Reluctant spectator Gerald Williams had company on the sidelines Thursday. Make that alarming company for four days before Tennessee opens its football season at UCLA.

Williams was joined by defensive end Ben Martin and linebacker Nevin McKenzie in non-combatant status.

Turned out to be a false alarm, at least for Martin and McKenzie.

McKenzie took the day off to have a tooth pulled. Coach Phillip Fulmer said Martin had a slight groin pull but will be good to go Monday.

“We should be 100 percent of where we were when we leave for L.A. (on Saturday),’’ Fulmer said.

The Vols hope to learn today if Williams will be on that flight.

The junior-college transfer missed another day of practice while awaiting a ruling from the SEC on whether he is academically eligible.

At issue is believed to be a correspondence math course and whether such a course is recognized under recent SEC rule modifications.

“I don’t know that I’ve been told (today) is (a deadline),’’ Fulmer said. “Certainly for traveling with this team for this game it might be. And it (today) is the last day for drop/adds, so we’re hopeful to hear something.’’

Asked if he was optimistic about what he will hear, Fulmer just said, “I’m hopeful.’’

Pearls of Wisdom: Basketball coach Bruce Pearl addressed the squad after practice. His message included being prepared for opening day and the importance of projecting confidence.

“We have such a special relationship between myself and Bruce and Pat (Summitt),’’ Fulmer said. “Pat’s done it before for us and I’ve done it for her. Bruce has asked me to speak for him.’’

The Starter Is?: Adam Myers-White said he doesn’t know yet whether he or McKenzie will open at strongside linebacker.

“You’re asking the wrong guy about that,’’ he said. “I just know I’ll go out and get as many plays as I can and do the best I can for the team.

“I prepare like I’m going out there and playing every down. You never know what might happen.’’

Fulmer said he considers both starters:

“It depends on which package we open in, they both may be on the field.’’

Rogan & Creer: Lennon Creer will be the first guy deep alongside Dennis Rogan on kickoff returns.

“We’re fortunate to have a lot of combinations,’’ Fulmer said. “Dennis will be the guy we’ll work to get the ball.’’

Neyland Ready: The $27.4 million Phase II renovations at Neyland Stadium are completed more than two weeks before the Sept. 13 home opener against UAB, UT announced Thursday.

The improvements include restrooms, concessions, lighting and signage for fans on the lower west concourse, locker room renovations, a Letterman’s Room, a new media center and brickwork around the Shields-Watkins Field level.

The estimated $72 million Phase III will take place over the next two years, adding the West Club (422 seats) and Tennessee Terrace (1,800 seats). Ticket-holders affected by Phase III will be contacted about joining the Tennessee Terrace or moving to another area. No one will be displaced out of the stadium or required to increase their annual donation to maintain their current number of season tickets.

Simulcast: The Vol Network broadcast of the UCLA game can be heard in the Rose Bowl on 87.9 FM.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.