The Rocky Top Talking Points for today include Derek Dooley's excellent reaction to the news that the charges against Austin Johnson have dropped, a Sports Illustrated feature on Tauren Poole, and Tennessee's and Charlie Baggett's search for the slot receiver.

Charges dismissed against Vol linebacker Austin Johnson " GoVolsXtra
"It's good for him," coach Derek Dooley said after Thursday's practice at Haslam Field. "It doesn't change the headline that we all had. "If we could go back three days and just erase everything (media outlets) wrote, it'd be great news but we can't do that."

After wavering about staying in Knoxville, the running - 08.11.11 - SI Vault
FOR ALL THE BRIDGES LANE KIFFIN TORCHED ON HIS WAY OUT OF KNOXVILLE, THE Tennessee faithful can be thankful for a blaze he ignited before he left town, one in the heart of running back Tauren Poole.

Vols use Wes Welker as model " GoVolsXtra
"Anytime you have a pro passing attack, you've got to have a slot guy," Baggett said. "We feel comfortable that we do now and we also have some guys we feel are going to be role players that we can plug in. Some of the young guys really look good. That's exciting to me."

Much more after the jump.

Justin Wilcox getting players more at ease " GoVolsXtra
"Potential and production, OK, those are the two words," Wilcox said after practice Thursday. "Potential gets everybody excited — coaches, fans, you guys (in the media). We're in the same boat, but what we're going to be interested in from here on out is production.

Mike Strange: Peter Sirmon surprised at finding 2nd career " GoVolsXtra
"Pete,'' said defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, Sirmon's college teammate at Oregon, "is a high-output, low-ego guy.

With hands of Stone: Center's grip on situation key focus for Vols " GoVolsXtra
Senior running back Tauren Poole, the player UT's offensive line has vowed to help guide to 2,000 yards this season, singled out Stone on Monday when he discussed the unit's potential. "This summer he's been talking to me about defenses, stunts. I didn't get any of that last year," Poole said. "I was like 'Woah, where did this come from?' It's great to see."

Vol Report: Assistants Weigh In University of Tennessee Athletics

Vol Report: Embracing Physicality University of Tennessee Athletics

Scout.com: Video: Chaney meets the press
While the Tennessee offense doesn't have as many questions marks surrounding it as in 2010, there is still a level of uncertainty due to youth. Sign in or subscribe now to see what offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said to reporters following the third practice.

Scout.com: Video: Wilcox talks Tennessee defense
Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox addresses the media following Tennessee's first day in shoulder pads. Watch as InsideTennessee.com brings you video coverage.

Martin: 'It's an honor' to open Maui Classic against Duke " GoVolsXtra
It will be Tennessee's first meeting with the Blue Devils in more than 30 years. The Vols beat Duke in the teams' most recent meeting, 90-69, on Dec. 29, 1980, in the Sugar Bowl Classic in New Orleans. The series is tied at 7-7.

Bruce Pearl considering D-League offer " GoVolsXtra
According to an Associated Press report, Nelson labeled the offer as the "most aggressive package in D-League history.''