Young, a 6-7, 300-pound junior who can play offensive tackle or guard, was ticketed to redshirt this season after falling just short of earning a first-team job in preseason. Vol coaches considered him far too valuable to burn a year of eligibility on backup duty, so they planned to hold him out this fall. Tennessee's depth in the offensive line has become a concern, however. Guard Chavis Smith missed the first two games with knee and ankle problems. Then Jason Respert, who started Games 1 and 2 at guard, got so banged up that he was relegated to backup duty in Game 3.
''Because of Respert, we're getting Sean Young ready,'' head coach Phillip Fulmer said.