Brent's thoughts
Day two on the practice field brought plenty of continued speed as the Vols not only physically move fast but so is install as defensively early in practice coordinator John Jancek worked on some scheme things with his defensive ends.
At defensive tackle it was all about technique early on and the defensive backs spent a good bit of time just catching balls and they worked on turnover drills.
Offensively, Jajuan Jennings continues to capture peoples attention with his ball skills and ability to go get the ball in the air. And while Josh Dobbs has done well in two days so has Q. Dormandy who continues to show great accuracy. A good bit of special teams work early as they are installing their punt return and punt coverage. That drill work is featuring a heavy dose of newcomers particularly with the freshmen linebackers.
After the heat bothered the players a little bit on Tuesday, Jones was challenging his team early on the mic, but he was also complimentary to individuals as well.
John's thoughts:
As Butch Jones himself said following Tuesday's practice, the differences in some components of this Tennessee team compared to previous versions are glaring.
It isn't just speed; this team is so much bigger and more resembling of an actual SEC team.
I still find it most obvious along the defensive front; it goes beyond Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, who present an interior presence the Vols just have not had in terms of a potential one-two punch in nearly a decade. It's also Kyle Phillips looking fluid, not to mention developed despite shoulder surgery earlier this year.
Additionally, Dillon Bates looks far more comfortable on the defensive side of the ball and has a good size to him.
There's more competition for punt returner duties and it's a group of candidates with various skills but also continuing to improve the Vols' speed back there.
Charles Mosley has worked hard early and shown good attitude; Coleman Thomas is physically impressive. If he mentally can catch up with Mack Crowder, that situation will be very fun to watch unfold and ultimately make the Vols much better.
Rob's thoughts:
With two potential studs in the backfield in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara there may not be a ton of opportunities to go around but in this league you can bet you’re going to need a third back at some point. On that front John Kelly looks like a guy with some interesting potential. You’re never going to have a complete picture of a back until contact starts, but he looks like a natural runner and in drills where acceleration and change of direction are stressed Kelly has shown some impressive footwork, balance and explosion.
One young guy who has caught my eye at wideout is Vincent Perry. He obviously needs to add some polish after being a ‘do-everything’ guy in high school but he’s a natural athlete, has some noticeable quickness and has shown some soft hands in the early going.
Paul's thoughts:
On the second day of practice I spent the majority of my time with on the defensive side of the field and just what continues to hit me is that this roster, more than since I've been on the beat, has a full allotment of players everywhere you look.
They've been able to restock the linebacker and defensive lines, along with the defensive backfield all in just a few recruiting classes. Now, and I know some on the GQ don't want to hear this, but they are still mostly first and second year guys sans a few on the defensive line and Cam Sutton, Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil.
On the defensive line, they are noticeably bigger and more athletic. Their options at pass rusher are deeper than ever with Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett leading the way. Kyle Phillips and Darrell Taylor both look the part for sure and Phillips moves very well for his size.
At linebacker, again, they are youthful outside of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, but there are just so many more athletic options. The trio of freshmen, Austin Smith, Quarte Sapp and Darrin Kirkland Jr., all look athletic enough to help on special teams.
Day two on the practice field brought plenty of continued speed as the Vols not only physically move fast but so is install as defensively early in practice coordinator John Jancek worked on some scheme things with his defensive ends.
At defensive tackle it was all about technique early on and the defensive backs spent a good bit of time just catching balls and they worked on turnover drills.
Offensively, Jajuan Jennings continues to capture peoples attention with his ball skills and ability to go get the ball in the air. And while Josh Dobbs has done well in two days so has Q. Dormandy who continues to show great accuracy. A good bit of special teams work early as they are installing their punt return and punt coverage. That drill work is featuring a heavy dose of newcomers particularly with the freshmen linebackers.
After the heat bothered the players a little bit on Tuesday, Jones was challenging his team early on the mic, but he was also complimentary to individuals as well.
John's thoughts:
As Butch Jones himself said following Tuesday's practice, the differences in some components of this Tennessee team compared to previous versions are glaring.
It isn't just speed; this team is so much bigger and more resembling of an actual SEC team.
I still find it most obvious along the defensive front; it goes beyond Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, who present an interior presence the Vols just have not had in terms of a potential one-two punch in nearly a decade. It's also Kyle Phillips looking fluid, not to mention developed despite shoulder surgery earlier this year.
Additionally, Dillon Bates looks far more comfortable on the defensive side of the ball and has a good size to him.
There's more competition for punt returner duties and it's a group of candidates with various skills but also continuing to improve the Vols' speed back there.
Charles Mosley has worked hard early and shown good attitude; Coleman Thomas is physically impressive. If he mentally can catch up with Mack Crowder, that situation will be very fun to watch unfold and ultimately make the Vols much better.
Rob's thoughts:
With two potential studs in the backfield in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara there may not be a ton of opportunities to go around but in this league you can bet you’re going to need a third back at some point. On that front John Kelly looks like a guy with some interesting potential. You’re never going to have a complete picture of a back until contact starts, but he looks like a natural runner and in drills where acceleration and change of direction are stressed Kelly has shown some impressive footwork, balance and explosion.
One young guy who has caught my eye at wideout is Vincent Perry. He obviously needs to add some polish after being a ‘do-everything’ guy in high school but he’s a natural athlete, has some noticeable quickness and has shown some soft hands in the early going.
Paul's thoughts:
On the second day of practice I spent the majority of my time with on the defensive side of the field and just what continues to hit me is that this roster, more than since I've been on the beat, has a full allotment of players everywhere you look.
They've been able to restock the linebacker and defensive lines, along with the defensive backfield all in just a few recruiting classes. Now, and I know some on the GQ don't want to hear this, but they are still mostly first and second year guys sans a few on the defensive line and Cam Sutton, Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil.
On the defensive line, they are noticeably bigger and more athletic. Their options at pass rusher are deeper than ever with Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett leading the way. Kyle Phillips and Darrell Taylor both look the part for sure and Phillips moves very well for his size.
At linebacker, again, they are youthful outside of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, but there are just so many more athletic options. The trio of freshmen, Austin Smith, Quarte Sapp and Darrin Kirkland Jr., all look athletic enough to help on special teams.
