University of Tennessee Athletics
VOLS FOSTER, JOHNSON EARN MOST IMPROVED SPRING HONORS
March 29, 2007 | Football
March 29, 2007
Junior offensive lineman Ramon Foster receives the Harvey Robinson Award given to offensive stalwarts, while sophomore cornerback Marsalous Johnson earns the Andy Spiva Award for most improved defender. The duo will be recognized for their achievements during Saturday's Edamerica Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium.
Foster, a 6-6, 325-pounder from Henning in West Tennessee, shared this same honor two years ago en route to appearing in seven games as a redshirt freshman. He started games that season against UAB and Kentucky, but appears to have gained a firm hold on a starting position heading into 2007 with his performances last season and this month.
"Ramon Foster was a big key for us this spring," offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said. "He has really improved and is another one of those guys who can play right guard and left guard, can play right tackle and left tackle."
Johnson is a 5-9, 180-pounder from Smyrna in Middle Tennessee who appeared in eight games last year and split time between secondary play and returning kickoffs. He finished with two tackles and ran back five kickoffs for just under a 17-yard average.
"We have thought Marsalous could be that kind of player," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "Now he has gotten the opportunity to be in there every single down and has taken advantage of it."
The award winners, selected annually by the coaching staff, have been chosen at the conclusion of spring practice since 1979. They are named for Robinson, a former UT player (1929-32), assistant coach (1946-52, 1960-63) and head coach (1953-54), and for Spiva, the outstanding Vols linebacker from 1973-76.
FANS SELECT SATURDAY'S STARTING LINEUPS; FREE ADMISSION TO GAME AND FANS DAY
For Saturday's Edamerica Orange and White Game, Tennessee fans had the chance to select startling lineups for the offense and defense. More than 1,500 votes were cast on the UTsports.com Web site and the following individuals were selected:
Offense -- Eric Young and Ramon Johnson at tackle, Ramon Foster and Jacques McClendon at guard, Josh McNeil at center, Chris Brown at tight end, Lucas Taylor and Josh Briscoe at wide receiver, LaMarcus Coker at running back, David Holbert at fullback and Jonathan Crompton at quarterback.
Defense -- Xavier Mitchell and Robert Ayers at end, J.T. Mapu and Demonte' Bolden at tackle, Jerod Mayo, Ryan Karl and Rico McCoy at linebacker, and Jonathan Hefney, Roshaun Fellows, Antonio Wardlow and Antonio Gaines at defensive back.
Online voters also selected the first offensive play of the game, to be featured just after the 2 p.m. kickoff at Neyland Stadium.
Saturday's festivities include free admission to the game and to the Fans Day autograph session at noon. Gates open at 11:45 a.m.
INSIDE THE ORANGE: INSIDE LOOK AT VOLS AND LADY VOLS
This week on "Inside the Orange," viewers hear from Tennessee football offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe and also get an in-depth look at the strength and power behind the 2007 Volunteer linebackers. The 2006-07 Tennessee men's basketball team concluded its NCAA tournament run in the Sweet 16 and "Inside the Orange" takes you inside that match-up.
In Lady Vol land, fans get a glimpse at the basketball team's key wins in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight against Marist and Ole Miss, respectively, to advance to the 2007 Women's Final Four in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, find out what makes Lady Vols softball standout pitcher Monica Abbott such a force on the mound.
The program airs in the following markets: Knoxville's WBIR Channel 10, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.; Tri-Cities' WKPT Channel 19, Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.; Chattanooga's WTVC Channel 9, Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.; Nashville's WZTV Channel 17, Saturdays at noon; CSS, Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; CSTV, Tuesdays TBA; and Fox Sports Net South, TBA.
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