Tennessee Volunteers Football: Newcomers Drawing High Praise

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

Every season, several newcomers to the program become main contributors. It certainly seems this season won’t be any different. Just three days into fall camp, many newcomers have drawn high praise from their teammates.

Wide receiver Marquez North, defensive lineman Jaylen Miller, cornerbacks Malik Foreman and Cam Sutton, and tight ends Woody Quinn and A.J. Branisel have been labeled as guys who have stood out during the first three days of camp. North and Foreman have been on the radar of many players and coaches.

Consistency and intensity are the keys to standing out for Coach Butch Jones. “We are looking for a high level of consistency.” said Jones. Junior cornerback Riyahd Jones, freshman cornerback Cam Sutton, and freshman cornerback Malik Foreman were a topic of discussion for Coach Jones after practice on Sunday. “I’m really encouraged by both of them.” Jones said regarding the two true freshmen defensive backs.  “They’re understanding the level of intensity.”

Senior linebacker Brent Brewer also stated Foreman was standing out to him, along with North, junior linebacker A.J. Johnson, and senior linebacker Dontavis Sapp. Jacques Smith added another newcomer to the list when he said, “Jaylen Miller is really explosive.”

Redshirt sophomore tight end Alex Ellis, who is in a competition for the starting tigh end position was really complimentary of his fellow tight ends. Ellis stated junior college transfer Woody Quinn and freshman A.J. Branisel were really standing out to him, and also mentioned that Marquez North has been impressive.

As fall camp and the season move along, more newcomers will make themselves known and turn into contributors for a team that is hoping to make it back to a bowl game for the first time since 2010.

Not only will players like North, Jones, Foreman, and Sutton need to make an impact, but names like Ryan Jenkins, Paul Harris, and Jason Carr will likely become factors into how this season ends up being viewed.

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