UT considering options to replace Reveiz : govolsxtra.com

Tennessee will think long term in deciding how to best fill the vacancy left by middle linebacker Nick Reveiz' season-ending injury.

Reveiz suffered a torn ACL in UT's 34-23 win over Ohio and Kiffin said the Vols clearly will miss him - at linebacker, on special teams and as an example off the field.

"We've seen the difference when he's not in there,'' coach Lane Kiffin said.

As for who will be in there, the staff will look at several options this week while preparing for Auburn's visit to Neyland Stadium (TV: ESPN, 7:45 p.m.).

The one they looked at during Monday's brief practice was Savion Frazier, a 6-foot-2, 221-pound junior who has backed up Rico McCoy at weakside (Will) linebacker.

Redshirt freshman Herman Lathers has been listed behind Reveiz on the depth chart. Because Lathers had a concussion against Ohio, true freshman Nigel Mitchell-Thornton played most of the 20-odd snaps after Reveiz went down.

"There's two ways to go about it,'' Kiffin said. "If it was the 10th or 11th game you just play the back-up because he knows it best.

"But eight regular-season games left is a long season. We have to make sure we're not just playing a guy because he knows what to do if we have guys that would be better.''

Frazier said he last played middle linebacker in the seventh grade, but that he welcomed the opportunity.

"Linebacker is linebacker,'' he said. "Physically, I'm good. I think I'll be OK.

"It's more of a challenge mentally, because you've got to call the defense and know all the checks.

"I know all the checks and calls but I've never had to make 'em. Now they're all on me.''

Strongside linebacker LaMarcus Thompson, who missed the Ohio game due to a bruised back, said he felt "normal" Monday.

Rogan Back: Dennis Rogan has been reinstated after a one-game administrative suspension and worked at cornerback.

Jones To Apologize: Receiver Gerald Jones said Monday his frustrations bubbled over again Saturday night and led to a regrettable display of emotion.

Jones said he would apologize to Kiffin after practice for his display on the field after Jonathan Crompton missed hitting Jones on a pass route.

"I haven't got a chance to apologize to Coach Kiffin but I guarantee I'm going to do that just as soon as I go in,'' Jones said.

"Everything I did was out of line. In the heat of the moment, a competitive attitude comes out when things ain't going right.

"I talked to my momma and we talked about how I've just really got to keep my composure. I've still got a lot of growing up to do. I'm 20 years old but that ain't no excuse.''

Jones said the fact that he has caught only three passes in four games after being a go-to target in his first two years has left him frustrated with his role.

"It's humbling,'' he said. "I feel like if I'm not catching the ball or making plays, then I'm not helping the team.''

Georgia Kickoff To Wait: CBS-TV has opted to take a six-day window (rather than 12) on announcing a kickoff time for the Oct. 10 UT-Georgia game.

Athletic director Mike Hamilton said a decision will be made Monday. The options are either around noon or 3:30 p.m.

Good Grades: Kiffin praised first-time starters Cody Sullins at left guard and Aaron Douglas at right tackle against Ohio.

Noting that both will face more physical match-ups in the coming weeks, Kiffin said Sullins and Douglas "played extremely well" and that right guard Jacques McClendon had his best game of the year, despite battling an illness over the weekend.

"Even though the perception was (the line) played really well at Florida they did not,'' Kiffin said. "They came back and were much more consistent (against Ohio).

"They played faster and I attribute that to a better week of practice.''

Still Out: Montario Hardesty (leg), Vlad Richard (knee) and Chris Walker (back) did not participate Monday.