Freshman Gets Nod

Posted Dec 26, 2006 by Adam Adkins

Updated Dec 26, 2006 at 05:21 PM

Tennessee true freshman OG Jacques McClendon will make his first career start against the Nittany Lions, stepping in for sophomore OG Anthony Parker, who is out with a knee injury.

‘‘Jacques earned the right to start,’’ Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. ‘‘Physically he’s there. I do know and understand there will be some freshman mental mistakes ... so that’s a challenge against a team that is as multiple as Penn State is. But I’m expecting him to play his rear off in this football game. If he does anything less than that I’ll be disappointed, and I’m sure he will be, too.’’

McClendon will be the first freshman starter on the offensive line since current senior OT Arron Sears in 2003 against Mississippi State.