Mapu mops up in new role

The early season move of Tennessee's J.T. Mapu from defensive end to tackle is looking less and less like an emergency measure and more and more like a stroke of genius.

Mapu has improved on a game-by-game basis since making the switch to the interior of UT's defensive front, giving his finest performance to date last Saturday against Alabama.

''J.T. had his best game,'' head coach Phillip Fulmer said. ''He's getting acclimated. He needs to get a lot of fundamental work and to get bigger but he is a tough guy.''