Center remains concern for Vols after latest injury

Coach Phillip Fulmer continued to hunt for a second-string tailback behind starter Gerald Riggs during the Volunteers’ first major scrimmage of the preseason.

Quarterbacks Rick Clausen and Erik Ainge remained even in their competition for the starting spot.

Fulmer saw some things he liked about the revamped secondary.

“We got a lot done on both sides of the ball. There were some big plays on offense which I was glad to see. Some big hits on the defense which I was glad to see,” he said. “Overall, I was pleased.”

Heavy rain and lightning forced the afternoon scrimmage at Neyland Stadium to stop for about 30 minutes before Fulmer decided to move it to the indoor field.

Richie Gandy was projected to be the starter at center to replace last year’s senior Jason Respert, but Gandy tore a knee ligament this winter. The coaches are trying to be careful with Gandy so he can be fully recovered in time for Tennessee’s opener on Sept. 3 against UAB.

Instead of Gandy, junior David Ligon had the first snap in the scrimmage and immediately went down on that play. He was carted off with his left leg immobilized.

Fulmer said Ligon has a high ankle sprain and was expected to be ready for UAB. Gandy, freshman Josh McNeil and sophomore Michael Frogg alternated at center. Fulmer said starting linemen Rob Smith and Cody Douglas have also practiced at center.

“The center spot is still a concern. Richie is still on the gimpy side,” Fulmer said.

Riggs only had a few carries because the coaches are trying to protect him and are most concerned with finding his backup. Fulmer singled out redshirt freshman Arian Foster, who got loose for a 40-yard run down the sideline, and freshmen LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty.

“I think we’re going to be OK at that position,” Fulmer said.

Clausen took the first snap, but Fulmer said both QBs “handled it pretty well today.”

Clausen was 10-of-13 for 159 yards with two touchdowns. Ainge went 11-of-17 for 129 yards and one TD.

Bret Smith led the receivers with two TDs on six catches for 111 yards. Freshman Josh Briscoe also had six receptions for 99 yards.

The secondary has changed from last year with senior Jason Allen moving from safety to cornerback. Roshaun Fellows opened the scrimmage at the other corner spot with Antwan Stewart and Jonathan Hefney as safeties.

Fulmer is hoping punter Britton Colquitt can be kicker James Wilhoit’s backup so the team will not have to add another kicker to the travel roster. Colquitt, the fourth in his family to punt for Tennessee, hit two 42-yard field goals. There was no punting in the scrimmage.