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KNOXVILLE -- Antonio Gaines can't wait to get back on the field, and he'll have plenty of company in the Tennessee secondary this season.

In addition to former freshman All-American Eric Berry, Brent Vinson and Marsalous Johnson are back from injuries. Demetrice Morley's return from a one-year hiatus makes this group one of the most talented that secondary coach Larry Slade has ever seen.

Gaines couldn't wait to get through media day Saturday at Neyland Stadium and move on to practice.

"I'm ready to practice right now," Gaines said. "I don't want to be out here doing interviews right now. I haven't practiced in so long."

Gaines has been out since the second game of last season when he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Returning as a sixth-year senior, Gaines has been able to mentor the younger players in the secondary who are suddenly veterans after the injuries the unit suffered last season.

"(Gaines and Johnson) have a brought a lot of wisdom to the defensive backfield," Berry said. "You can go to them and ask about certain formations...just kind of give you like old man tips."

Joining Gaines and Johnson on the injury list last year was Vinson, who played with a separated shoulder. The sophomore said he is back to full strength for the first time in two years.

"I was only really able to use just my feet," Vinson said. "Things that give DBs advantages is using both of their hands...I just kind of had to throw my body out there."

Vinson said he only recently finished rehab and should be able to join Berry as one of the best safety tandems in the country.

As if their presence wasn't enough, Morley is back after spending the last year away from the university due to academic issues.

For Slade and a secondary full of familiar faces, the next few weeks will be all about seeing if everyone can play at his top level.

"I'm looking forward to seeing where they are," Slade said. "I know (Gaines) is an awfully good football player. Will he get back to where he was before the injury? Marsalous was very consistent. He was having an outstanding year. Can he get back to where he was?"

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BERRY BOTH WAYS?: Berry, a starter at quarterback in high school, said he has already talked to new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson about jumping over and playing some offense. A year removed from playing under center, the sophomore said he still has a good throwing arm.

"I'm just going to focus on defense right now until (Clawson) calls my number," Berry said.

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MORLEY'S RETURN: Morley last played for the Vols in 2006, racking up 51 tackles in 13 games. After missing the 2007 season for academic reasons, Morley said he has a new outlook on his career.

"Getting kicked off opened my eyes," Morley said. "I just had to wake up. I realized there are things in life that you have to do."

As for getting back into form, Morley said he's confident he'll do just fine after spending the entire spring working with the team.

"I don't feel like I lost too much, or anything really," Morley said.