We noted immediately leaving the field in a quick post, but Tennessee added a body to its defensive line today. Kurott Garland entered the transfer portal but never found a new home. Evidently, he’s been back with the Vols the last few days. Pruitt had left open the possibility of a return for the redshirt freshman and Garland was full-go Tuesday. Meanwhile, Aubrey Solomon was running third in the DL group and was wearing a big, bulky brace on his right knee. He was moving well, though, and received two, “Good job, Aubrey,” from coach Tracy Rocker.
The Vols were clearly experimenting or working on some sub-package stuff, as John Mincey, Darel Middleton and Latrell Bumphus were all with the OLBs and Chris Rumph. The unit was working on various pass rush drills.
On the offensive line, initially Will Friend was working with the guards and Jim Chaney was focused on the tackles, but the group quickly became muddled with guys moving all around. Darnell Wright spent some time at right guard. Marcus Tatum worked solely at right tackle while we were out there. Wanya Morris and Jahmir Johnson both missed multiple reps grabbing water and received an earful from Friend. At the end of drills, Trey Smith worked his way toward the trainers and not the rest of the team for the 11-on-11 period.
Senior middle linebacker Daniel Bituli continues to be slowed by an undisclosed injury. He took part in a few early drills but mostly watched on the side. Freshman Henry To’oto’o remained with the 1s, while Shanon Reid and Will Ignont split reps beside him. Also at inside linebacker today was freshman safety Aaron Beasley. JJ Peterson went through a few reps today but spent several minutes with trainers looking at his shoulder.
I watched the safeties for just a few minutes today and senior Nigel Warrior was really coaching up freshman Tyus Fields and Jaylen McCollough after ever rep. That’s the exact type of player leadership, accountability that Pruitt has been looking for in camp.
The tailbacks spent much of the two indy periods working on pass protection and being a safety outlet for quarterbacks following a blitz. The unit continues to catch the ball really well.