Tennessee held its second practice of the week before Saturday's game against South Carolina.
Obviously, the move we teased last night during and after the chat happened: Jeremy Banks was at middle linebacker today, getting a lot of 1-on-1 attention from head coach Jeremy Pruitt. He also spent much of two open periods shadowing senior Darrin Kirkland Jr.
Banks has all the physical tools, and was learning how to step with the correct foot, strike and wrap up. One hilarious moment did happen when Banks actually had the football back in his hands. During a tackling drill, he ran straight through Dillion Bates. I mean straight through him. Bates' helmet nearly came off and he had to collect himself after the blow, where he was supposed to tackle Banks. Kevin Sherrer had to holler at Banks, "Don't run 'em over."
Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was out there, taking all the No. 1 reps in routes on air.
Elsewhere, Jahmir Johnson was a full participant and was working with the main group at left guard. Nathan Niehaus was at right guard today.
Riley Locklear was getting some work as the back-up center.
Both injured wideouts Jordan Murphy and Josh Palmer were present, participating in routes on air. The Vols were working on more quick-game stuff today, lots of slants, digs and bubble screens.
Dominick Wood-Anderson was fully-dressed but the tight end did not participate in any of the run-blocking drill work while we were out there.
In the secondary, Shawn Shamburger (right knee) was working at safety alongside Nigel Warrior. Both freshman corners got plenty of reps, while Marquill Osborne and DJ Henderson saw increased attention, too.
On the stationary bikes: Micah Abernathy, Trevon Flowers and James Brown.
