Senior Keon Moore and junior Daryon Brutley are battling for a first string spot. Speedy sophomore Corey Yates and redshirt freshman Greg Brooks also could figure in the mix at cornerback. Special teams Junior Brant Hanna is back after a solid season at placekicker. Sophomore Don Urquhart could challenge for kickoff duties. Mark Haulman won the punting job in the spring.
Mills seems ready to blossom as a kick returner.
Tennessee marks the third time in four years the Eagles start the season on the road against a ranked opponent, following matchups versus No. 2 Florida in 1997 and No. 13 Penn State in 1998. On paper, the Eagles have a shot at being as successful as last year's team, which won Conference USA, finished 9-3 and was ranked 14th nationally in the final poll. Several untested players will be asked to fill vacancies left by some of the brighest stars in school history. That's a big challenge, but USM coaches are confident in the abilities of these replacements. Players like Kelly, Nix, Cedric Scott and Barnes will be expected to take on even bigger roles as the Eagles chase their fourth league championship in five seasons.