'Loyal guy' Berry has no plans to transfer

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Coaches Chavis and Fulmer talk about the impressive 23-game winning streak against Kentucky. The 2008 game against Kentucky marks Phillip Fulmer's last game as head coach for the University of Tennessee football team. Watch »

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UT defensive coordinator, John Chavis, reflects on his career as a coach for the Vols. He talks about his coaching staff, the "keep it real" philosophy with players and what these last few days with the program mean. Watch »

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UT offensive coordinator, Dave Clawson, talks about the struggles with the offensive line this year and the quarterback issue -- all dating back to this Spring. Watch »

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Coach Fulmer talks about the Kentucky matchup and Coach Chavis talks about seeing UT's former offensive coordinator, Randy Sanders, again. Sanders is now the quarterback coach for the University of Kentucky. Watch »

Eric Berry refused to answer the question during that unforgettable press conference in which Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer announced he would step down.

With more than three weeks to reflect, Berry finally gave his answer Wednesday.

"I haven't considered transferring at all," the Tennessee safety said. "I'm a loyal guy. I'm loyal to my teammates. I'm loyal to my university.

"Me transferring would be a big slap in the face to my teammates."

Berry, however, admitted hat he was a bit conflicted - between his love for UT and his loyalty to Fulmer.

"It has been a little tough," Berry said. "That's the main reason I came here, is to play for that guy."

Berry isn't the best example of a player that might jump ship in response to UT's coaching change. Just a sophomore, Berry can't enter the NFL draft until 2010 and would have to sit out next season if he transferred to another Division I school.

However, there are other players with easier exit strategies. Players who are three years out of high school can enter the NFL draft. Young players looking for a fresh start might be willing to take a year off to try to improve their surroundings.

Here are some players' thoughts when asked about possibly leaving UT:

n LB Rico McCoy: McCoy said the coaching change is certainly something he'll think about. The junior said he'll base much of his decision on where he's projected to be picked by the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

n TE Luke Stocker: Stocker said he'd prefer UT hire a coach that runs a traditional offense but will remain at UT even if it hires a coach who runs a spread offense.

n DE Chris Walker: Walker is extremely close to UT's current coaching staff but said he doesn't want to sit out a year at another school, especially after establishing himself at UT this season.

n TE Brandon Warren: Despite a disappointing season, Warren said he is committed to playing football for UT next season.

n DT Dan Williams: Since he's a junior, Williams could enter the draft. He said he is open to the possibility and that a first or second round grade from the advisory board would certainly catch his eye.

Injury Report: Brent Vinson did not practice. The sophomore cornerback has been extremely limited this week after having his right calf stepped on during last Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

McCoy revealed that he played with a sore foot and injured thumb for the first half of the season. He has since improved his play, according to Fulmer.

"My play is showing I'm healthy," McCoy said. "I was good second half of the season."

Bam Bam: When the players line up for the ceremonial last tackle drill today, it will be Fulmer's last.

Even as head coach, Fulmer once was known to take part in the drill, which basically amounts to knocking over a tackling dummy dressed in the oppositions' jersey

Fulmer even used a special tackling technique one season, which he called "The Flying Bambino". That won't be the case today.

"There won't be any Flying Bambinos," Fulmer said. "That was about ten years ago. None of that. Let's be sure I get to the game on Saturday."

Rating Randy: Saturday's game against Kentucky will mark a return to Neyland Stadium for former UT coach Randy Sanders, now the quarterbacks coach for the Wildcats.

"Randy was a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "I enjoyed working with him. I think Randy is one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the game."

Chavis said he can see certain things in Kentucky's offense that are Sanders inspired, such as the Wildcat's quick passing game and three-wide receiver formation.

But the one aspect of Kentucky's offense that most reminds Chavis of Sanders is quarterback fundamentals.

"That's been a trademark at Tennessee for a long, long time," Chavis said.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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