A snap for Berry?

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The questions keep coming for Eric Berry.

Everywhere Tennessee’s safety goes, he’s asked when he’ll see a few snaps on offense.

And from what Berry said Wednesday, it could come as soon as Saturday night against No. 2 Alabama (TV: ESPN, 7:45).

“Man, probably all of my classes average about 10 questions a day,” Berry said Wednesday afternoon after a media teleconference for UT’s players. “But I’m going to go meet with (receivers) coach (Latrell) Scott in the next few minutes and see what’s going on with that. There’s no telling. It might be this week, it be might be next week, but it’s coming soon, I think.”

Berry, who averages 39.5 yards per interception return over his two-year career, has worked some at quarterback in UT practices.

A meeting with Scott could indicate some possible work at receiver this week.

Berry said following practice that he worked some with the offense, something he usually does during the course of the week.

“They had me run a few plays, like always,” said Berry, who was named the Lott Trophy IMPACT player of the week after recording 10 tackles, a sack and returning an interception 72 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State. “We’ll see what’s up on Saturday. I feel like they’ll make a game-time decision if they need me or not.”

UT coach Phillip Fulmer declined to say where the Vols might play Berry should the sophomore take snaps on offense this week.

“I don’t know why I would actually say that right here today on Tuesday,” Fulmer said when asked during his weekly press conference if Berry would be more likely to see snaps at quarterback or receiver. “It’s a good question, yeah.”

For what it’s worth, Berry isn’t too concerned with where he plays on offense. And if the opportunity doesn’t arise Saturday, he’ll try to do what he’s done in each of the last three games.

“It doesn’t really matter,” said Berry, who has interceptions in three straight games. “I just like that side of the football. If not, I’ll just continue to take it on defense. Any way to get the ball in my hands, even if I have to take it. I just feel that way.”

Praise for Chapman: Even without 365-pound nose guard Terrence Cody, Alabama still has a threat on the inside of its defensive line in Josh Chapman.

“(Cody’s) a big player, but the guy backing him up might be just as good if not better,” UT offensive coordinator Clawson said. “Obviously when you’re that size, there’s certain things you do. But the back up is very active.”

UT center Josh McNeil noticed that as well.

“(Chapman) presents a lot of quickness, a lot of strength,” McNeil said. “He’s just a completely different type of player you’re looking at facing.

“With the big guy, it’s going to be hard to move him. But with the other guy, you definitely have to take great steps because he can get right by you. It’s a different challenge, but it’s still going to be a big one.”

Practice Report: Fulmer praised his team’s practice this week following Wednesday’s two-hour workout.

“We’ve had two good physical days of work,” Fulmer said. “It’s important for us to have one of those perfect Thursdays and really come away from practice feeling really good about our preparations.”

UT will update the status of guard Anthony Parker (ankle), receiver Gerald Jones (ankle) and defensive tackle Walter Fisher (toe) following practice today. Parker and Jones are questionable, while Fisher, who missed last week’s game, is probable.

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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