Anderson kept start a secret

Sophomore cornerback Anthony Anderson got the first start of his Tennessee career in Saturday's 31-16 victory against Vanderbilt.

Anderson, slotted as the No. 2 right cornerback, started at left cornerback.

The former Austin-East High School standout moved from safety to cornerback during spring practice and because of injuries spent some time working with the No. 1 defense during fall camp.

"I've been waiting for it," Anderson said. "I've been working hard. Coach finally gave me the opportunity to start, and I just want to run with it after this."

Anderson found out he would start last Sunday but only told his high school coach at Austin-East, Kwayu Graham.

"I just wanted it to be a surprise," Anderson said.

Anderson was called for pass interference in the end zone with 3:46 left. He had one tackle and one pass breakup.

"I'm hard on myself," Anderson said. "That pass-interference call was questionable but I feel I can do better. I'll work on it."

Hardesty Hits 1,000: Senior tailback Montario Hardesty surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season with a 9-yard run early.

Hardesty, who entered the game with 956 rushing yards, ran for 171 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.

Rogers In Uniform: Wide receiver Austin Rogers, who sustained a season-ending ACL injury during summer workouts, was in uniform and ran through the 'T' with the other seniors before the start of the game. Rogers is applying to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility due to medical hardship and should hear the outcome in a few weeks.

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton and Hardesty were the last two seniors introduced. Junior safety Eric Berry, who is expected to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft, was not introduced for a potential final run through the 'T.'

After the game, Berry ran around part of the field and shook hands with fans.

Bowl Reps: Representatives for four bowl games were present: the Outback Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, the Independence Bowl, and the Liberty Bowl.

Neyland Renovations: UT announced Saturday that the second portion of Neyland Stadium's Phase III renovations begins Monday. The Phase III renovations span two years. The first portion was completed before the Sept. 5 season opener against Western Kentucky. The second portion should be completed before the 2010 season opener. Upon the 2010 completion of Phase III, 60 percent of the Neyland Stadium renovations will be finished.

Dave Link is a freelance contributor.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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