Vols Open Up Practice to the Fans

Approximately 40,000 fans showed up to Neyland Stadium to see the Vols open practice session.  Coach Butch Jones was wanting a game like atmosphere for his players to experience going into the final two weeks of preparation for the upcoming 2013 season.  He was not disappointed.

“The crowd, the way they came out, was a game day like atmosphere.” Jones said, “I thought that was a great atmosphere to really develop this football team.”

“The fans boost everybody’s confidence.” Junior CB Justin Coleman said. “They gave everybody something to play for.”

Despite the rain, which drove the fans in attendance underneath the overhang, the team was able to perform in front of a lively crowd.  “You can’t put a value on being able to practice in the rain.” Jones said of the elements.”  Even though the coaching staff has tried to simulate wet situations, the real thing is hard to beat.

Jones was really appreciative of the fanbase showing up the way they did. “I think I would be remised if I didn’t start – first and foremost – by thanking the best fanbase in the country.  That was evident today.”  Jones said as he started off the post-practice press conference.  “I want to thank our fanbase for coming out and supporting us.  If anybody doesn’t realize the magnitude of Tennessee football, all they had to do was be here tonight and see it.  It’s a responsibility of this football team, this coaching staff, all the people associated with our football program to give their all each and every day.”

During practice, the fans were able to see what happens on a daily basis on the practice field.  Fans were shown redzone and goal-line scrimmages, punt and punt return drills, individual drills, situational scrimmages, and one-minute scrimmages.

• During the redzone and goal-line scrimmages, freshman QB Riley Ferguson led his unit into the endzone the quickest.  On the first play, he completed a rollout pass and looked really poised.   A handoff on the second play resulted in a quick touchdown.
• Devrin Young and Cam Sutton competed against each other while fielding punts.  Young looked the most comfortable and really stood out fielding punts under pressure.
• Individual drills saw WRs going against the DBs.  Vincent Dallas, who recently moved from WR to CB, had a nice showing.  With Riyahd Jones possibly being out for a substantial amount of time, Dallas could provide much needed depth.
• Freshmen QBs Riley Ferguson and Josh Dobbs were declared live during tonight’s scrimmages.  “To see what type of decisions they make with the football.  They’re the managers of the offense, they’re the manager of taking care of the ball.”  Jones said of his freshmen being live. “I thought both of them did a great job in terms of their pocket presence.  Both individuals show a poise that young quarterbacks don’t possess, and they possess that and that’s been great to see.”
• Ferguson continued to impress.  His poise and his ability to move and really stood out.  Dobbs had some oooh and ahhh moments.  During a read option keeper, he put a move on the defense that drew a reaction from the crowd.  His long TD pass to RS freshman Jason Croom also drew cheers from the fans.
• RS freshman Nathan Peterman showed a good ability to get what he can get on his feet.  His decision making was evident in making the smart play instead of forcing anything.
• The last thing the fans were shown was the one-minute scrimmages.  Junior QB Justin Worley, who is working with the first team, led his unit down for a field goal attempt with seconds remaining.  Senior Kicker Michael Palardy missed the ensuing FG attempt.  During the second unit scrimmage, freshman OL Dylan Wiesman went down with an apparent knee injury.  Coach Jones said he would be evaluated.
• When Wiesman went down, the offense did not have anymore timeouts.  This allowed for a teaching moment for Jones, as he informed his team they needed to gut it out because a new rule stipulates a 10-second runoff for an injury stoppage if the team doesn’t possess any timeouts.