University of Tennessee Athletics
YOUNGSTERS COULD SHINE ON VOLS' REVAMPED OFFENSIVE LINE
September 21, 2005 | Football
Sept. 21, 2005
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Tennessee travels to LSU Saturday with a seriously reshuffled offensive line in tow.
Saturday's knee and ankle injuries to senior captain Cody Douglas along with preseason mishaps suffered by centers Richie Gandy and David Ligon have the coaching staff calling for a major overhaul heading into this weekend's SEC showdown at LSU.
"Obviously, you don't like all of the shuffling because your continuity is affected some," head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "But we've got some injuries and have had from the beginning."
The Vols are giving first-time starts to redshirt freshman Anthony Parker at center and sophomore Eric Young at left tackle. Joining him will be regulars Rob Smith at left guard, Albert Toeaina at right tackle and the versatile Arron Sears moving to right guard.
Parker has played center in both games this season and was called out by Fulmer as the team's most improved player during last month's preseason camp. Young is another prospect who has made strides over the past six weeks.
"I like Rob Smith; he can play anywhere," Fulmer said. "I like Arron Sears; he can play anywhere. Eric Young has earned his stripes and we'll see what he gets done in a big ballgame.
"Albert's done well and worked his rear off to get where he is. Anthony Parker's a good player as well. I know there will be some issues as far as him being able to do everything just like I want it but he went in on a drive where we scored and did a heck of a job. We'll be OK."
Fulmer said Smith likely would see time at center, where he played the entire game against UAB, and was not ready to count out game action this weekend by Gandy, Ligon or Douglas.
"David's was a 4-6 week injury (high ankle sprain) and it's been about four weeks," Fulmer said. "He's trying to get back."
The Vols practiced for nearly two hours Wednesday at Haslam Field, working to fight through the effects of Saturday's 16-7 loss at Florida.
"We have had three really good days of preparation," Fulmer said. "I'm really pleased with how the team has tried to bounce back. They've got a good attitude about what we need to get done and look forward to the challenge."
Kickoff Saturday is set for 6:45 p.m. Central time, with the Vol Network carrying the radio broadcast and ESPN providing the telecast.
INJURY UPDATE (LSU Week): Probable -- DB Jonathan Hefney (shoulder), DE Jared Hostetter (knee), C David Ligon (ankle); Questionable -- C Richie Gandy (knee), LB Marvin Mitchell (shoulder); Doubtful -- OG Cody Douglas (ankle/knee); Out -- DB Jarod Parrish (knee); Out for Season -- QB Jonathan Crompton (shoulder), OL Cameron Mayo (knee), LB Rico McCoy (ankle).
