Feel-good feedback for Brown, Mathis

Fans were text messaging at a frantic rate following two feel-good stories Saturday.

One was a surprising debut. The other was a surprising score during Saturday's win over Vanderbilt.

Walk-on kicker Devin Mathis said he had more than 20 text messages and four missed calls on his cell phone after his first performance as a Volunteer.

"They haven't stopped yet," said Mathis, who was 3-for-3 in extra-point attempts and converted his lone field-goal attempt in a 31-16 win over the Commodores.

Mathis wasn't told he'd kick in place of junior Daniel Lincoln until Saturday afternoon. Lincoln has a sore quadriceps.

Defensive tackle Wes Brown said he received more than 30 messages from friends and family after returning to his locker, just moments after his first career touchdown.

"I was surprised I caught it," the senior said of the interception he returned for a score. "I was surprised he threw it to me. The whole thing surprised me."

Brown, who was lamenting just last week that he had never scored a touchdown as a Vol, said he was laughing and tearing up at the same time soon after he reached the end zone.

"So many emotions go into it because this class I came in with, we've worked so hard and so long, day in and day out," said Brown, who has fought through sore knees just to practice this season. "We hadn't seen the results we've particularly wanted but this season has been special because to see the guys' work ethic, their heart and their will they played with has really made my season for me."

Sack Attack: Coach Lane Kiffin said the emotions of Brown's TD got the best of him when he playfully bumped quarterback Jonathan Crompton, which sent Crompton to the ground.

"I guess it was all just kind of overwhelming. He's on the injury report this week," Kiffin joked.

Practice Report: The Vols held a spirited drill toward the end of practice Tuesday - if the hoopla heard from beyond the closed gates was any indication.

Linebacker LaMarcus Thompson said it was nice to get some contact, especially after he missed practice last week and the Vanderbilt game with a severe shoulder stinger.

"It feels pretty good to get back out and hit a little bit, so we're just going day by day," the junior said.

Thompson said he's not experiencing much soreness this week.

"Not much pain at all," he said. "Should be ready to go Saturday."

Tennessee Traditions: Brown said he'd like to see the last-tackle drill continue on Thanksgiving.

"It is important," Brown said. "That's what I've seen my first four years."

The last-tackle drill is a ceremonial practice session in which players tackle a practice dummy, often dressed in the opposition's jersey.

"It's something you look forward to as a senior," Brown said. "That would be great to continue that."

Another tradition Brown would like to see continue is UT's winning streak against Kentucky, which stands at 24 games - the longest active streak in the nation among opponents that play every year.

Kiffin said the history of the series means nothing to him as he prepares for Saturday's game.

Brown seemed more intent on continuing the streak.

"We know about it. We know Tennessee history. We know the rivalry," he said. "We want to keep that going, obviously. But we just have to go take care of ourselves, take care of Tennessee and (the streak) will take care of itself.

"If we get too caught up in streaks, that will really end up biting you."

Road Warriors?: Winning a game on the road also is important to Brown. The Vols haven't done that this season.

"We played particularly well except for Ole Miss on the road," Brown said. "We definitely want to go to Kentucky and perform well and get a road victory."

For Kicks: Mathis didn't seem concerned about kicking in front of opposing fans. The conditions at Kentucky, however, are another matter.

"It's going to be a different environment," he said. "It's usually really cold and pretty bad kicking conditions in a windy stadium."

Mathis said he'll be concerned about ice chips on the field and wind gusts.

Mathis doesn't seem at all cocky after his debut. Even though he's starting, he still talks like a backup, especially when asked about his relationship with Lincoln.

"He knows I'm here just in a supporting role until he gets better," Mathis said.

But when asked if he'd like to compete with a healthy Lincoln for the starting job, Mathis said, "I'd love to go head-to-head with him and see what happens."

Recruiting Rap: The U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection tour will be stopping in Ooltewah on Dec. 1 to invite Jacques Smith to its annual all-star game in San Antonio.

The defensive end is the News Sentinel's top prospect in the state and a consensus top 100 prospect nationwide. Smith committed to UT in February, becoming the first pledge for the 2010 class.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be played on Jan. 9 and televised on NBC (WBIR locally).

Bowling: The Chik-fil-A Bowl announced a representative will be at the UT-Kentucky game.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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