With only one practice remaining before Saturday’s Orange and White Game, Butch Jones met with the media after practice on Tuesday. Here are my FreakNotes.
- Josh Smith had the best practice he’s had all year.
- Charles Moseley was moved from the defensive line to the offensive line today. He will still play defensive line during Saturday’s Orange and White Game, however. He has good size and athleticism for a big individual and he’s very smart. He’s still only about 70% recovered from his leg injury, but he has natural instincts when it comes to playing offensive line.
- The Orange and White Game will be very similar to previous years, with several one-on-one type matchups such as the offensive line vs defensive line, wide receivers versus defensive backs in the red zone, and we will have a quarterback challenge. There will also be some 11-on-11. The first half will be two 15-minute quarters with running clock and the second half will be two 12-minute quarters with running clock. It will be offense versus defense and there will be a scoring system.
- The receivers are a work in progress. The guys who are healthy have taken an inordinate amount of reps. It will be big to get Jason Croom back and get Josh back into football shape. Von Pearson had a big day today. This group is explosive but limited in numbers. We want to get to a point where we play 10-13 wide receivers. We need to continue to recruit and it’s a big point of emphasis in this class.
- Our offensive line is continuing to grow and develop. We have competition there. All of the quarterbacks, with the exception of Josh Dobbs, were live today.
- Peyton Manning is a great friend and has been a great resource for the program. It will be special having him, and all the former players, back this weekend. It’s like a family reunion.
- Joe Stocstill sets a mentality. He has the respect of his peers and he’s very, very tough mentally and physically. He brings it every day. He is a true team player. He’s one of our leaders and our players respect him. He’s what you would think of as an h-back.
Tennessee’s final practice before Saturday’s spring game will take place on Thursday afternoon.
Forum discussion: Tuesday Practice Updates 4/21