Kicks: Punter Chad Cunningham averaged 42.4 yards on nine punts with a long of 58 yards. The sophomore will play a key role with senior punter Britton Colquitt suspended for the first five games of the season.

"I felt pretty comfortable," Cunningham said. "I didn't have the best night I could have."

Cunningham said he still wants to get his punts off faster and be more consistent. However, he was happy with his performance as he kicked out of the back of the end zone during a specialized drill.

Coach Phillip Fulmer saw good and bad in Cunningham's performance.

"I was pleased at times and at times I'd like it to be a little better," Fulmer said. "He's had a good week.

"He's getting there and we've got another week to get him there."

Three DTs: Senior Walter Fisher started the scrimmage with the first team along with projected senior starter Demonte Bolden at defensive tackle.

Junior Dan Williams came in with the second-team defense. Williams said the depth chart adjustment was of no concern.

"Me, Demonte and Walter, we're all in the same boat so it doesn't really matter," Williams said.

On his first play in the scrimmage, Williams responded by nearly tackling a UT tailback for a safety.

"When you're on the field," Williams said, "you've got to go hard."

Gerald's Game: Sophomore Gerald Williams registered seven tackles, one for a seven-yard loss and a sack. Williams played middle linebacker after playing weakside linebacker in last week's scrimmage.

Williams said he's more comfortable at middle, where he played in high school and junior college.

"Ever since I moved back to middle linebacker this week, I've been pretty smooth," Williams said.

UT's projected starter at middle linebacker is senior Ellix Wilson. Sophomore Nick Reveiz is also competing for playing time.

Fisticuffs: Linebacker Rico McCoy, who is 221 pounds, knocked offensive lineman Vladimir Richard, who weighs 300, to the ground well after a play. Both players were removed temporarily to cool off. Fulmer said the dispute began during warm-ups.

"I love spirit; I love competitiveness, but I don't like silliness," Fulmer said. "He (McCoy) would have been thrown out of a game and so would have Vlad."

Wild Berry Package: Defensive back Eric Berry ran one play as a quarterback. Berry, who evidently wasn't allowed any contact while on offense, was called down for a loss during a sweep as defenders closed in.