After a pair of off days to rest, recover and start school, Tennessee resumed practice Thursday, with much of its focus on its opening opponent Georgia Tech.
Coach Butch Jones switched up the usual media viewing periods today, as reporters were allowed to see several middle periods of practice. Skipping stretch was nice, but it did make it a little more difficult to keep track on who was and wasn't present at practice. But alas. Sometimes we just like to complain about things.
As far as Thursday’s work, here were our observations.
The offensive line was nearly whole Thursday, with just one notable not seen at practice. Jashon Robertson was back, as was Jack Jones. Following sled work, both saw reps with the 1s during run-blocking drills, as did senior center Coleman Thomas when the offensive line split into left and right sides to work on pulling plays. Offensive coordinator Larry Scott presided over the left group, while OL coach Walt Wells managed the right side. Marcus Tatum drew an earful from Wells at one point for not properly maintaining pad level on two straight plays.
I didn't spend much time around the quarterbacks today, but the group did do a lengthy drill focusing on QB/RB exchange on both zone-reads and under-center snaps.
The wideouts debuted a new drill in front of the media, with coach Kevin Beard firing passes between two dummies as the receivers had to track the ball while running a strict dig route. There were several drops during the drill, but Tyler Byrd made two of the best catches during the session. During the period, Jauan Jennings spent the time over the on the JUGGs machine for some individual work.
Defensively, it was all about Georgia Tech on Thursday. The work on basic triple-option fundamentals continue. The defensive line did a couple different cut blocking drills, while the linebackers continue to work on tracking the pitch-man in the option. Charlton Warren and Bob Shoop were really hands-on with the secondary during a combined corner-safety drill, with both coaches constantly preaching “balance” to the group.
THIS & THAT
You could see Tennessee really grinding on the small details today. Receivers were working on precise cuts and exactly where they needed to be on different routes. The drill required that the be in a small window between two tackling dummies to make the catch. Looked crisp.
Similarly, quarterbacks and running backs did a lot of work on making sure they hit the mesh point exactly where they needed to on zone reads and play-action.
Defensively, Tennessee continues to work a lot with the line on shedding cut blocks and keeping linemen away from their legs. Similarly, the Vols got in a good bit of work against option looks today as they prepare for Georgia Tech.
On the offensive line, the most noteworthy detail was Brett Kendrick getting some work at first team left tackle. Jack Jones also got a lot of work with the ones at left guard with Jashon Robertson at center, Trey Smith at right guard and Marcus Tatum at right tackle.
Coach Butch Jones switched up the usual media viewing periods today, as reporters were allowed to see several middle periods of practice. Skipping stretch was nice, but it did make it a little more difficult to keep track on who was and wasn't present at practice. But alas. Sometimes we just like to complain about things.
As far as Thursday’s work, here were our observations.
The offensive line was nearly whole Thursday, with just one notable not seen at practice. Jashon Robertson was back, as was Jack Jones. Following sled work, both saw reps with the 1s during run-blocking drills, as did senior center Coleman Thomas when the offensive line split into left and right sides to work on pulling plays. Offensive coordinator Larry Scott presided over the left group, while OL coach Walt Wells managed the right side. Marcus Tatum drew an earful from Wells at one point for not properly maintaining pad level on two straight plays.
I didn't spend much time around the quarterbacks today, but the group did do a lengthy drill focusing on QB/RB exchange on both zone-reads and under-center snaps.
The wideouts debuted a new drill in front of the media, with coach Kevin Beard firing passes between two dummies as the receivers had to track the ball while running a strict dig route. There were several drops during the drill, but Tyler Byrd made two of the best catches during the session. During the period, Jauan Jennings spent the time over the on the JUGGs machine for some individual work.
Defensively, it was all about Georgia Tech on Thursday. The work on basic triple-option fundamentals continue. The defensive line did a couple different cut blocking drills, while the linebackers continue to work on tracking the pitch-man in the option. Charlton Warren and Bob Shoop were really hands-on with the secondary during a combined corner-safety drill, with both coaches constantly preaching “balance” to the group.
THIS & THAT
- At first, I thought redshirt freshman wideout Latrell Williams had finally had his black stripe removed, but then I realized Tennessee’s players were practicing in their future game helmets, with the plastic and tape still protecting the dome from any scratches or scuffs.
- Defensive tackle Quay Piccu and freshman safety Maleik Gray were the only two players in green, non-contact jerseys Thursday.
- Rashaan Gaulden remained with the corners during positional work.
- Scout team defensive linemen included Shy Tuttle and freshmen Ryan Thaxton and Kivon Bennett.
- Couple number changes: Theo Jackson now No. 26, with Terrell Bailey (formally No. 26 now No. 36). Tailback Tim Jordan is now No. 9.
You could see Tennessee really grinding on the small details today. Receivers were working on precise cuts and exactly where they needed to be on different routes. The drill required that the be in a small window between two tackling dummies to make the catch. Looked crisp.
Similarly, quarterbacks and running backs did a lot of work on making sure they hit the mesh point exactly where they needed to on zone reads and play-action.
Defensively, Tennessee continues to work a lot with the line on shedding cut blocks and keeping linemen away from their legs. Similarly, the Vols got in a good bit of work against option looks today as they prepare for Georgia Tech.
On the offensive line, the most noteworthy detail was Brett Kendrick getting some work at first team left tackle. Jack Jones also got a lot of work with the ones at left guard with Jashon Robertson at center, Trey Smith at right guard and Marcus Tatum at right tackle.
