Vols Fall Camp Notes: Day 1

Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Tennessee Football team opened up fall camp today and it was very apparent from the start that they were focused and organized.  Whereas last season was about intensity and breaking bad habits, Coach Butch Jones has the formula down for what he wants to accomplish and his players fall in line accordingly.

From the get-go, the players look the part.  A big part of the offseason has been about getting stronger and faster.  You can definitely tell by looking at the players as they took the field that they have gotten stronger.

The QB’s had decent day in shorts. Retention, command, and leadership are things to look for in the QB position battle.  “I saw retention from our quarterbacks, but I was not pleased with our accuracy.” Butch Jones said.  “We had 62 footballs on the ground today.  The great teams I’ve been around have about 18-20 on the ground.”

As expected, Senior Justin Worley and Joshua Dobbs led the group.  Don’t discount the work that Nathan Peterman has put in this offseason either.  While most people expect it to be a battle headlined by Worley and Dobbs with Worley eventually winning out, Peterman could factor in if he has a strong fall camp.

Those three are the QB’s everyone wants to know about, but UMass transfer Mike Wegzyn also had a nice day.  He has a big frame at 6″5′ and 222lbs, and has a strong arm from what was shown today.  The redshirt Junior might not factor in to the grand scheme, but he looks like he could provide nice depth in case of an emergency.

As camp progresses, the position battles will take shape and players will rise up and fall down the depth chart.  Stay tuned, but Day 1 went about as expected.