[UT Vols News]

Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer took his time and briefly broke down each player position Tuesday prior to a media golf event in Knoxville. He said he was happy with the health of quarterback Erik Ainge. He said he's excited about the depth at linebacker. He said the players' attitudes have been great.

Then he talked about the defensive tackles.

And there was a little pause.

"There is still some work to do and some development to do with those guys," Fulmer said.

The losses of first-round draft pick Justin Harrell (Green Bay), second-round pick Turk McBride (Kansas City) and Matt McGlothlin has raised plenty of questions. Tennessee's current depth chart has a slew of players battling for the two starting tackle spots, including Demonte' Bolden, J.T. Mapu, former Hillsboro High standout Walter Fisher, and Dan Williams.

Combined, those players have played in 39 games but have no starts.

"That will be a real challenge for us as we start fall camp," Fulmer said. "We started that in spring practice by board drills and trying to be physical and make them understand the level it's going to take in the Southeastern Conference. I think they're trying to respond."

Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com - Jackson, TN

[Lefty Noob]

You can't lose guys like Harrell and McBride and not have problems.

The key will be one of the younger guys stepping it up. Who's the most likely candidate to do so?

[KENVOL]

I think J T Mapu will be one of the starters this year but not sure on the other side.