University of Tennessee Athletics
ASUMNU, ASH JOIN VOLS FOR PRACTICE TRYOUT
March 30, 2006 | Football
March 30, 2006
Tennessee's three-hour practice Thursday included a couple of new faces.
UT basketball senior Stanley Asumnu and former Vol footballer Ell Ash were on Haslam Field and working with the team, participating in a trial period over the remaining days of spring practice.
Fulmer said Asumnu contacted him about the possibility of a tryout.
"Stanley offered to come out and try a little football since his basketball eligibility is up," Fulmer said. "Certainly from an attitude, size and speed standpoint, it's all positive. He hasn't played since the eighth grade, but there are a lot of guys who have come out of basketball and played football.
"We'll see how he does."
The Houston native appeared in 113 games for the Vols with 33 starts. He averaged eight points and better than three rebounds for this year's squad while making 15 starts.
Asumnu has one more acclimation day without pads before donning full gear.
Ash was a redshirt freshman on the 2005 team before being dismissed Nov. 17 for violation of team rules. He remained a member of Tennessee's track and field squad as a shot put and discus thrower.
"Some of the players on our unity council and some of our academic advisors approached me about giving him a second chance," Fulmer said. "Ell has convinced me he is serious about it. He has made apologies to the team and the appropriate coaches.
"He seems to have a very good attitude but there are no promises about whether he wants to be on the team. We're going to take these six practices and see how he does."
Fulmer said Ash, from Willingboro, N.J., would not return to scholarship status in the fall.
"If he stays, he will pay his own way."
