ETSU week Monday practice

[Fingers]

JJ Peterson, No. 40

JJ Peterson was at practice today and going through drills with the linebackers in a helmet and shorts for what I presume was his first day of the acclimation period. Team was in shells (shoulder pads and shorts). He is a rather large human being.

-Patrick Brown

“I wouldn't put unrealistic expectations on him,” Pruitt said. “We'll put him out there and try to teach him the fundamental things that we're trying to get done. We'll see where he goes from there.”

-Jeremy Pruitt

Three freshman defensive linemen were in scout team jerseys Monday: Garland, Harris and Mincey. Interestingly, Greg Emerson was in orange but had a new number: 51

With Ty Chandler doing work on the side in the indoor facility, Princeton Fant was back with the tailback group today.

During his weekly press conference Monday, Pruitt noted that defensively poor technique was the biggest issue for his unit in the secondary. He acknowledged there were some busts but noted that the biggest problems were technique related, so naturally, the start of Monday's practice was all about technique work for the defensive side of the ball.

With AD Phillip Fulmer watching close by (with a practice schedule in hand), the tight ends spent the entire period focused on run blocking. Niedermeyer was really focusing on footwork.

The offensive line had guys shuffling to different spots again today, with Jahmir Johnson getting some reps at right tackle.

-Jesse Simonton

Peterson went through drills with the inside linebackers on Monday. Initial impression: He's a big dude who looks the part, though he also might need some time to get his conditioning in order. Remember, Peterson has been rehabbing a shoulder injury he suffered in January, so that might have limited how much conditioning work he's been able to do this offseason, not to mention there's always an adjustment for freshmen when it comes to being physically and mentally able to handle a college practice, especially an in-season one.

The scholarship running backs going through drills during the open period of Monday's practice were Tim Jordan, Madre London, Jeremy Banks and Trey Coleman.

After speaking with reporters earlier Monday, Trey Smith was at practice and going through drills as usual. The star sophomore left tackle briefly left Saturday's game in the second quarter with an ankle injury, but got it re-taped and returned to finish the game, playing the entire second half. He did not look to be limited any on Monday.

Safety Todd Kelly Jr. was limited to working out on the side with strength coach Craig Fitzgerald during the open period of Monday's practice.

-Patrick Brown

 

[Mackdknife]

JJ!!!!!!

 

[vol-un-tear]

Excellent!

 

[RollerVol]

nice...wonder if he' in shape and knows playbook...slow roll him the next couple games...maybe by Florida he can contribute....

GO VOLS!

 

[TAF]

JJ is one BIG Fella...

I hope he has the skillz they say he does...they are MUCH needed!

 

[AdmiralVFL98]

Kongbo is on notice. I know it’s unrealistic to think we will get JJ on the field soon, but man do we need a pass rush. Kongbo is Tarzan in the weight room and Jane on the field. Let JJ loose as soon as it’s safe! Also I would never call Kongbo Jane to his face cause I’m a wimp, but I’m so tired of his physical attributes not translating on the field. Can’t get new talent to rush the passer soon enough. Could have been the difference in the UWV game being close vs the blowout it was.

 

[Sara Clark]

The big guy missed Spring, and Fall camps, in addition to missing the first game. NO way his endurance is going to be where it needs to be. I think at best, he'll receive a red shirt and play 4 games against predetermined teams.....Then I'm not sure he'll be able to play an entire game.

 

[SmokyRiverDog]

Kongbo is on notice. I know it’s unrealistic to think we will get JJ on the field soon, but man do we need a pass rush. Kongbo is Tarzan in the weight room and Jane on the field. Let JJ loose as soon as it’s safe! Also I would never call Kongbo Jane to his face cause I’m a wimp, but I’m so tired of his physical attributes not translating on the field. Can’t get new talent to rush the passer soon enough. Could have been the difference in the UWV game being close vs the blowout it was.

They don't play the same position, so I think their fates have nothing to do with one another.

 

[joevol33]

Thanks Fingers

 

[tim]

Def not in shape. Got old man bod. Albeit hes a large young man, he is obviously out of shape.

 

[InstrumentalVol]

Maybe theyll be able to throw him into a few plays against UTEP? Get him acclimated for UF?

 

[peerless98]

He's got those high hips like Dale Carter and Warrior.

 

[Type Orange+]

JJ Peterson, No. 40

I wonder if there's any word on 3* PWO FB/LB Reggie James from Ga?
He was cleared by doctors to participate immediately after Fall Camp, but I haven't heard whether he has arrived on campus.

 

[KBVol]

Maybe theyll be able to throw him into a few plays against UTEP? Get him acclimated for UF?

No. I don’t think we should see him until week 6, after the Bye week. Kid has no earthly idea what he’s doing out there, doesn’t know schemes or calls, isn’t remotely in the type of shape he needs to be in. Take a few weeks to get him ready, play him in his 4 redshirt games and see how he’s doing....if he’s doing well, let him help down the stretch in November to help us get bowl eligible. If not, after he plays his 4 games, redshirt him and get him ready for 2019. Jmo.

 

[LibertyVolance]

Thanks as always for your updates. Good to hear Smith was moving good on the ankle.

 

[AdmiralVFL98]

They don't play the same position, so I think their fates have nothing to do with one another.

We will see. Pruitt likes to have players that can play multiple positions. I can see them using his natural speed and aggression to get to the QB. My guess is they get him on the field as soon as is safe, and even though JJ is an obvious stud inside backer, Kongbo is the weak link and they will get him off the field before Bituli, DKJr and DT. What is the counter to this point, besides that he was recruited as a middle linebacker?

 

[awaitingawin]

JJ is a big ole boy

 

[KBVol]

nice...wonder if he' in shape and knows playbook...slow roll him the next couple games...maybe by Florida he can contribute....

GO VOLS!

Man, I don’t know. Rocking the spare tire there and doesn’t look like he’s done a push-up in a while, much less conditioned to anywhere near the level his teammates have. Perhaps they’ll try to rush him out there, but I think I’d play the long game with him given the circumstances and maybe try to get him ready for game 6 after the bye.

 

[HoptownVol]

40 looks like a redshirt to me.

 

[Power T-Rev]

Man, I don’t know. Rocking the spare tire there and doesn’t look like he’s done a push-up in a while, much less conditioned to anywhere near the level his teammates have. Perhaps they’ll try to rush him out there, but I think I’d play the long game with him given the circumstances and maybe try to get him ready for game 6 after the bye.

Definitely doesn't look to be in football shape

 

[44DivePlay]

No. I don’t think we should see him until week 6, after the Bye week. Kid has no earthly idea what he’s doing out there, doesn’t know schemes or calls, isn’t remotely in the type of shape he needs to be in. Take a few weeks to get him ready, play him in his 4 redshirt games and see how he’s doing....if he’s doing well, let him help down the stretch in November to help us get bowl eligible. If not, after he plays his 4 games, redshirt him and get him ready for 2019. Jmo.

I agree unless you let him do special teams coverage only kind of things until then. Assuming you are not planning on redshirting him this year.

 

[OrangeVolMan]

Red shirt is a waste for JJ. If he is as good as hype he won’t be here 4 years. If he’s not as good as hype he needs to move on after 4 years.

 

[FBtime]

Glad to hear about Jahmir Johnson working at right tackle. I hope he supplants Richmond as the starter. I’m tired of watch 51 chasing down missed blocks.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Kongbo is on notice. I know it’s unrealistic to think we will get JJ on the field soon, but man do we need a pass rush. Kongbo is Tarzan in the weight room and Jane on the field. Let JJ loose as soon as it’s safe! Also I would never call Kongbo Jane to his face cause I’m a wimp, but I’m so tired of his physical attributes not translating on the field. Can’t get new talent to rush the passer soon enough. Could have been the difference in the UWV game being close vs the blowout it was.

Kongbo shouldnt be on notice. He shouldnt be starting. The guy is just not a good FB player. I say put in a younger guy.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Glad to hear about Jahmir Johnson working at right tackle. I hope he supplants Richmond as the starter. I’m tired of watch 51 chasing down missed blocks.

Is Johnson still under 300? If so, he needs to,put on some good weight. I do think the OL will improve the more time they spend working together.