'Explosive runs' by tailbacks, running backs during scrimmage

Tennessee's young tailbacks were the standout performers of Saturday's scrimmage at Neyland Stadium.

"I think that all those tailbacks and running backs played very, very hard today," offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said. "They made some explosive runs, which we haven't had in the last couple of days."

Freshman Toney Williams averaged six yards per carry thanks to a 42-yard run. He finished with 84 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns.

"The way he played today and the way he finished his runs, he looked like a grown man to me and he's still a high school kid. I'm real pleased with his development," Chaney said.

Some thought Williams might be too big and slow to play tailback in the SEC when former coach Phillip Fulmer offered him a scholarship. Not so, said Kiffin.

"He wasn't a surprise," UT's first-year coach said. "I don't put expectations, don't put ceilings on guys because of things like that . . . We just give him opportunities and push him and coach him just like we coach a starter and he's really responded."

Sophomore Tauren Poole ran 14 times for 81 yards and a touchdown. He also had a fumble.

"Tauren has a good feel for the ball game," Chaney said. "Tauren needs to hang onto the football or he's going to hate me."

Kiffin was a bit more optimistic.

"Boy, he looked good today," Kiffin said. "He just kept spinning and making runs and kept pounding away. "

Senior Montario Hardesty was limited by UT's coaches during the scrimmage.

Kiffin said Hardesty had shown enough during the first eight spring practices. Still, Hardesty ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries against the first-team defense.

"Montario has played really hard," Chaney said. "He had some nice runs today."

Quite a Comparison: Former UT defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who recently signed a $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins after seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, watched the scrimmage.

Kiffin said seeing Haynesworth alongside freshman defensive tackle Montori Hughes caught his eye.

"I saw those two guys around each other," Kiffin said. "They're built about the same. It was pretty cool, I thought, to see him (Hughes) dominant like that and see the best in the world 10 yards away watching him."

Tyler's Take: Receiver Tyler Maples caught three passes for 26 yards but also had a key mistake near the end zone.

"The fumble kind of takes it all away because it was a fourth-down play and we had it," the former Maryville High School star said. "I think I tried to get too much out of it."

Practice Points: Kiffin said his quarterbacks "seemed to play well" despite some errant passes and an interception thrown by senior Jonathan Crompton.

Saturday was the final day of UT's coaching clinic, which was headlined by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who dressed in UT gear and coached the Vols during the scrimmage.

"Having Mike Tomlin here today was huge," Kiffin said. "(He) spoke to our team today, came into the team meeting. He's our type of guy. His energy, his passion for coaching and the way he goes about it, he fits in really good here. We loved having him here today."

Visitor: Clemson shooting guard and Cleveland, Tenn., native Terrence Oglesby attended the scrimmage.

Drew Edwards contributed to this report.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!