Phillip Fulmer gives Jeremy Pruitt the dreaded vote of confidence

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Phillip Fulmer stood in for Jeremy Pruitt on Monday as guest speaker at the Knoxville Quarterback Club while Tennessee's football coach was away recruiting.

"He's doing exactly what he needs to be doing today," Tennessee's athletics director said.

Fulmer also stood up for Pruitt and the job he's doing as the Vols' first-year coach, saying: "I can say with certainty that we have got us a heckuva football coach. I'm absolutely certain."

Fulmer listed Pruitt's toughness, his communication skills and his passion among his coaching assets.

"He pushes the kids," Fulmer said. "I'm surprised we haven't had more kids ..."

He stopped in mid-thought, backtracked and said, "I'm surprised we haven't had more kids being upset."

Fulmer later added, "They'll be better men because of (Pruitt), not just better football players."

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