KNOXVILLE — Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer expressed confidence in former McCallie star quarterback B.J. Coleman, who will start against Hargrave Academy in tonight’s annual junior varsity game at Neyland Stadium.
“He’ll certainly have great demeanor on the field and good leadership and management of the huddle and clock and those kind of things,” Fulmer said.
Although Coleman has yet to get significant playing time this season, Fulmer said recent full-speed practices have helped the redshirt freshman prepare.
“It’s not a scrimmage, but it’s really close to a scrimmage. You can see him getting better and getting more confident and getting fundamentally better.”
In addition, a strongpoint for Coleman has been his ability to lead a team, Fulmer said.
“B.J. is one of those guys that has that personality that you really like being around if you’re a player or a coach.”
As for his personal expectations, Fulmer said, “About 300 yards passing and 150 yards rushing — How would that be?”
Turning the Paige?
Redshirt freshman receiver Ahmad Paige will likely receive his share of reps in tonight’s JV game. But Paige has only played in two games this season.
That’s not due to a lack of talent, Fulmer said.
“It’s really been a shame that a guy like Ahmad with his physical talent hasn’t gotten into a game this year. A lot of different things, him learning how to practice and being focused all the time … he’s really gotten better at. He’s got as much talent as most guys over there. I would expect that he would do very well.”
Berry good
Tennessee sophomore safety Eric Berry has been named one of eight semifinalists for the fifth-annual Lott Trophy.
Berry is tied for the national lead in interceptions with six. He has returned interceptions his first two seasons for 442 yards, an SEC record and only 59 yards away from the NCAA major college record.
Berry is the first sophomore to be named a Lott semifinalist in the five years of the award.
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.
Or login with:
New Account