University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Try to Stay Sharp With Fun Scrimmage
December 16, 2004 | Football
Dec. 16, 2004
An upbeat Phillip Fulmer praised his team's efforts after the Vols' one-hour scrimmage Thursday at Neyland Stadium. The session was Tennessee's first live action since the Dec. 4 SEC Championship Game.
"That was one of the best practices we've had in a long time," Fulmer said. "It's very important we don't forget that football is supposed to be fun. I think the kids had a really good time out there."
The Vols' head coach singled out freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer among those shining during the 65 to 70 scrimmage plays.
"It was good to see Brent Schaeffer get back into it," Fulmer said. "He made some really nice plays in the process and, obviously, is knocking off the rust a little bit."
Schaeffer last played Oct. 30 in the Vols' win at South Carolina. He injured his collarbone during a third-quarter pass attempt after displaying his best form in that game since early in the season.
Fulmer also noted solid play Thursday from junior QB Rick Clausen and true freshman Ja'Kouri Williams. Williams redshirted this season after arriving from Plaquemine, La.
"Today certainly paid dividends for us," Fulmer said. "We hadn't played since the championship game and we're trying to get back into it, trying to stay sharp."
The Vols are scheduled for 20 scrimmage plays Saturday and another 20 Dec. 28 at their Dallas practice site.
Tennessee meets Texas A&M Jan. 1 in the SBC Cotton Bowl Classic. The game is sold out and kicks off at 10 a.m. Central time.
