2013 Tennessee Volunteers Spring Football: Butch Jones Speaks To Media

Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey IX during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Smokey IX is retiring after this game. Tennessee won by a score of 37 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Tennessee Volunteers Spring Football — Butch Jones and the new coaching staff at Tennessee took time to talk to the media during a press conference on Friday, prior to the beginning of spring practice on Saturday. Coach Jones expressed excitement for the beginning of spring practice, and discussed the quarterback battle, position changes and practice styles among other things.

On the Quarterback Battle

Coach Jones said the player that gives the team the best chance to win will be the starting quarterback come August. It appears that the staff won’t favor one playing style over the other. Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian added to this sentiment, saying that the player that wins the battle must be able to make the throws first and foremost, everything else is secondary.

Position Clarifications 

During the press conference Butch Jones stated that Devrin Young would see most of his reps at wide receiver, instead of running back.  Corey Vereen will move from linebacker to defensive end. Brent Brewer will line up as linebacker and Justin King will be a tight end.

Practice Style

Tennessee football practices will have a different look under coach Jones. Practices will be “controlled chaos” with random loud noises being played, in order to break the player’s concentration. Jones also said that at the end of every practice the offensive and defensive units will meet at mid-field to shake hands. Jones wants a competitive practice, but also wants to keep team spirit and solidarity strong. Jones said the first two practices would be in helmets and the third would be in pads.

Coach Jones also wants the players to learn the phrase “63”, which means four to six seconds, with three great efforts on every play.

New Running Back Coach

When looking for a new running back coach Jones said he wanted someone with certain basic attributes: high character, family man, teacher, recruiter. Jones said he called around to high schools and asked who the best recruiter was and kept getting the same answer — Robert Gillespie.

Notes and Quotes

• Linebacker Curt Maggitt will be out this spring
• Safety Jaylen Reeves-Maybin will be out as well
• Offensive lineman Antonio “Tiny” Richardson will practice on a limited basis
• The three players that met with the media (Justin Worley, Jawuan James, A.J. Johnson) have emerged as leaders according to Jones.
• Spring practice will finish with a depth chart, but nothing set in stone

"Robert Gillespie: The first time I get into the checkerboard end zones will be as a coach.Robert Gillespie: You want a variety of different skill sets at RB. You want guys who are great protectors of both the QB and the football.Robert Gillespie: Being at a place like Tennessee, the place sells itself. The traditions and a coach like Butch Jones makes recruiting easy.Justin Worley: The offense is going to be fast and furious. Not going to be a sling it all over the place offense. A lot of pressure on run gameJawuan James: The bottom line is that I am happy I am here and happy I stayed.Jawuan James: We can always get stronger and always get faster. We talk about being Tennessee Tough.A.J. Johnson: We learned from last year and the experience of playing, but we are going out each day trying to win each day.Mike Bajakian: We are going to hang our hats on being a tough offense. That is going to be our identity.Mike Bajakian: This is Wide Receiver U. Every time these players step out on the field, they are representing a great tradition at that position.Butch Jones: Everyone who runs out on the field tomorrow will play a role in helping us win championships here.Butch Jones: We are going to play the best players on special teams.Butch Jones: Our QB battle will be an ongoing process through the summer months. I’ve been encouraged by everything I’ve seen out of our QBs so farJohn Jancek:  I think we have a system of defense that is easy to understand, that has rules and easy adjustments. Have to let them play."