Getting better is goal for UT

Rather than reflecting on how the past few weeks have gone, Tennessee is focused on how they can improve with the remaining days — two now — that are left in spring practice.
“I don’t really have a place that I want them to be after three weeks,” head coach Derek Dooley said. “All I ever really evaluate is, are we getting better each day. How much better really doesn’t matter as long as we are getting a little better. I felt like we have gotten better so I’m happy at this point.
“I won’t be happy if we come out tomorrow and don’t get a little better. That’s all I measure it on. Every day, are we getting a little better than we were yesterday? Is the organization better? Is the program better? Is the team better? Are the coaches better? As long we stay on that track, we’ll get to where we want to be.”
IMPACT PLAYER:  Prentiss Waggner is one of 42 preseason candidates for the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy Award, which honors the top collegiate defensive player in the nation. Waggner is one of 19 defensive backs are eligible to win the eighth annual Lott Trophy.
“I’m surprised to be nominated for this prestigious award, but at the same time, it’s a big honor for me,” Waggner said. “My goal is to be better than last year and improve on my weaknesses. If I work hard, everything else will take care of itself.”
GUEST COACHES: Dooley announced Tuesday that two longtime Knoxville media members, radio host Mickey Dearstone and Knoxville News Sentinel columnist Mike Strange, have been named as celebrity guest head coaches for the 2011 Dish Network Orange and White Game set for Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Strange is currently in his 29th year with the News Sentinel, having joined the newspaper in 1983. He has covered Tennessee football and men’s basketball since 1984.
VOL DRAFT: A draft tonight will determine the rosters for Saturday’s game.
The Dish Network Orange and White Game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game will be streamed live online at foxsportstennessee.com and will also be shown on a tape-delayed basis on SportSouth at three times: Sunday at 7 p.m. and Monday at both midnight and noon.
BREWER PRAISED: Second team All-SEC performers Malik Jackson and Prentiss Waggner spoke highly of sophomore defensive back Brent Brewer following Tuesday’s practice.
“I think Brent is the most improved player this spring,” Waggner said. “Every day he brings it in practice and he’s positive in the film room. We always are looking at film. On the practice field, he’s become fearless out there. No one wants a piece of Brent out there. He’s been a big plus this spring.”
“Brent has been a tremendous player ever since he came back,” Jackson added. “He’s been making big hits. He makes it a lot easier for me to get some extra time to work the pass rush moves. You know he’s back there, and it’s good to have him back there.”

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