It would be easy for Eric Berry's head to be bigger than Barry Bonds.'

The Tennessee true freshman is one of the nation's top safeties regardless of class, won more awards than Atonement, and is being looked upon by UT fans as the future face of the football program.

But the Fairburn, Ga., native has plenty to keep him humble. And there's one incident that took place prior to the season that he still harkens back to.
"In two-a-days, I got pancaked by big (offensive lineman) Ramon Foster from standing around the pile," Berry said Friday. "He kind of cleaned my clock. He ran through me like I was a rag doll. That was my 'Welcome to Tennessee' moment."

Since then, there hasn't been one person inside the program who hasn't welcomed his presence.

Berry and a handful of other Tennessee freshmen and first-year players were made available to the media for the first time this season and spoke about their first-year experiences atop Rocky Top. It was a rare glimpse into the minds of the younger players. UT coach Phillip Fulmer does not allow true freshmen to speak with reporters during the regular season.

Changing the rule would have been a good marketing tool, however. UT's freshmen class provided some of the best storylines for the Vols this season. There was Berry's All-America efforts, the special returns from return specialist Dennis Rogan, the solid play of starting cornerback Brent Vinson, and the bruising yet quick rushing ability of running back Lennon Creer.

Receiver Gerald Jones, who electrified UT against Kentucky and LSU, was not available. The freshman from Oklahoma City was issued a citation on Monday for simple possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor.

A few of the freshmen got together at the start of the season and set a goal of making an immediate impact. And more than a few of them accomplished it.

Dennis Rogan, from Fulton High in Knoxville, returned a punt 45 yards to set up the game-winning field goal against Vanderbilt in Neyland Stadium. He also had a 78-yard kickoff return against Arkansas.

Many of the upperclassmen said Rogan was like their little brother and would pile on him with congratulatory pats and slaps after long returns.

"I just got the ball and looked forward to the guys blocking for me," Rogan said. "I guess that's what they were talking about when they said I was like a little brother. The wanted to protect their little brother and that's what they were doing blocking for me."

Brent Vinson received a similar welcome from his teammates. The cornerback came to UT from Hargrave Military Academy and started 10 games. He surprised many with his toughness and shutdown abilities despite playing with an injured left shoulder for most of the season.

"I don't think I looked nervous out there. I played comfortably," said Vinson, who recently had successful surgery on the shoulder. "I don't think a lot of teams took a lot of shots at me because I really didn't get that many balls thrown my way."

The future of UT's running game will most likely be connected to Lennon Creer. With two upperclassmen in front of him next season, Lennon Creer is still expected to receive plenty of playing time, especially since he was impressive at spots this year.

He ran for 109 yards against Louisiana-Lafayette and scored his first touchdown.

"My heart was racing when I scored that touchdown," Creer said. "All the guys were excited for me."

But he made a rookie mistake and didn't keep the ball.

Most of the freshmen on Friday talked about the difficulties adjusting to the speed of college, and more specifically the Southeastern Conference. Knowing what was expected from the coaches and getting used to the rigorous practice schedule were other challenges.

"It was a bit of a whirlwind at first, but once we got acclimated, everything went well for us," said freshman tight end Ben Martin said, a highly-touted recruit out of Cincinnati who suffered a knee injury early last season but returned to play in nine games.

Despite all the success from the first-year players, they know there's no time to get cocky. And just in case some of that starts creeping in, UT's best freshman will set them straight.

"A pat on the back and a kick in the butt is only six inches away," Berry said.

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