By Will Woodbery, Correspondent
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee tight end Jeff Cottam sustained a fractured tibia after catching a touchdown pass during practice Thursday.
UT coach Philip Fulmer said Cottam, a 6-foot-8 junior, will be sidelined for the rest of the spring.
“At first I was scared that it might be a bad knee injury,” said first-year offensive coordinator Dave Clawson. “The early indication is it is not that.”
Cottam’s older brother Brad was injured in August last year under similar circumstances. He broke his wrist trying to corral a pass in the end zone and ultimately missed most of his senior season.
The younger Cottam should be ready for the 2008 season, but Clawson said he was concerned how he will adjust to a new offensive system after missing the entire spring.
“When things are new, we want guys to get reps doing it,” Clawson said. “He’ll be back for fall and we’ll get him going then.”
D-line needs depth
Fulmer said he is actively looking for depth on the defensive front.
“It is good to see Ben Martin coming on as quickly as he is, and Robert Ayers and Wes Brown give us three ends and we’re looking for anybody else that can help us after that,” Fulmer said. “It’ll probably be some incoming guys. Right now, I am concerned about our depth.
“We’re not where we want to be at this point.”
Defensive tackle Demonte Bolden from Chattanooga is currently skipping Tuesday and Thursday practices to focus on academics, Fulmer said.
Quarterback update
Despite a turnover during Thursday’s scrimmage, quarterback Jonathan Crompton still has the endorsement of his coaches as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.
“I think everything in the spring is open. It’s always a competition,” Fulmer said. “John ... has played and has the upper hand. He’s certainly done nothing so far but pull himself further to the forefront.”
Meanwhile, Clawson said McCallie standout B.J. Coleman, who took a couple snaps during the scrimmage, is showing promise.
“B.J.’s done a really nice job. He’s fundamentally very sound,” Clawson said. “I think you can tell how well coached B.J. was in high school. ... He’s really got good fundamentals throwing the football. He’s a hard worker. He really works at it and cares about it, and I think he’s made good progress.”
Playing the Buckeyes
Thursday, Tennessee announced a two-year series with Ohio State for 2018 and ’19. Fulmer said he can’t wait for the new competition.
“I’ll be right here waiting on them,” he said 10 years ahead of the matchup. “We’ve talked about the scheduling as we’ve gone along. We’ve always had a big-time opponent early. Ohio State certainly fits into that category. … We’re trying to play the best of the best, so it’s OK.”
Former player dies
Fulmer gave his condolences to the family of Heath Benedict, who redshirted at Tennessee in 2002. Benedict was found dead on a couch in his home.
“That was really sad to hear. I don’t know any of the details,” Fulmer said. “We certainly wish his family all the comfort we can pass along from the Tennessee family.”
E-mail Will Woodbery at sports@timesfreepress.com
