Tennessee: Fulmer boosts pressure at practice

KNOXVILLE — Following Tuesday's two-a-day practice, University of Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer didn't let up on his players.

With Saturday's scrimmage looming ahead, UT practiced in full pads Wednesday morning at Haslam Field.

“After two-a-day, I actually think they thought they were going to be out with shorts and shoulder pads this morning or maybe less,” Fulmer said. “I thought it was important that we have a tough physical practice. They responded, but they're tired.”

UT players won't have long to rest. The team will have another two-a-day session today.

“We've got a lot of bumps and bruises and strains,” Fulmer said. “Obviously we'll be a little careful with that as we get ready for Saturday. We've still got a football team to put together and grow our leadership and find our tough guys. Tomorrow will be a big day for us to push through.”

But aside from the loss of defensive tackle Chase Nelson to a knee injury and the delayed return of tight end Jeff Cottam because of a leg injury, Tennessee has gone through fall camp relatively unscathed.

“We've gone at it physically, but we've gone at it smart,” Fulmer said. “I'm glad we've stayed this healthy. Could we use Chase Nelson? Absolutely. Could we use Jeff Cottam? Absolutely we could. But for the most part our guys are fighting through pretty good. We haven't had the big injury.”

Likewise, Tennessee hasn't been hampered by off-the-field distractions.

“You see guys doing what they're supposed to do, not getting into trouble, staying out the papers,” senior tailback Arian Foster said. “That's a tribute to our leadership.

“You kind of have to grind out the camp. Everybody's a little banged up, so we just have to stay focused really.”

Paige not turned yet

Fulmer said Wednesday that wide receiver Ahmad Paige has yet to overcome “that mental hurdle” and realize his full potential.

“He sometimes seems to be his own worst enemy,” Fulmer said. “I think Ahmad can be special, but he hasn't crossed that threshold yet from a mental standpoint. ... But he's bigger and stronger than he was. He's got great feet and great hands. He's just mentally got to grow up.”

Parker, McNeil updates

Fulmer said offensive linemen Anthony Parker and Josh McNeil, both of whom are coming off knee surgeries, were limited to half of Wednesday's practice. Both players practiced Tuesday.

Montori Hughes still waiting

Freshman Montori Hughes is still waiting approval to practice from the NCAA Clearinghouse. “I don't have an update,” Fulmer said. “Hopefully we'll have something here soon.”

Fight song motivation

Fulmer tried to simulate a road-game atmosphere Wednesday by playing the fight songs of Tennessee's rivals through the practice field loudspeakers.

“I turned that music on at the end just to create some excitement on the practice field and saw everyone pick it back up,” Fulmer said. “Plus, I wanted our defensive guys making checks. When an opposing team offensive team has the ball, it's really loud in some places and they have to be able to communicate by signals. We tested them pretty good with that.”