Vols try to get a grip on tackling

Following Saturday night's scrimmage, University of Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis was displeased with the number of missed tackles.

Those same mistakes turned up on the film, too.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer praised the defensive line's work during Saturday's second major scrimmage of fall camp, but bemoaned the tackles missed behind them.

"Coach Chavis, I think, would tell you we just missed too many tackles," Fulmer said. "Had too many opportunities that we missed. Certainly something that we addressed this (Monday) morning."

UT's problems were technique related, Fulmer said, particularly with linebackers. It extended into the secondary, as well.

"That group (linebackers) is playing with good energy and working hard," Fulmer said. "That's not the issue, it's just technique things and a little focus on tackling better. Secondary-wise, played pretty well for the scrimmage. Didn't give up anything huge, but again the tackling situation showed up on the secondary on a few too many plays."

Starting weakside linebacker and preseason All-SEC selection Rico McCoy said he was among those who missed tackles Saturday.

"I had a pretty bad scrimmage," McCoy said. "You miss a tackle, you feel bad. I had a couple missed tackles. It's something I came out here and tried to focus on today (Monday)."

Safety Eric Berry said the missed tackles, which plagued Tennessee's defense early last season in losses to California and Florida, aren't a huge concern at this point.

"We're working on that right now so we won't get into the season missing tackles," Berry said. "It's frustrating, but it's a process we have to go through.

"We're not going to be perfect. We're just going to go in the lab and get it fixed."

Praise for Crompton: Fulmer was complimentary of quarterback Jonathan Crompton's performance Saturday.

The junior starter completed 12 of his 18 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also did not turn the ball over after throwing two interceptions in last week's scrimmage.

"I thought Jonathan played exceptionally well, ran the offense well, managed the clock well," Fulmer said. "Very positive scrimmage."

Johnson to TE?: Backup offensive tackle Ramone Johnson is playing like a starter, Fulmer said.

His progress could earn him some snaps at tight end, likely in a blocking role.

"Ramone Johnson right now is playing like one of the guys who could be a starter," said Fulmer, who was pleased with UT's offensive line from Saturday. "He's pushing himself into a position to help us. The tight end situation the way it is, we will play him some at tight end also. Pretty happy with where he is."

Thomas Improving: UT continues to get solid play from its defensive tackles, and sophomore reserve Victor Thomas in particular.

"Our three defensive tackles (Dan Williams, Demonte' Bolden and Walter Fisher) played the best scrimmage that they've had," Fulmer said. "Victor Thomas took a big step. The challenge for Victor is to continue that and be consistent and be mentally and physically tough all the time."

Douglas Closer: Freshman tight end Aaron Douglas is expected to be ready for full-contact work by Thursday's last major scrimmage of fall camp, Fulmer said.

Injury Report: Freshman Austin Johnson (ankle) did not practice Monday, although Fulmer said Johnson will play primarily fullback and H-back after working some at tight end. Defensive end Chris Walker (groin) did not practice, either.

Both players should be able to participate in Thursday's scrimmage.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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