Vols Football: Practice Notes For Ole Miss Week
Vols’ defensive linemen practice drills Wednesday in preparation for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss. PHOTO: Nathanael Rutherford
The Tennessee Volunteers practiced indoors again on Wednesday as rain continued to pour over Knoxville. Head coach Butch Jones didn’t let the rain temper his enthusiasm, however, as he was fiery and vocal over the PA system in the indoor practice facility.
Several Vols wore green, non-contact jerseys during today’s practice. Running back Jalen Hurd, defensive tackled Owen Williams, and wide receivers Marquez North and Josh Malone all wore non-contact jerseys but participated otherwise. Wide receiver Josh Smith did not attend practice.
Most of the open portion of today’s practice centered around special teams, but while most of the team worked on kickoffs, the quarterbacks tossed some balls to tight ends and the defensive line worked on coming off blocks.
Here are some notes from today’s practice:
- The Vols started out practice fielding some squib kicks, and several players got a shot at doing so, including Evan Berry and Jacob Carter.
- George Bullock started off as the kickoff specialist, but Aaron Medley quickly joined in. I don’t think this means there will be a shift in the depth chart at all.
- Speaking of kickoffs, Bullock and Medley both hit balls so high that they smacked the top of the roof of the indoor facility. Medley also boomed one deep into the endzone.
- Evan Berry only got a chance to return one kick during the open session, but he looked just as good during that return as he did Saturday against Chattanooga, displaying quick moves and elusiveness.
Observations:
Evan Berry is the real deal at kick returner. Nobody else is listed behind him on the depth chart, and nobody else needs to because as long as he holds on to the ball, he can create some special things.
Jalen Hurd, Marquez North, and Josh Malone should all be fine to play Saturday, as the coaches are just likely playing it safe with their young playmakers after a rough Saturday against Chattanooga.
Cornerback Mike Williams was a full go today at practice, and he displayed good speed and athleticism during secondary drills. Justin Coleman continues to impress and broke up several passes during the drill.