Tennessee football returned to the practice field Tuesday morning for the first workout session following Sunday’s scrimmage. The Vols were off yesterday, so there was plenty of energy early on in for the full padded practice.
As is the case with any practice following a scrimmage day, there were several players who were limited in some fashion. Jimmy Calloway was not in pads today as Josh Heupel hinted Sunday that he’s missed some time lately. Lyn-J Dixon did not have shoulder pads on today and Jaylen Wright remains in shells.
Squirrel White was in shells as well – getting some work in off to the side with Christian Harrison who was not in pads, but wearing a red noncontact jersey. Solon Page and Cheyenne Labruzza continue to don red noncontact jerseys while Wesley Walker did not practice today as he’s a bit banged up – nothing serious. Jacob Warren was not at practice today, but he’s still scheduled to speak with us later today.
Of note, cornerback Kamal Hadden was back at practice today and in full pads with his teammates. Hadden was seen going though individual drills with the cornerbacks and looked to be a full-go. Will be interesting to see if he’s eased back into contact drills as this is his first day of work since the second day of camp.
Elijah Simmons was also back in full gear, going through stretches and bag drills with the rest of the defensive line.
The coaching staff was stressing physicality while we were out there as the linebackers were going through tackling drills and the offensive line participated in group work. The tight ends were also getting some work in on the blocking sled. You can tell the installation period of fall camp is nearly complete as it’s more drilling and less talking while we are out there. We also aren’t allowed to film hardly anything – especially offensively – anymore. That suggests they are really starting to move towards prep work.
Quarterbacks and wide receivers & tight ends came together for their normal routes on air session and the focus this morning was on the deep ball. Both Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton completed several 30-40+ yard passes while we were out here. Tayven Jackson hit on a few as well – though he missed some too.
The prettiest ball of the day came from Joe Milton as he hit (I believe) Jimmy Holiday in stride down the far sideline. The ball was tight with a perfect spiral and hit Holiday in stride halfway in the endzone. Holiday never had to slow down. It was a perfect ball, albeit, no rush.
Tight Ends were later seen working on blocking out of the slot. Several times a season ago, JaVonta Payton or Velus Jones would catch screen passes for big gains – sometimes touchdowns. The key to a successful screen play is the kickout block and the tight ends were responsible for them. Consistent work in that regard is needed.
Along with tackling, the linebackers continued to work on taking on blockers. The tackling sled is used to simulate an offensive lineman. The backer sprints up and hits it with arms extended – simulating under the chest plate or right in the armpit of the offensive lineman. With extension, the linebacker can see where the ball is, rip and go make a play.
Obviously, Tennessee will work the mechanics every day but it’s a different vibe in camp right now as the ‘dog days’ are close to being over. At the end of this week, Tennessee will move into game week prep simulation for both a Saturday and Thursday game.
Running backs coach Jerry Mack is set to meet with the media around 11:15. Jabari Small, Jimmy Holiday and Jacob Warren will follow.
As is the case with any practice following a scrimmage day, there were several players who were limited in some fashion. Jimmy Calloway was not in pads today as Josh Heupel hinted Sunday that he’s missed some time lately. Lyn-J Dixon did not have shoulder pads on today and Jaylen Wright remains in shells.
Squirrel White was in shells as well – getting some work in off to the side with Christian Harrison who was not in pads, but wearing a red noncontact jersey. Solon Page and Cheyenne Labruzza continue to don red noncontact jerseys while Wesley Walker did not practice today as he’s a bit banged up – nothing serious. Jacob Warren was not at practice today, but he’s still scheduled to speak with us later today.
Of note, cornerback Kamal Hadden was back at practice today and in full pads with his teammates. Hadden was seen going though individual drills with the cornerbacks and looked to be a full-go. Will be interesting to see if he’s eased back into contact drills as this is his first day of work since the second day of camp.
Elijah Simmons was also back in full gear, going through stretches and bag drills with the rest of the defensive line.
The coaching staff was stressing physicality while we were out there as the linebackers were going through tackling drills and the offensive line participated in group work. The tight ends were also getting some work in on the blocking sled. You can tell the installation period of fall camp is nearly complete as it’s more drilling and less talking while we are out there. We also aren’t allowed to film hardly anything – especially offensively – anymore. That suggests they are really starting to move towards prep work.
Quarterbacks and wide receivers & tight ends came together for their normal routes on air session and the focus this morning was on the deep ball. Both Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton completed several 30-40+ yard passes while we were out here. Tayven Jackson hit on a few as well – though he missed some too.
The prettiest ball of the day came from Joe Milton as he hit (I believe) Jimmy Holiday in stride down the far sideline. The ball was tight with a perfect spiral and hit Holiday in stride halfway in the endzone. Holiday never had to slow down. It was a perfect ball, albeit, no rush.
Tight Ends were later seen working on blocking out of the slot. Several times a season ago, JaVonta Payton or Velus Jones would catch screen passes for big gains – sometimes touchdowns. The key to a successful screen play is the kickout block and the tight ends were responsible for them. Consistent work in that regard is needed.
Along with tackling, the linebackers continued to work on taking on blockers. The tackling sled is used to simulate an offensive lineman. The backer sprints up and hits it with arms extended – simulating under the chest plate or right in the armpit of the offensive lineman. With extension, the linebacker can see where the ball is, rip and go make a play.
Obviously, Tennessee will work the mechanics every day but it’s a different vibe in camp right now as the ‘dog days’ are close to being over. At the end of this week, Tennessee will move into game week prep simulation for both a Saturday and Thursday game.
Running backs coach Jerry Mack is set to meet with the media around 11:15. Jabari Small, Jimmy Holiday and Jacob Warren will follow.
