Three things we learned in the Vols second week of spring ball:
1. The receivers are off to a good start New receivers coach David Johnson is without his most proven playmaker in Jauan Jennings, but the receiving corps has had a good first two weeks. Latrell Williams, who has not been healthy to this point in his career, has shown his speed. Marquez Callaway and Brandon Johnson have made some plays. The biggest surprise to this point has been newcomer Alontae Taylor. Taylor has displayed explosiveness and, in adding nearly 10 pounds since January, is more physical that expected. Taylor is by no means a refined product as he makes the adjustment to receiver. However, he's off to a really good start. The other aid to the receivers is the coaching of Johnson, a demanding veteran who has focused on the details of the position the first two weeks.
2. Cornerback is the biggest question mark on the roster The Tyler Byrd experiment doesn't seem to have much traction and Tennessee's needs at corner are concerning enough that Jeremy Pruitt took junior college defensive back Kenneth George a week ago. George has played one season of defensive back after playing little to no football in high school. That clearly shows Tennessee's need in the defensive backfield. Baylen Buchanan has made a few plays. Shawn Shamburger has been working at the nickel position. Carlin Fils-Aime has had some bright spots in his move to defense. However, the reality is that Tennessee doesn't have enough bodies at the cornerback position, which is why that position is and will be the biggest concern heading into the fall.
3. Pruitt still setting his standard Pruitt continues to show he's trying to establish his standards in his program. On Saturday, Pruitt was asked who's leading his offensive line. Pruitt said Will Friend. Pruitt has talked about players having to adjust to his style of meetings and his way of doing things. Pruitt was mad on Tuesday because his team didn't come ready to play. For Pruitt, it's all about setting his expectations. There may be no better example than what injured players have to do when the rehab on the side instead of practicing.
Craig Fitzgerald is doing a nice job with them over on that side, and Ill tell you, most of them would rather practice than to be over there and be inside with him, I can assure you that.
Any practice observer will tell you that the rehab work is a very serious workout.
