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Tennessee defensive end Chris Walker and receiver Quintin Hancock were named the most improved players of spring practice Thursday.
Walker did not practice. He's been bothered by a sore knee since April 3. Walker said an MRI on Wednesday came back negative and he will play in Saturday's Orange and White Game.
"I'll be ready to go Saturday," Walker said.
Walker said he's pleased to be named one of UT's most improved players in spring practice.
"That means our coaches have really seen what I've gotten done," the junior said. "They really have that confidence in me that I've gotten something accomplished. That's what I feel good about. I wanted to come out here and work hard and I think that showed and paid off."
As for Hancock, he said he's excited to win the award.
"I came out and worked hard every day," said Hancock, who added a soaring catch Thursday to his spring highlight reel. "It's an honor to get it this year.
"You can always do better but I'm pleased with the way I played."
Recruiting Roundup: UT hosted four prospects Thursday.
-- Former Boston Red Sox minor league pitcher Mike Rozier is considering a return to college football, and possibly UT, after being a standout quarterback at Henry County High School in Stockbridge, Ga. Rozier signed with North Carolina in 2004 before pursuing his baseball career.
-- The Vols played host to two 2010 prospects from Tampa (Fla.) Catholic: brothers Chaz and Christian Green. Chaz is an offensive lineman. Christian is a dual-threat quarterback.
-- UT also played host to 2011 lineman commitment Eric MacLain from Jack Britt High School in North Carolina.
Injury Report: Receiver Gerald Jones left the practice field and quickly had ice adhered to his left foot and ankle. Defensive end Ben Martin left practice with what appeared to be a sore left leg. Kiffin said he expects both to participate Saturday.
Tailback Tauren Poole left practice with what appeared to be a right shoulder injury. His status is unknown. Tight end Jeff Cottam (knee) missed another practice.
Visitors: Several national media members were at practice, including Chris Fowler of ESPN and Todd Blackledge of CBS. ESPN is planning a feature on Kiffin and has interviewed several coaches and players.
Former UT players Heath Shuler and Eric Westmoreland and former coach/player Johnny Majors also were at practice.
Practice Report: Kiffin seemed pleased with Thursday's practice.
"We weren't into resting up for Saturday," he said. "It was too important to have a great one today. I thought the guys did well."
Vols' spring practice wit…
Tennessee practices in Rhode Island
UT signees
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 28
BY_HIS_WOUNDS_WE_ARE_HEALED writes:
I'LL BE THERE SATURDAY. CAN'T WAIT, GO VOLS!!!!
IdahoVol writes:
Let's hope we learn a lot on Saturday.
And I'm glad to see the gator fans are paying such close attention to the Vols that one of them can be first to post. Can't wait till we play them next year.
RichRollinz2 writes:
Coach Majors at practice, HECK YEAH he deserves it! Go Vols.
MrBamSeydu writes:
football or basketball? because we own you in basketball and you have owned us in football recently.... I'll give you that.... but things will change after Tebow leaves.
By the way, go play in traffic.
supersteve17 writes:
Chris Walker is a fine young man and is deserving of this award. He has a dynamic personality and is one of those guys you want to represent the University and the State of Tennessee. I'm looking forward to great on-the-field contributions from him this season!
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
And over 20 to UGA and Bama.
old_number1 writes:
There you go. I just don't get this "hate Fulmer" thing. Wouldn't it be better to bring him in, and be an asset to U.T. ? He took on all challengers, he did his best. Guys, let it be!
movol53 writes:
I would not want to ruin your negative opinion of Fulmer however, if you check the facts,many of Neyland's wins were against Vandy and KY so is he a "poor" coach as well?
And I'm really getting tired of Gators telling us that they "own UT". Perhaps currently, but all you are doing is making the series between UT and Fla even. UT has had the most wins in the series between the two schools for some time. Fla is just getting even. However, times are a changing!!
And in basketball, only two SEC teams have more all time SEC wins than UT; Kentucky and Alabama not Fla. Sure I'm a Vol fan but facts are facts. And there are some recent facts that I don't like but that's what happens sometimes.
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
Gotta love it when the opposition trolls our boards and newspapers. We obviously have something special in Knoxville if Florida is worried about us.
belayvol writes:
I thought gators came with flies, not fries?
RichRollinz2 writes:
It's not safe to use the words "ride" "Teblow" in the same sentence. It will put the Interlopers in a euphoric state, we'll never get rid of them.
dwilds22 writes:
The gators website must suck because they all have to come here to act like "the idiots on the news that just seen the hurricain come through their trailor park"!
Docrok writes:
Hey Is this RichRollin??? I mean the real Rich, just curious!! I have asked a few times but havent gotten an answer, at least not that I have been able to find!! LOL
RichRollinz2 writes:
Yeah it's me cuz. How are things in your neck of the woods? BEAUTIFUL Tennessee Orange sun shining up here where I'm at, I'm pumped. Can't wait till tomorrow.
Docrok writes:
Dam# I was reading a post on I think it was Tuesday and only caught the RichRollin thing and started reading garbage spewed about FL whippin TN and I was like "OH HE!! NO somebody done hacked your account!! Then I noticed it said 09 and I knew it was one them retarded gator fans trying to be funny!! Anyway MAN AM I EXCITED!!! I cant wait!! Hey I am trying to figure out where to park and tailgate, know any good spots
RichRollinz2 writes:
They did hack my account. Stole my name and I could no-longer post. Still trying to figure that one out. Perhaps KNS should regulate their websight instead of worrying about what cupcake shop their next radio show will be at.
Docrok writes:
Yea I dont really listen to those shows! I try to but sometimes I just cant! Their opinions seem to mimic something they heard somewhere else! And its usually not a wise opinion either! I got too mad listening so I quit! As for the hackers thats just juvenile!! I mean really!!
RichRollinz2 writes:
I usually do it at my house. Cook and eat here and then go to the strip a couple of hours before the game with a LOADED soft drink in my hand. Usually stop at what ever spot is jumping on the strip and have a few drinks as well. Once I get down there I have no set spot, just kinda go with the flow, see what spot's jumping and get involved. I don't like having a bunch of mess to clean up tailgaiting on campus, plus I don't like the "HOLY THAN THOU" attitude by some of the actuall "tailgaters" in that area. You tailgate at my house, ANYONE is welcome as long as they are respectful and cheer for the Vols. Not the type of place a Gator fan would enjoy. Actually they are not welcome.
RichRollinz2 writes:
I'm not sure I will get to do it big before tomorrow's game. My boy has baseball tourney games tomorrow, gonna be a pretty crazy day for me.
Docrok writes:
Awwe man that sucks!! I got friends comin in and we are gonna do it pretty big! I am really excited! Looking forward to the game, the fan aprreciation and meeting the coaches!
RichRollinz2 writes:
Yeah it does. I may still fire the grill up, but it will be nothing like the normal pre-game ritual. We will have to do it big this year. Beer and wings do go pretty good together, LOL!
bigorange61 writes:
Rich, I may know what happened with your login. I brought up Govols Extra yesterday, and it told me "You are logged in as TXVOL". I have never been TXVOL or tried to login as TXVOL. If I were so inclined, I could have changed the password at that point, and effectively stolen the account. I would bet a fritter thats what happened.
RichRollinz2 writes:
Actually it was a gator fan that did it on purpose. That's OK, I actually kind of like my new name.
bigorange61 writes:
The name is cool. You stated you were trying to figure out what happened so I thought I would chime in. It's sad some of these posters can't contribute constructively to this forum.
Docrok writes:
Beer and wings are great together! I normally dont tailgate at the home games as I have other obligations, I have to work but I always grill out and drink and party for the away games! Actually thinking about goin to the Swamp this year cause I have a good feeling!!
ColeTrickle writes:
I am interested in finding more out on this Rozier QB prospect, this is very interesting news to me. Anyone know anything else about him???
tennezz writes:
Good to see you back, You make good posts! We need to hit [suggest removal] every time this guy posts until we get rid of him!
Volunatic writes:
To be precise, it was 152 wins. While "over 100" is technically correct, it understates the actual number of wins by a good bit.
As for Phil winning 31 out of 32 against Vandy and Kentucky-- would you prefer if UT lost a few more of those? The two schools have been on the schedule every year ever since I can remember-- Fulmer had nothing to do with that. He did his job and beat them (a lot more than South Carolina and Georgia did in the same time frame, I might add).
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