[Tuck4Bama]

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer never doubted that Brent Vinson would be able to help the Vols in the secondary.

But even Fulmer has been a bit surprised by how well Vinson, a freshman wide receiver, has played in his first week of practice as a part-time cornerback.

"He's done better than I could have even thought he might, doing both," Fulmer said Wednesday.

"He's a very good athlete and he has a good bit of experience already playing in the secondary, at corner in man-to-man and zone principles. He understands, and it's a very positive outcome of a look there."

The Vols' coaching staff decided to play Vinson on both sides of the ball after senior cornerback Antonio Gaines suffered a season-ending knee injury in Saturday's win over Southern Miss.

Based on the depth chart, Vinson would be the Vols' fifth or sixth option to play cornerback. But Fulmer hasn't ruled out the possibility that Vinson will play Saturday against fifth-ranked Florida.

Freshman is good fit at corner - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 09/13/07

[Taylor the Tiger]

The Vols have a lot of good freshmen talent in the backfield with Berry and Vinson. I will almost guarantee Berry will be the best defensive back in the Nation by the time he leaves college. Look for him to get some plays on offense as well before it's all said and done.