[Tuck4Bama]

KNOXVILLE — It remains to be seen how many carries Tennessee running back LaMarcus Coker will get against Florida on Saturday.

What is certain, however, is the sophomore will get his chance to make some big plays.
Coach Phillip Fulmer said on Thursday that Coker would handle kick return duties alongside freshman Lennon Creer. Coker, a former standout at Antioch High, was suspended indefinitely from the team last month for undisclosed reasons but returned to practice prior to the season opener at Cal on Sept. 1. Coker did not make the trip to Cal but did play sparingly against Southern Miss last weekend. However, he did not return kickoffs.

"He's back where he needs to be as far as handling the ball," Fulmer said. "He's been tackled now and practiced a couple of weeks."

The Vols are hoping the new kickoff rule will benefit the speedy Coker. Kickoffs now take place from the 30-yard line instead of the 35, allowing more opportunities to return kicks instead of taking touchbacks.

Coker will return kicks against Gators - Nashville, Tennessee - Friday, 09/14/07