No one could fault the Miami defense for missing him – his own team had most of the season.

But when Derrick Tinsley crossed the goal line for Saturday’s lone touchdown in Tennessee’s 10-6 win over the Hurricanes, the junior wide receiver stepped back into the spotlight and never at a better time.

Not only did Tinsley help give the Volunteers the lead against Miami, he was responsible for them keeping it.

With less than two minutes to go against the ‘Canes, Tennessee was forced to punt. ‘Cane safety Sean Taylor went deep to return the Dustin Colquitt punt, but Taylor never got the chance.

The ball went through the All-American safety’s arms and landed safely in Tinsley’s lap.

The Vols ran out the clock, and Tinsley was honored as the SEC’s Special Teams Player of Week.

“I’ve been waiting on this to happen all season,” Tinsley said. “It just feels good to finally be able to contribute again.”

Tinsley returned as one of UT’s more dangerous weapons on offense after finishing with 20 receptions and five touchdowns in 2002, mostly coming a the end of the season.

But circumstance kept the converted tailback from finding his play in the Tennessee receiving corps.

“When I moved him to receiver it was fully to get the ball to him more,” UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “We didn’t do a very good job early and he didn’t do a very good job early.”

Tinsley went six games without a single touch. It wasn’t until Tennessee’s five overtime game against Alabama that UT quarterback Casey Clausen looked Tinsley’s way.

The wideout’s first impact didn’t come running a route, but on a 28-yard reverse against the Crimson Tide.

“It was just frustrating, because it didn’t seem like I fit in anywhere,” Tinsley said. “But I told the coaches I would do whatever they wanted as long as it helped the team.”

Lately Tinsley has gotten that chance.

The Marietta, Ga. native caught his first touchdown of the season in the Vols’ first overtime again the Tide and slowly worked his way back into the receiving corps with an 18-yard catch against Duke.

Saturday proved to be the prize for his patience.

“I don’t plan on slowing down,” Tinsley said. “I’m happy now, but we’ve got three games left and are trying to win a championship.

“I’m gonna do everything I can to help us get there.”

Tinsley’s coaches apparently agree.

“We’ve been trying to get him in the mix and he’s finally starting to take off,” UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said. “It’s good to see that after how he performed last year.

“We’re still looking for consistency on offense and if he can help us with that then we’ll use him as much as we can.”

If history is any indication, Tinsley may find more of a role in the Vol offense in Tennessee’s final three games.

Tinsley had strong performances in the Vols’ final two regular season games in 2002 and said he expects nothing less this year.

“It’s kind of like having the monkey off my back,” he said. “Now I can go out and prove myself and finish the season strong.”