Nov. 8, 2006

C: J. McNeil

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer said he expects to make a decision Thursday on the starting quarterback for Saturday's SEC encounter at Arkansas.

The Vols coach revealed that last week's process of a game-time decision on the health and availability of junior Erik Ainge would not be repeated. Ainge, who injured his ankle Oct. 28 at South Carolina, started Saturday's game against LSU but was limited to only three series before giving way to redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton, who went the rest of the way.

"I think it was unsettling for Erik," Fulmer said. "I think it was unsettling -- after going through it -- for Jonathan and it was unsettling for David (Cutcliffe). Now (Jonathan) has played. Now everybody knows what he can do and everybody can play around his strengths.

"We also know better the limitations we have if it is Erik."

Fulmer added that redshirt freshman LaMarcus Coker likely will see action for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 21 returning a kick against Alabama. Despite missing the last two games, Coker still leads Tennessee in rushing with 393 yards and a 6.3-yard rushing average.

"He's way ahead of where we thought he might be," Fulmer said. "He'll play."

Kickoff from Reynolds Razorback Stadium is set for 6 p.m. Central time, with the Vol Network carrying the radio broadcast and ESPN2 handling the telecast.

McBRIDE THIS WEEK'S CAREacter STAR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Tennessee senior defensive tackle Turk McBride was named this week's CAREacter Star Athlete of the Week for his on-field performance and commitment to off-field success.

A Camden, N.J. product, McBride already has passed his previous career high for tackles in a season with 45, ranking fourth on the team. McBride moved over from defensive end earlier this year after the injury to Justin Harrell and has been the Vols most consistent run-stopper. He had seven tackles against LSU, including a tackle for loss.

Off the field, McBride is majoring in sociology and has been a leader in the team's community service work. McBride says he enjoys Knoxville and the surrounding community.