By JIM STEELE
pressbox1.com

KNOXVILLE - Tennessee's defense last year was somewhat pourous when it came to stopping the run. There were problems, injuries and the usual maladies that come with a 12-game regular season.

This year, there is talent on the defensive side of the ball and some high expectations. The secondary returns just one starter, Jonathan Hefney, who was second on the team with 96 tackles last season. The glass-half-full crowd will see this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Count Covington's Antonia Gaines as part of that crowd.

Gaines is a senior defensive back for the Vols football team and is optimistic about the defense and his chances for playing time.

"We have a lot of big challenges in front of us, but it's all looking good right now," said Gaines. "We just have to play hard and play every play like it's our last."

Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis said that now is the time for some of the younger players to step up, including Gaines.

"He has speed and he stepped up for us in a big, big way, but he should have" said Chavis. "He's been here for a long time."

Gaines had a good spring practice and is poised for some significant playing time.

"We're inexperienced, but it's all coming to us," said Gaines. "We have great coaches, a great supporting staff."

Having to open up with a nationally-ranked contender like California doesn't make things any easier. The Golden Bears feature some good receivers and finished the season rated 14th a year ago with a 10-3 mark.

"They have real good receivers and it's going to be real tough for us against California," Gaines said. "We really have to be ready for the challenge."

"Antonio and the rest of the secondary has to be ready to take advantage of their opportunities," said Chavis. "Antonio comes to compete."