On Tuesday, Jeremy Pruitt told the media that if it wasn't lightning his team was going to practice outdoors. Saturday there was no lightning so the rain and 40 degree temperatures didn't keep the Vols from going outside.
In full gear outside the Vols held practice #3. With a significant number of unofficial visitors on hand, the intensity was again ramped up focusing on the details and focusing on the effort of everyone.
Wide receivers coach David Johnson focuses on fine details every rep. As a player dropped the ball, Johnson bellowed about a lack of focus the last six inches. The veteran teacher who goes by YAC has clearly shown through a couple of days how things are be done. As for the group, freshman Alontae Taylor is still learning a lot of details but the newcomer is showing some quick twitch work.
After a good day passing the ball on Thursday, the cold, damp weather appeared to have an effect on the passing game.
For the offensive line, it's about leverage. Assistant coach Will Friend was even coaching up players on how to hold the blocking pad for the linemen to work against. It's safe to say no one is playing low enough for Friend.
Defensively, in individual work Jeremy Pruitt went straight to his home, the defensive backs. Pruitt is going to be very hands on with that unit and on Saturday he was extensively with the corners during individual work. What's interesting with Pruitt is you have to look to find him. He's not bouncing around everywhere and he's not a loud screaming guy.
At linebacker, a lot of attention was being given to dropping into space in pass coverage and it appears that Daniel Bituli because of the repaired shoulder will indeed have some contact limitations this spring.
On the defensive front for Tracy Rocker it's about effort and it's safe to say both he and Chris Rumph have high expectations and are pushing for it. Rocker at one point restarted a drill because it wasn't done at the pace and effort he wanted. Rocker told one player, who was adjusting his shoe, stop that non-sense, using that trick went out in the '50's.
Those rehabbing continue to do so and what's interesting is that they do it in full gear.
The biggest news of Saturday was the recruits in town for Tennessee's junior day. Here's a list of guys we have confirmed in town.
Darnell Wright
Quavaris Crouch
Jowon Briggs
Jackson Low
Jackson Lampley
Kane Patterson
Jaylon Scott
Cordele Flott
Jaylen McCollough
Zavier Carter 2021, LB from Atlanta
Erek Campbell 2019 athlete from Memphis
Khafre Brown and Tyus Fields are not here.
Other notables who were at practice, were VFL's:
Johnny Majors
Mario Brunson
Fred White
Dwayne Goodrich
