University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Hold Media Day; Full Squad Begins Practice Tomorrow
August 10, 2000 | Football
Coach Fulmer on the Vols' Quarterback SituationTennessee held its annual Media Day today signaling the start of the 2000 football season. The Vols' varsity reported to campus yesterday in preparation for the start of two-a-day practices for the full squad which begin tomorrow (Aug. 11). Prior to player interviews at Neyland Stadium, head coach Phillip Fulmer addressed the media in his annual preseason press conference.
"Everyone reported in good shape. I'm really proud of team, and I really like the attitude of this football team," Fulmer said. "It is very important for us to minimize our weaknesses and maximize our strengths. Our staff and team are very in-tune to the challenges we have ahead."
One of the first challenges ahead for the Vols will be in the area of leadership. "When you lose five juniors you don't only lose the ability those guys had but you also lose their experience, maturity and leadership they bring to the team," Fulmer said. "I have been impressed with the seniors we have returning and several of the juniors who have stepped up to lead this team. I'm encouraged and think we have made really good progress from a leadership standpoint." Another top priority will be settling the starting quarterback position.
"Everybody is interested in our quarterback position as the coach certainly is," Fulmer said. "All three of those young men are outstanding young men, and they have really worked hard in the offseason. All three of them want to be the quarterback at Tennessee. I'm encouraged at where they are. Even though the experience level is not what you want. They certainly have the attitude and physical tools to be good quarterbacks."
Albert Haynesworth and Edward Kendrick will be limited during the opening days of practice. Omari Hand has moved to linebacker and Travis Colston has moved to fullback. Troy Fleming will work at both fullback and tailback.
