Tennessee held practice No. 10 on Friday, with the media allowed to view four periods including some brief red zone work.
Back in full-pads with Saturday’s scheduled scrimmage likely delayed a few days, a number of injured players returned to action, highlighted by offensive lineman Trey Smith and Marcus Tatum.
Here are Friday’s observations…
Smith was in a green, non-contact jersey, while Tatum was in a normal jersey but still in shells. As noted in Friday’s War Room, linebacker Quart’e Sapp appeared full-go, working in a normal orange jersey. Meanwhile, cornerback Emmanuel Mosley, freshman defensive end Ryan Thaxton, freshman tight end James Brown and defensive tackle Quay Piccu were all in green, non-contact jerseys.
The Vols did some 11-on-11 red zone work, and the defense dominated the period. After struggling with situational football a year ago (Vols were third-worst in the SEC), the defense won four of five reps. Wideout Brandon Johnson ran a nice sprint out for a touchdown from Quinten Dormady, beating Rashaan Gaulden on the play, but otherwise, the defense didn't allow another single reception. Freshman defensive back Theo Jackson, who continues to garner more and more reps, made a nice pass breakup against tight end Eli Wolf, while Justin Martin brilliantly defended a fade to Johnson. Going against a hodgepodge offensive line, the defensive line controlled the trenches, especially the defensive tackles. Bob Shoop also dialed up a couple linebacker blitzes, too.
On the final play off the period, quarterback Will McBride was pressured by Kyle Phillips and fumbled/toss an incomplete pass, with Alexis Johnson nearly making a diving interception.
THIS & THAT
Based off what we saw today it looks like Nigel Warrior and Micah Abernathy are getting a lot of first team work together with Todd Kelly Jr. getting some second team reps alongside Theo Jackson.
Shaq Wiggins currently looks to be getting most of the work at first team corner opposite Justin Martin.
Interestingly, considering how much Butch Jones likes to sprinkle in freshman on his special team units to start getting them some seasoning, at least for now no first year players are on the Vols kickoff team. That’s subject to change obviously, but it’s a small note worth keeping an eye on.
Back in full-pads with Saturday’s scheduled scrimmage likely delayed a few days, a number of injured players returned to action, highlighted by offensive lineman Trey Smith and Marcus Tatum.
Here are Friday’s observations…
Smith was in a green, non-contact jersey, while Tatum was in a normal jersey but still in shells. As noted in Friday’s War Room, linebacker Quart’e Sapp appeared full-go, working in a normal orange jersey. Meanwhile, cornerback Emmanuel Mosley, freshman defensive end Ryan Thaxton, freshman tight end James Brown and defensive tackle Quay Piccu were all in green, non-contact jerseys.
The Vols did some 11-on-11 red zone work, and the defense dominated the period. After struggling with situational football a year ago (Vols were third-worst in the SEC), the defense won four of five reps. Wideout Brandon Johnson ran a nice sprint out for a touchdown from Quinten Dormady, beating Rashaan Gaulden on the play, but otherwise, the defense didn't allow another single reception. Freshman defensive back Theo Jackson, who continues to garner more and more reps, made a nice pass breakup against tight end Eli Wolf, while Justin Martin brilliantly defended a fade to Johnson. Going against a hodgepodge offensive line, the defensive line controlled the trenches, especially the defensive tackles. Bob Shoop also dialed up a couple linebacker blitzes, too.
On the final play off the period, quarterback Will McBride was pressured by Kyle Phillips and fumbled/toss an incomplete pass, with Alexis Johnson nearly making a diving interception.
THIS & THAT
- During kickoff coverage work early in practice, freshman wideout Jacquez Jones was returner with the backup unit. Notably, the Vols loaded up their coverage team with experienced players — including lots of linebackers and defensive backs. Former high school defensive backs Tyler Byrd and Marquez Callaway were also on the unit.
- The quarterback/center exchange saw Coleman Thomas snapping to Quinten Dormady and Ryan Johnson and Devante Brooks also repping at center.
- Shy Tuttle continues to do a lot of individual work with the rest of his teammates.
- With Mosley limited, fifth-year transfer Shaq Wiggins saw reps with the 1s at corner.
- Walt Wells was really giving the OL the business during individual work, Ryan Johnson got the worst of his wrath.
- Former coach Phillip Fulmer, who is now in an official role with UT, was at practice Friday, as was prominent donors John Thornton and Alan Jones.
Based off what we saw today it looks like Nigel Warrior and Micah Abernathy are getting a lot of first team work together with Todd Kelly Jr. getting some second team reps alongside Theo Jackson.
Shaq Wiggins currently looks to be getting most of the work at first team corner opposite Justin Martin.
Interestingly, considering how much Butch Jones likes to sprinkle in freshman on his special team units to start getting them some seasoning, at least for now no first year players are on the Vols kickoff team. That’s subject to change obviously, but it’s a small note worth keeping an eye on.
