Notes From Vols’ Practice: Arkansas State Game Week Edition

Tennessee offensive linemen practice drills during Wednesday’s practice. The Vols are preparing for Saturday’s game against Arkansas State at noon. PHOTO: Nathanael Rutherford

The Tennessee Volunteers took the field Wednesday afternoon for the second practice leading up to this Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. While the media was only able to view three periods, there was enough on display to hold everyone’s attention.

Wide receiver Jason Croom was sporting a green, non-contact jersey, but punter Matt Darr was back in action and participated fully in drills today.

Most of today’s practice centered around special teams and individual drills. Punting and punt return especially were given emphasis.

Among the observers at today’s practice was former WATE sports anchor Jim Wogan and the head bishop of his Catholic church.

Here are some notes from today’s game week practice:

• No starter has been named at left tackle yet, and a few players saw time at that position today. Redshirt freshman Brett Kendrick and junior Dontavius Blair saw the most time during drills today.
• Matt Darr participated fully during practice and wore no brace and displayed no signs of injury. In fact, be boomed most of his punts and looked just as consistent as he did against Utah State.
• While most of the practice today was centered around special teams, there was still a focus on  offensive line and running back drills as well. Running backs worked on footwork while the offensive line worked on power blocking and protection on the edge.

Observations:

If I were to venture a prediction, I would say Brett Kendrick will be the starting left tackle for the Vols this Saturday against Arkansas State. Coaches have given him more time at the position, and he’s performed well in his drills.

Butch Jones emphasized stopping the run to his defense today and brought up Arkansas State’s dual-threat QB multiple times. Clearly, Jones and his staff consider Arkansas State’s Fredi Knighten a potent passer and scrambler and do not want to be beaten by him.