Vols hold short practice, address Cottam injury on Wednesday

Vols hold short practice, address Cottam injury on Wednesday

August 22, 2007

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer said Wednesday afternoon was just what his team needed. 

"This was a mental day, not so physical for us," Fulmer said after the 45 minute walk-through inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center. "It lets them get their legs back."

The Vols worked on kicking situations, sideline and timeout management and substitutions before correcting a few mistakes from Tuesday's scrimmage.

"It was a good day for us and we should feel good about getting ready for Cal starting Thursday," Fulmer said.

The Vols coach talked about the loss of tight end Brad Cottam, expected to miss 2-3 months with a wrist injury suffered Tuesday.

"That's a tough loss for us," Fulmer said. "And it's really tough for him, being a senior and a guy who had really come a long way. But that's part of football. It's a very physical game and everyday you read about somebody who gets injured and that gives somebody else an opportunity to step up."

Quarterback Erik Ainge said, "I just feel bad for him. He's been battling stuff all summer with his knees, hernia surgery.... Then finally getting healthy playing good, then something like that happens. You hate to see it for the team but more for him."

Fulmer mentioned senior Chris Brown's leadership as key, but also said the chance is there for both Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker to play roles.

"(Jeff) gives us a real physical presence as well as a big guy that can catch the ball. And probably the most improved guy has been Luke Stocker. He's just had a heck of a fall camp."