UT’s Coker back from suspension

While Fulmer never made clear what Coker had done to get suspended, the coach said Coker ‘has fulfilled his obligations’ to return to the team starting with practice Saturday.

The decision, Fulmer said, came ‘at the recommendation of his (Coker’s) medical advisers.’

Though he will be back, Coker will not make the trip to California for the Tennessee’s season opener Sept. 1. ‘I do expect him to return against Southern Miss if he continues on a positive track,’ Fulmer said of the home opener the following week.

‘He’s worked out some, I don’t know how much,’ Fulmer said. ‘Really, he’s been quite busy doing other things.’

Fulmer also said that the troubled tailback’s attitude through the entire ordeal has been exceptional, but coach quickly wanted to divert questions to other topics.

The sophomore led the Vols with 696 rushing yards his freshman year, even though he was sidelined for two games by an injured knee. He was competing for time this season with junior Arian Foster and sophomore Montario Hardesty.

Coker, who had a pair of touchdown runs for more than 80 yards each last season, was suspended for several practices last December for undisclosed reasons.