WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsVols' Smith focused on responsibilities, not sacks

Vols' Smith focused on responsibilities, not sacks
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UT Sports) -- With Tennessee set to open the 2011 campaign against Montana on Saturday, the Vols have spent the past few days studying film and preparing game strategy.

For sophomore defensive lineman Jacques Smith, what he has seen so far looks familiar.

"They are a spread team," Smith said. "That's basically what we are going to see this year. Cincinnati is a spread team, Florida is a spread team. It's nothing that we haven't seen before, but they are a good team. I can't wait to play them and it's going to be a good game.

While Smith sees Montana's spread scheme as an opportunity to wreak havoc in the backfield, he also understands that his role on the defensive line is an important one because the zone read is a key play in the Grizzly offense.

"(The spread) gives me the opportunity to rush the passer. That's a good thing, but at the same time I have to play responsibilities and not get too much of my momentum up field because there are a lot of things that can happen.

"They basically read the defensive ends, therefore there are times where I can't be full go on getting the quarterback. I have to sit back on my haunches, read the quarterback and play my responsibilities. It's really tough, especially when you get into the two-minute and you are thinking pass, pass, pass and next thing you know they hit a draw. It's really tough but we practice it day-in and day-out. It is something that we have really been emphasizing in our practices so I think I will be prepared for it."

Bray braces for Montana
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UT Sports) -- Sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray will start his sixth collegiate game Saturday. The signal caller has a lot of respect for the Grizzlies and has been paying attention to their defense. Last season, Montana had the third-best pass defense in FCS, allowing just 140.0 yards per game through the air.

"They have No. 2 Trumaine Johnson, a cornerback," Bray said. "He's quick, really fast. Their linebackers are really disciplined. It's going to be a tough game."

Aside from a win against Montana, Bray has a another goal for the game on Saturday.

"The completion percentage, keeping that up (is a goal). It's been a little low in the past. Keeping that up would be good," said Bray, who added 70-75 percent as his target.

Last season, Montana allowed opponents to complete 50.7 percent of their passes. Tennessee had no starting experience at quarterback entering last season.

"Certainly, we're more comfortable at the quarterback position because we have five games under the belt, which last year we didn't have any," Dooley said. "Tyler is doing a good job. He's really working hard and I'm hoping the results will show."

Vols veteran Ben Martin to start after season off
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - On a Tennessee team loaded with freshmen and sophomores, defensive end Ben Martin sticks out a bit.

Fellow defensive lineman Malik Jackson calls Martin "Father Time" because of the length of his college career and his calm demeanor.

At 23 years old, Martin, a fifth-year senior, is older than most of his teammates. Yet he's earned their respect by quietly working his way back into the lineup from a pair of Achilles' tendon injuries that kept him off the field for a season. He's listed as a starter for the Volunteers' opener against Montana on Saturday.

The time away gave Martin plenty of extra hours in the weight room around rehabilitation sessions. He added about 15 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame and is up to about 265 pounds.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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