University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Record Strong Semester in Classroom
December 17, 2003 | Football
Dec. 17, 2003
KNOXVILLE (Dec. 17) -- Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer reported that his 2003 squad made a strong showing in the classroom in the just completed fall semester.
Fulmer indicated that all players will be eligible to compete in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Atlanta Jan. 2.
"We will not have anyone miss the bowl game due to academics, which reflects a great effort on our guys' part," Fulmer said.
Tennessee's seniors all remain in good standing and 36 Vols turned in grade point averages of 3.0 or better. Eight squad members seniors graduated at the semester's end.
Fulmer noted that 70 Tennessee football players have graduated since fall, 1998 while also compiling the SEC's best record (59-16) during that time period.
"We're very proud of that," he said.
Tennessee players who went through graduation ceremonies Sunday were Casey Clausen, Anthony Herrera, Mark Jones, Michael Munoz, Philip Newman, Robert Peace, Constantin Ritzmann and Scott Wells.
Vols Conduct 40-Play Scrimmage in Wednesday Practice
After a 60-minute workout, Tennessee's starters moved to the sidelines while the second and third-team members staged a full-contact, 40-play indoor scrimmage at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center Wednesday.
The Vols are in the midst of preparations for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game with Clemson at Atlanta Jan. 2.
"We had a really good scrimmage, which will be good for the younger players," head coach Phillip Fulmer said.
Under a scoring system devised by the coaching staff, the defense prevailed over the offense, 28-12. Fulmer said he was encouraged by the showing of several players who have yet to see game action.
"Our little tailback, David Yancey, hit it really well," Fulmer said. "And I'm really encouraged about (offensive lineman) Eric Young as we go along. He's still learning, but we're encouraged."
Fulmer gave the work prior to the scrimmage a passing grade.
"We got an hour of Wednesday-type work, which means, screens, draws and drop-back passes," he said. "I thought the intensity and focus was pretty good, but probably not as great as it should have been. I think they were looking forward to the scrimmage."
Tennessee tweaked its bowl practice schedule from previous years, eliminating two-a-day practices but increasing off-field activities.
"I think the kids have enjoyed it more, the coaches have enjoyed it more and we've had more preparation time, which is the essence of it," he said. "Again, we're trying to be team-oriented and this team has been very good that way."
