KNOXVILLE -- Monte Kiffin didn't take too kindly to opposing college football coaches telling recruits that he was planning to retire soon.

Kiffin, Tennessee's 69-year-old defensive coordinator, said a few coaches have been telling high school recruits that he wouldn't be around long enough to coach them at UT. And he boldly responded Thursday night.

"Somebody out there -- and it's been a couple, and I'm not going to say who -- but they said they think Monte Kiffin is going to retire, so you may not want to go there and play for him, because he probably won't be there," he said. "I want to tell you this right now: I ain't retiring, OK? I'm not going back to the NFL.

"I didn't coach in the NFL 25 years to come to Tennessee and get experience to go back to the NFL. I'm not here because of my kid and grandkids -- well, that may be a little bit of the reason -- but I'm going to tell you right here, I'm not going. I'm going to stay right here, I love it here, and I'm going to coach here as long as I can coach."

Welcome, Walls

Tennessee senior Dan Williams said fellow defensive tackle and Memphis native Marlon Walls, a freshman, "definitely" earned his increased playing time last week against Alabama.

Walls, a heralded prospect whose late arrival to preseason camp made him a redshirt candidate, recently overtook senior Andre Mathis on the depth chart and played several snaps in Tuscaloosa.

"Marlon definitely earned it on the practice field," Williams said. "You see Marlon on film in practice with the scout team, and he was working our offense down there. He was doing pass-rushing moves and moving to the ball, and everything else coaches look for.

"You know, I wish he came in here a little bit earlier, because I think if he'd have been here earlier, he'd have been in the rotation at the beginning of the season. But Marlon's learned the defense by working hard and getting extra film study. For a freshman, you'd be surprised at how hard he works. His work ethic has really gotten him an opportunity to start playing."

Walls, who moved just across the border to Mississippi before his high school senior year and initially committed to Ole Miss, took a trip to Knoxville two years ago and claimed to cry when he saw Neyland Stadium. He signed with the Vols but took several academic detours before enrolling at UT and getting through the NCAA clearinghouse just before this season started.

Vols defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, who as Ole Miss's head coach initially secured Walls' commitment to the Rebels, called the converted linebacker and defensive end one of the best prospects he ever saw from the state of Tennessee.

Pass-blocking pressure

Redshirt freshman right tackle Aaron Douglas, whose emergence has quietly boosted UT's passing game, called South Carolina's speed a different but similarly tough challenge than Alabama's size.

"We're going to have a big week as an offensive line protecting the quarterback," said Douglas, a converted tight end whose pass-blocking improvements have amazed several coaches the past few weeks. "We'll (be) focusing on the technique stuff that they do, and the blitzes and schemes and things.

"I think we'll be all right, but they definitely have some really good pass rushers."

Pick party

UT freshman Janzen Jackson said he welcomed the opportunities that South Carolina's downfield passing game would present him.

"I kind of want to switch my game up this week," Jackson said. "I've been telling (Eric Berry) that I ain't going for no more big hits, because big hits ain't a stat. I'm going to try for more interceptions.

"I'm waiting for them to pick on me. You know what I did to bullies in school?"

Asked what he did to bullies in school, Jackson smiled and said, "Nothing ... I can't say."

Other contacts for Wes Rucker are www.twitter.com/wesrucker and www.facebook.com/tfpvolsbeat.