Fingers
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Practice 1 Updates: http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennessee-vols-football/272906-practice-1-updates-3-21-a.html
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247 video: http://cbsprt.co/2ni1GYw
VQ video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/209811638
Rob Lewis
nick davis
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Redshirt freshman Ja'Quain Blakely (who played linebacker last season) worked with the defensive ends again, and sophomore Austin Smith (who played defensive end) worked with the linebackers again, and neither looked out of place athletically. Blakely obviously needs to add some more bulk to play end, but not a ton. He was a big, physical linebacker to begin with, so it wouldnt seem like a huge transition for him.
...but I didnt think of the quarterbacks looked bad. Theyre all Division I quarterbacks, and they looked like it in those drills. They werent perfect, but they made some good throws. Will McBride didnt look out of place, despite being shorter than the rest of the Vols quarterbacks by a good bit.
The best play I saw all day actually came from a walk-on redshirt freshman tight end Andrew Craig.
The best play I saw all day actually came from a walk-on redshirt freshman tight end Andrew Craig.
RuckerSpeaking of the receivers, this is no secret, but sophomore Tyler Byrd and redshirt freshman Latrell Williams can scoot. Anyone letting either of those guys behind them will have a hard time catching them.
It still seems like Quinten Dormady works the most with Coleman Thomas and gets the first reps of each drill, so take from that what you will. Jarrett Guarantano also practiced today without his helmet visor, which you can also draw from that whatever you will.
RameyThomas was still at center, with Jack Jones and Jashon Robertson at guards and Marcus Tatum and Drew Richmond, who seemed to be working with Trey Smith a good bit on the side, helping him get up to speed.
Running backs worked a lot on ball security during the periods that were open to media, with John Kelly and Carlin Fils-aime again leading the back both in actions and words.
Wide receiver Latrell Williams, cornerback Justin Martin, wide receiver Marquez Callaway, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and cornerback D.J. Henderson were among the players who fielded punts during early special-teams work.
edshirt sophomore offensive tackle Drew Richmond again spent some time alongside new offensive line coach Walt Wells working with freshman Trey Smith during the opening period of practice, when some of the other offensive linemen were working on a different field.
CallahanDefensive tackles Quay Picou and Alexis Johnson moved fairly well in open field, and Johnson definitely seems to have improved his conditioning since sitting out the vast majority of last season.
247 video: http://cbsprt.co/2ni1GYw
VQ video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/209811638
but in a bit of a surprise, defensive end Kyle Phillips (shoulder) participated in practice.
Per media stipulations, we are not allowed to report who isn't at practice, but one offensive veteran was noticeably absent.
I thought Dormady had a slightly better day today, but he also threw the worst ball of the afternoon. Guarantano had a couple really pretty throws, including a perfectly-placed toss to Marquez Callaway. This much is obvious about the quarterbacks, its just a different looking group this year. No shots on Josh Dobbs, who has plenty of strengths and did a lot for Tennessee, but the the two quarterbacks look much more natural and comfortable in a traditional practice setting. They both can sling it.
SimontonKevin Beard looks to have gone old school, doing away with the machines and throwing the passes himself. Well see if that continues. Callaway looks really good, and Latrell Williams is fun to watch. Will be interested if he can make any noise this spring. Jeff George is still skinner than one of those inflatable stickman outside a local business.
Watched the linebackers a little more today. Blakely actually worked with the unit a bit before moving back over with the DL. Not much jumped out with the group aside from Cortez McDowell. He certainly looks noticeable leaner and quicker.
Young guys Marquez Callaway and Latrell Williams both showed some nice body control and impressive hands in contorting and going up high to catch balls on a couple of occasions.
Again, theyre just working against air, but Tyler Byrd looks a little smoother and more confident in his route running. Nice looking athlete who should have a huge chance to carve out a bigger role for himself.
On the defensive side Im surprised at how much Kahlil McKenzie is doing. Now, obviously that hell likely be scaled back once contact starts but hes out there moving around and taking part in everything were able to watch so far.
Everyone has noted that Darrell Taylor has taken a real step forward physically. After two days of practice it looks like hes also stepping up and being heard more on the defensive line as well. He looks like hes engaging with teammates often during drills, working to keep the energy up and in general is just a much more noticeable presence on the practice field.
Rob Lewis
QB coach Mike Canales was energetic once again. His energy seems to be having some positive effects because the QBs looked more engaged today than Tuesday. It wasnt a surprise to see, but Jarrett Guarantano had the best mobility in footwork drills. However, Quinten Dormady showed off some mobility as well and looked better in pocket presence drills.
Another surprise was freshman Will McBride. McBride (League City, TX) was a 3-star quarterback prospect and enrolled in January. He has a strong arm as well and was throwing good balls. I think McBride has potential but will definitely need a few years to develop. In terms of the receiving corps, Tyler Byrd and John Kelly were impressive with their quickness and hands.
nick davis
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