Vols' Berry burns opponents on defense and at quarterback

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Arkansas used the "Wild Hog" formation to turn Darren McFadden into a two-time runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. So on an August afternoon, the question must be asked: Will this be the season that Tennessee unveils the "Wild Berry" formation?

If Eric Berry, a freshman All-America safety in 2007, gets a vote, the answer will be an enthusiastic "Yes!"

"This is something I've been thinking about since I got to Tennessee," said Berry, a high school quarterback who ran for more than 1,500 yards as a senior. "We've talked about it, but now I'm ready to do it."

Apparently so is Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, who has signed off on the idea of giving Berry, who intercepted five passes in 2007, some reps at quarterback during preseason drills. During practice on Aug. 11, Berry took some shotgun snaps at quarterback and worked on a package of plays put together by new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson. The early returns on Berry were good.

"Obviously, he's not going to get a lot of time over there [on offense] because of his responsibilities on defense," Fulmer said. "But Eric is a special talent, and if he can help us on that side of the ball, we need to find a way to make that happen."

Yes, there is always a risk of injury when a guy like Berry carries the ball even a few times in a game. Berry, who won't turn 20 until Dec. 29, is already being called one of the best defensive backs ever to play at Tennessee. Last season, he became the first true freshman to start his very first game on defense during the Fulmer era. After the season, he made every freshman All-America team you can name.

"When you put it all together — talent, knowledge of the game and worth ethic — he's the best I've ever coached," UT secondary coach Larry Slade said. "And the great thing is that Eric is just getting started. Last year, he was just doing it on sheer talent. But now he's had a year to study the game and learn what works. He's very special."

As special as Berry is on defense, putting him on offense for a limited number of plays each game is worth the risk, the Tennessee coaches said. Last season, he returned those five interceptions for 222 yards, which was the second-highest total in SEC history. He had a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown against Florida. He returned two interceptions for 98 yards against Arkansas.

"I watched Eric in high school, and when you put the ball in his hands he usually does something with it," Slade said. "In an era of 85 scholarships, you have to be smart about using the talent that you have. I'd love to see Eric go to offense and make some big plays. But then he has to come right back to us [on defense] because we need him."

Demetrice Morley, Berry's running mate at the other safety position, says that this will be the season where the whole world will discover that Berry is one of the best players at any position in all of college football.

"Understand that last year he was just out there flying around and hitting people. He would make mistakes but could make up for most of them because he had so much talent," Morley said. "But now he knows what's going on. The guy studies film like crazy. He knows what everybody on the defense is supposed to do on every play. He is going to be incredible this season."

The perfect example of Berry's improvement on the mental side of the game took place in Tennessee's 59-20 loss at Florida last September. In the first quarter, Tim Tebow threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper that went just over Berry's outstretched hand.

"I thought I could intercept the ball, but I was out of position," Berry said. "In high school, I could have gotten it. But at this level you have to be smarter."

"This year, Eric makes that play," Slade said. "He understands technique. He understands how to play the ball. He's come light years from that game."

If Tennessee hopes to repeat as SEC East champions, the Volunteers will have to improve on a defense that was 11th in the conference last season. Berry is confident that will happen.

"This group is together and I think people are going to be surprised at how good this defense is," Berry said. "People aren't talking about Tennessee much this season. But we'll be ready."

And so will the "Wild Berry" formation.

Tony Barnhart writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.