Coleman: ‘I love this place’

KNOXVILLE — B.J. Coleman says he’s not going anywhere.

With Tennessee still reeling from a 13-7 loss to Wyoming Saturday and last week’s news that Phillip Fulmer would not return as head coach next season, the former McCallie School quarterback again tried to put to rest rumors that he would transfer.

“I committed to the University of Tennessee,” the redshirt freshman said after practice Tuesday. “I love this place. I’m a kid from this state. I’d love nothing more than to play in front of the fans at Neyland Stadium. They’re important to me.”

Fulmer said last Saturday that he would consider using Coleman at quarterback in UT’s final two games after sophomore Nick Stephens and junior backup Jonathan Crompton failed to spark UT’s sputtering offense. Coleman said he was “very close” to entering the game against Wyoming.

Fulmer didn’t sound so certain Tuesday.

“I don’t know if you all think he’s the next quarterback next Saturday or not,” Fulmer said to an assembled group of reporters. “I don’t think so. He’s not there. B.J.’s a ways away still.”

With the Volunteers having an open date this week, Coleman is using the extra time to get closer to playing. Long after most players had left the indoor practice field at the UT athletic complex Tuesday, he was throwing balls to receivers.

“I’m going to get myself ready,” Coleman said. “That way if one of those guys (Stephens and Crompton) can’t go, I’ll be ready to go.”

He’ll likely receive his share of snaps as the starter in Thursday’s annual junior varsity game against Hargrave Military Academy at Neyland Stadium.

But Coleman said he’s itching to get a chance to play against Vanderbilt on Nov. 22.

“Anybody’s who’s anybody who’s a competitor is going to love to play the game,” Coleman said. “I’d love to have an opportunity, but when the time will be right, the time will be right. You’ve always got to be careful what you wish for. When it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Vinson not suspended

Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson didn’t play for the second straight week, but Fulmer said the sophomore wasn’t sidelined because of a suspension.

“Brent’s had, since the beginning of the season, different issues and we tried to work with him, and at times he shows some maturity and other times not so much,” Fulmer said. “It wasn’t necessarily just a punishment thing, but you’ve got to do right things in the classroom.”

Vinson was suspended against South Carolina after he was cited for marijuana possession and violation of the state’s open-container law.

Injury updates

Fulmer said the off week will allow several injured players the chance to rest and recover, including defensive tackle Dan Williams (ankle) and wide receiver Josh Briscoe (concussion), both of whom left Saturday’s game early.