KNOXVILLE — With the possibility of injury always lurking, football teams must have contingency plans.

In recognition of this, Tennessee coaches focused their attention almost exclusively on second- and third-team units during Tuesday’s practice, dubbed “National Twos Get Better Day.”

For coach Phillip Fulmer, preparing for the worst is important.

“What if we lost two centers?” Fulmer asked. “What would we do?”

The special practice, held during camp every year, also underscores UT coaches’ emphasis on developing depth on a team in which several positions still are unsettled.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the opening at strongside linebacker is up for grabs, with Adam Myers-White and Nevin McKenzie still battling for the spot.

Sophomore Victor Thomas and freshman Donald Langley are competing for the fourth defensive tackle position, a spot vacated by Chase Nelson, who injured his knee early in camp.

Tuesday’s announcement that tight end Brandon Warren had been cleared to play by the NCAA gave that position some stability. But offensive coordinator Dave Clawson likely won’t get too comfortable.

“The one thing about football is things always change,” he said. “We were prepared to play without him (Warren), and we still have to prepare because things can happen injury-wise (to) not just Brandon Warren, but any player on our team.”

Neuheisel picks QB

First-year UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel told The Associated Press on Tuesday that redshirt junior Kevin Craft will start at quarterback for the Bruins in their season opener against Tennessee on Sept. 1. Craft was competing with redshirt freshman Chris Forcier for the job.

Scholarship additions

Sophomore Nick Reveiz and juniors Morgan Cox and Cody Sullins were placed on scholarship for the 2008-09 academic year.

Reveiz, a reserve linebacker, led Tennessee last year in special-teams tackles. Cox is entering his second season handling the deep snapper’s duties for both punting and placements, while Sullins has been a regular on SEC travel squads and is splitting time this year at center and guard.

Lincoln ready to go

Sophomore kicker Daniel Lincoln said he’s ready for UT’s season opener against UCLA. Lincoln had a near-perfect scrimmage Saturday night, connecting on eight of nine field-goal tries.

“I think the biggest thing is being able to get the mental work in,” Lincoln said. “I think the physical work is pretty much done at this point in camp. It’s getting pretty rough playing against your own teammates all the time. We’re definitely looking forward to get into UCLA week.”

Jones ‘honored’

Sophomore wide receiver Gerald Jones has received his share of praise from coaches for his play in camp.

His performance in Saturday’s scrimmage proved he’s not undeserving of such accolades. Jones caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s scrimmage.

“To play at a place like Tennessee, and have coaches say they want to try to get the ball to you, that’s a great compliment,” Jones said. “I’m really honored.”

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