Larry Slade of Tennessee said he hasn't thought much about being one of three finalists for the FootballScoop Defensive Back Coach of the Year Award.

"When you ask me about that I think about our defensive front, I think about Eric Berry and those guys that we've been fortunate to coach," Slade said.

Slade said he expects sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson to close out the season strong. Despite a standout freshman campaign, Vinson has struggled to stay on the field in 2008, mostly because of off-field issues.

"I expect him to go out and make some plays," Slade said. "Brent has come a long way. He's working hard and practicing hard."

Slade said former Austin-East High School star Anthony Anderson benefits the most when Berry practices at quarterback since Anderson steps in for Berry at defense.

Anderson's former high school rival, Dennis Rogan of Fulton, would likely play safety in place of Berry.

Freshman Prentiss Waggner was thought to be close to playing early this season, but will instead redshirt, Slade said.

Scouting Report: UT's defense is well aware of quarterback Chris Nickson, Vandy's second leading rusher with 469 yards this season.

"Quarterback is a real issue," Slade said. "He can run around and make plays."

Slade also wasn't buying into the old adage that Vanderbilt's talent is far inferior to its SEC foes.

"I think they have gotten better from a talent standpoint," Slade said.

Slade, who called the Commodores "blue collar," has also been impressed with Vandy's discipline.

"They make very few mistakes," he said. "If you're going to beat them, you have to beat them. They're tough dudes."

Backfield Berry: Berry doesn't think playing quarterback is all that hard.

"Most of the time when I'm at quarterback, I just follow Coop," Berry said, referring to UT fullback Kevin Cooper.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.