Junior college transfer Cordarrelle Patterson was already one of the most anxiously anticipated members of the Vols' most reason signing class. His potential value to the offense increased exponentially in the last week though with the news that Da'Rick Rogers is no longer a part of the Vols' football program.

Expectations for Patterson were running high before that development. The good news is that athletically, he's lived up to the hype. Now though, Patterson doesn't have the luxury of easing into the offense as a dangerous third target benefitting from the attention defenses would have to pay the Vols already proven wideouts.

It's certainly added some urgency to Patterson's development, but if he's feeling the heat, he's definitely not showing it.

Derek Dooley has been complimentary of Patterson from virtually the first day of camp while at the same time doing his best to temper expectations a bit.

With the prized recruit now in the starting line-up, the head stresses that Patterson has earned the chance on the field.

EARLY HOMECOMING

With 17 scholarship players on the roster coming from the state of Georgia, it's not hard to see why some on the Vols are viewing Friday night's opener in the Georgia Dome as a special experience.

Several of the Vols, including Ja'Wuan James, had a chance to play in the building during their high school days, and are excited about the chance to do it again as collegians.

"It makes it a lot of fun, a lot of the guys are from Georgia and they're excited about going home to play. I've been talking to Raijon about it all offseason. We're all excited, we just want to go out there and show out," James said.


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