College Sports

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Replacing the leaders of last year's Tennessee Volunteer squad is a work in progress, coach Phillip Fulmer said Friday.

Gone are the likes of linebacker Jerod Mayo, quarterback Erik Ainge and other seniors who helped guide the team from several tough midseason losses to a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship.

"In last year's case, we're going to miss a whole bunch of them," Fulmer said.

The Vols have a deep pool of talent on both offense and defense this year, and there's no shortage of players with potential to step up.

Fulmer and his coaching staff have spent time in the offseason discussing which players might be best suited to the leadership role.

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton, a redshirt junior, by nature of his position will be expected to be among them.

Having a new quarterback can make the leadership transition a little more difficult, but Fulmer credited Crompton to adjusting his demeanor on and off the field to be suited for that role.

"He needs to go out and play — and play well — in a couple of ballgames, and I think the team and the offense particularly will endorse him," Fulmer said.

As a fourth year player, running back Arian Foster also will be looked to for leadership. So will veteran players like offensive guard Anthony Parker, defensive tackle Demonte Bolden and defensive end Robert Ayres.

But it's not just the older guys who will be expected to inspire their teammates. Fulmer said he sees potential in younger players like sophomore tight end Luke Stocker and sophomore strong safety Eric Berry.

"In the secondary, it's pretty obvious to me that Eric Berry, even though he's a true sophomore, can excite the football team with his play and put himself in a position of leadership," Fulmer said.