Vols’ kick return team goes from one of the worst to one of the best

BY BUCKY DENT

BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

KNOXVILLE – To paraphrase an old coach, Tennessee’s kickoff return team has gone from one of the worst to one of the best.

After averaging less than 17 yards per return to rank 115th out of 119 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season, the Volunteers have shot all the way up to seventh this year.

Entering Saturday’s Southeastern Conference home game with Vanderbilt, UT is averaging a sterling 25.1 yards per kickoff return – tops in the conference – and is the only FBS school to boast three returns of 68 yards or longer.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the returner," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said.

UT showcased its strength on returns last week in its 34-13 beating of Arkansas. A pair of freshmen, Lennon Creer and Dennis Rogan, took the Razorbacks’ first two kickoffs 32 and 78 yards, respectively.

Rogan’s was the team’s longest return of the year. Previously, since-dismissed LaMarcus Coker and Arian Foster had authored runbacks of 74 and 68 yards.

Vols quarterback Erik Ainge said Fulmer placed great emphasis on improving kickoff returns.

"He read off a stat that said if you started from your 40-yard line as opposed to your 20, it was an 80 percent chance you would score points," Ainge said.

"And as good as our field goal kicker [Daniel Lincoln] is, if we start at the 40 and get 25 yards, we’re usually in his range."

Fulmer bristled when it was suggested last year’s kick returns were a weakness.

"It wasn’t like we were stumbling up in there and getting nothing," he said. "We had some unusual circumstances, like stepping out of bounds at the 2-yard line. Or a good return called back for a block in the back."

Next on Fulmer’s special teams agenda is improving punt returns. UT is eighth in the SEC and 81st nationally with 7.7 yards per return.

"We’re getting close there," he said.

Sundays suit Vols

After a 41-17 loss at Alabama Oct. 20, Fulmer opted for a rare Sunday night practice.

That’s now become part of the routine as the coaches and players have discovered the benefits of Sunday workouts, followed by a Monday off.

"Now it does cram more into our Sunday," Fulmer said, "because you’re looking at film and then preparing for a practice. But there are a lot of benefits.

"You have all day Monday to work uninterrupted on your [game] plan and the kids can just worry about going to class, getting with their professors and doing papers."

Junior offensive guard Anthony Parker wasn’t sure about the idea at first, but has become a convert.

"It was hard to get used to," he said, "but I like it now. It’s good to have a day off and to be able to rest your body."

Junior wide receiver Josh Briscoe has another reason why Monday is a good day to have off.

"I have four classes on Monday," he said.

Berry honored

Freshman strong safety Eric Berry was honored by the SEC Monday as its freshman of the week.

Berry intercepted two passes and made six tackles against Arkansas. His two picks went for 98 yards, giving him a school-record 207 interception return yards this year.

"There’s a reason he was the number one defensive back [in the country] coming out of high school," free safety Jonathan Hefney said.

Per program policy, Berry isn’t allowed to talk to the media.

Orange slices

UT’s game Nov. 24 at Kentucky was picked up by CBS and will begin at 1:34 p.m. It will be the first of a doubleheader, with the Florida State at Florida contest serving as the nightcap ... Fulmer passed Steve Spurrier on the SEC’s all-time wins list last week with the 144th of his 16-year career ... Tailback Arian Foster’s 59-yard touchdown run against Arkansas was the Vols’ longest play from scrimmage this year.

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