When Tennessee's Orange and White Game ended April 19, coach Phillip Fulmer had just one regret.

"I'd like to have about 30 more days of spring practice," he said.

That's because Fulmer left Neyland Stadium feeling good about the team's progress in general and the improvement of the offense in particular. The unit seemed to catch on to the system of new coordinator Dave Clawson as the spring went on, displaying its grasp of things in the spring game.

Junior Jonathan Crompton, who played the last week of spring practice despite an elbow injury which resulted in surgery days after spring practice's end, threw for 266 yards on 13-of-20 passing in the Orange and White Game. That performance clinched the No. 1 spot on the depth chart going into August drills.

Otherwise, there wasn't much to watch in terms of players winning starting jobs. Most of the offense returns intact, while the defense should be improved after getting shredded at times last year due to injuries and a lack of playmakers.

The team appeared to reinforce depth on the offensive line, while punter Chad Cunningham assuaged some fears by kicking well. Cunningham will be important as senior Britton Colquitt sits out the first five games due to a suspension.

--TB Arian Foster picked up just one carry in the Orange and White Game, but everyone knows what he can do. After rushing for 1,193 yards in 2007, Foster impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic in the spring, learning the new offense as though his job depended on it.

--SS Eric Berry was a high school senior at this time last year. Now he's arguably the best player at his position in the SEC. The sophomore is part of a secondary that returns a staggering six players with starting experience. With the hard-hitting Berry teaming up with 2006 starter Demetrice Morley, the Volunteers should have the best pair of safeties in the conference.

SPRING MOVERS:

QB Jonathan Crompton -- There were questions about Crompton's development and work ethic last year, leading some to believe that redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman could win the starting job. But Crompton buckled down and earned the No. 1 spot going into August. Now it remains to be seen if Crompton can convert his enormous potential into game results.

TB Lennon Creer -- An injury to Montario Hardesty early in the spring gave Creer extra reps and he made the most of them. In the Orange & White Game, Creer rushed for 59 yards in 10 carries, although he could still stand to improve on short-yardage plays. But if Foster gets hurt and has to miss time, Creer displayed he'd be a capable replacement.

FS Demetrice Morley -- A starter in 2006, Morley sat out last year to get his academic profile back in order. Now that he's done so, he'll team with Berry to give Tennessee two terrific safeties. A hard hitter who seems to show up around the ball continually, Morley gives the secondary a presence it lacked last year, simply because of its general inexperience.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's a football junkie like I am." -- Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, asked about new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.

2008 OUTLOOK: This could be a better team than the one which won the SEC East Division title last year, but the record might not show it because Georgia, Florida and South Carolina will be pretty stout. The key will be how first-year starter Jonathan Crompton does at quarterback. If he avoids mistakes, the offense has enough proven players back to score points. The defense should be improved, although it will be hard to replace LB Jerod Mayo.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: With one of the SEC's best tailbacks in Arian Foster and one of its top receivers in Lucas Taylor, Tennessee has enough go-to players to make QB Jonathan Crompton's transition to the lineup a smooth one. Most of the offensive line is back after allowing an NCAA-low four sacks last year. Watch for WR Gerald Jones to play an increased role, particularly as a quarterback with a package of plays inside the opponents' 20 which has been dubbed the G-Gun.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: A much-maligned unit for most of last year, the Vols should be improved on defense. It will be especially notable in the secondary, where they return six players with starting experience. The line welcomes back both tackles in Dan Williams and Demonte' Bolden, while end Robert Ayers could offer a big-time pass rush if he becomes more consistent. The big question mark is how will they replace LB Jerod Mayo, the SEC's leading tackler in 2007?

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Daniel Lincoln tailed off a bit at last year's end, but still converted 21-of-29 field goals and scored 115 points as a freshman. P Chad Cunningham will start for the first five games while senior P Britton Colquitt serves a suspension for a DUI-related auto accident. The return game got a boost with the emergence of Dennis Rogan, who busted some big returns late in the season. UT must tighten up inconsistent kick and punt coverage.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Starting C Josh McNeil (knee) sat out spring practice, but is expected to be 100 percent for preseason camp. LG Anthony Parker switched over to center for the Orange & White Game.

--WR Lucas Taylor didn't play in the spring to heal a handful of nagging injuries, but should be at full strength by the time preseason camp rolls around.

Previous Report: 05/01/2008