University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Begins Contact Work
Aug. 14, 2001
With the season opener against Syracuse just 18 days away, Tennessee donned pads for the first time this preseason and began contact work in this morning's two-hour practice at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols concluded the practice with the always-intense "Tennessee Drill" where defenders and blockers go one-on-one, with the defender trying to tackle an on-coming ballcarrier.
"I thought the Tennessee drill was spirited," head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Practice was good overall. I don't think it was one of the most physical ones we will have this year, but I think the kids are eager to get better."
Fulmer said no one was shy about getting involved in the "Tennessee Drill" and praised freshmen running backs Jabari Davis and Cedric Houston for immediately jumping into the fray.
Fulmer added that the offensive line is well ahead of last year's pace at this time with four starters returning instead of one. "We have more competition for position there with (Jason) Respert being in the mix in either center or guard. We are going to put our best five on the field and hopefully build some depth."
The Vols return to the practice field this afternoon where they are expected to run some live scrimmage plays with the offense against the defense.
"It was great to get started in some real football," Fulmer added. "We'll watch the film, and there will be a hundred, probably a thousand things you think you can do better, but the kids' attitude is good and I'm eager to see how we respond this afternoon.
Stacey Placed on Scholarship
Head coach Phillip Fulmer announced that senior walk-on deep snapper Dan Stacey had been placed on scholarship. Stacey, 6-3, 245, from Nashville, played in 12 games last season snapping for extra points and field goals. He is expected to add punt snapping to his repertoire this season.
"I am very pleased to announce Dan Stacey's scholarship," Fulmer said. "It is a reward to a walk-on who has made a significant contribution to our program. He is really a neat young man."
