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Spring football notebook: Vols looking for leaders on defensive line

Rodney Garner wasn't pleased with how Tennessee's defensive line closed out practice on Saturday.

He talked about building toughness at the position, establishing leadership this spring and more following the Vols' first practice in full pads this spring:

Look at the Rick Barnes fan next to you and ask yourself…

Are these the same fans that said Dooley, Butch, and Cornbread deserve another year to get it right? You’ll find that answer to be yes. These are probably low IQ fans in their mid 50’s and higher.

Also don’t you think it’s odd that some people worship coach’s? These men get paid millions to do a job. Who the F cares if we fire a coach who fails to meet expectations. They’re not family. They never will be. It’s 100% a business/job for them.

STORY: Vols tout team culture, reflect on Sweet 16 run

I asked a number of Tennessee players about this season, a Sweet 16 run and the culture they've been a part of in the aftermath of Thursday night's loss to Florida Atlantic:

Saturday spring football practice notes

Tennessee is currently holding its fourth spring practice.

The first two periods were open to the media and @Ryan Sylvia and myself were on hand.

- Not a ton of observations that stood out. Wide receiver Bru McCoy was wearing a cast today on his left arm. As Ryan reported earlier this week, McCoy had been in a sling. Doesn't seem to be anything serious. He was on the sidelines coaching up guys during passing drills and was very involved.

- Still no sign of running back Jabari Small at practices. Assuming it is also injury related.

- Transfer wide receiver Dont'e Thornton was participating in warmups in the first session but was not in pads.

We'll get to talk to Rodney Garner today at 12:45 p.m. so stay tuned for a story/notes on what he has to say.

Awful quote by JJJ and Barnes.....

"Even to make it this far is a blessing," Tennessee forward Josiah-Jordan James said. "People counted us off after the second game (loss to Colorado in Nashville). We didn't listen to it. We stayed resilient. I know we're proud of ourselves."

The bottom line? Florida Atlantic was the better team on Thursday night.

Blessing? And who has JJJ listening to when they were ranked #2 or top 10 most of the year? They collapsed bc they couldn't score and refused to drive to the rim/ get to the FT line. They collapsed bc JJJ and others didn't step up just like last night and go get a basket when needed

"We haven't had a healthy team since February 8," Barnes said. "When you ask me if we improved (throughout the season), we did. There's no doubt we improved or we wouldn't be here today."

JJJs mentality oozes one of a softness that was just happy to get that far and thinking they accomplished anything this season

As for Barnes thinking this team improved this season......that's so far removed from the truth based on all the stats, their record and eye test it's sad to think he actually believes it

Basketball STORY: Despite tough loss, mature Vols take high road and credit Florida Atlantic

Despite just losing a season-ending NCAA Tournament game, Tennessee gave plenty of credit to Florida Atlantic – which was the better team on Thursday night – in postgame.

The Vols took the high road. "I just really congratulate them."

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