Yesterday marked the first day of fall camp for the Tennessee Volunteers with expectations higher than they have been in years.
For the first time under the Butch Jones era, the squad looks like a legit contender in terms of size and athleticism, which is something fans have not seen in years.
If you’re counting at home, today was day 2 of fall camp, and the second day of practice without pads. It was an overcast day, the sunshine gods were too concerned with the Bahamas I guess, but the Vols came out and practiced anyway.
Butch Jones, the staff, and players were not available to the media after practice, but there were still several notes and observations from tonight.
Notes:
Battle of the big boys coming
As the media walked onto the practice field, Butch Jones made an announcement over the microphone that all Vol fans will love to hear. Charles Mosley wants to challenge Kahlil McKenzie. What a site this could be.
First of all, I can confirm reports that McKenzie’s legs are in fact tree trunks. The freshman looks like a starter in the SEC. Mosley is no slouch either.
With both guys checking in at 350 pounds or more, this would be a fun circle of life for the orange faithful.
Absent:
Von Pearson- In case you missed it, the wide receiver was cleared of any charges involving the alleged rape that took place over 100 days ago. However, he is still not able to practice with the team because he is still under suspension by the university.
Preston Williams – There is still no time table on his return after his flagged ACT score, the freshman wide out was not present on Wednesday night.
Observations:
The quarterback position is in much better hands than last season without a doubt.
Joshua Dobbs looks like a veteran poised QB taking his first team reps. Dobbs looked consistent not missing on many throws, and made some fundamentally sound pitches in the read-option drills. The quarterback is excelling in his role as the starter, and I can see him taking that responsibility in helping the younger guys. Even if it is simply high fiving a young QB like Sheriron Jones after a missed throw, it will take that kind of leadership to continue to develop these young guys, and himself for this season.
Dormady and Jones have already secured the 2 and 3 spots on the depth chart after 2 days in camp as far as I am concerned. They are not ready to play in the SEC, but they are both showing flashes of why they potentially can be in the future in the passing game.
Jauan Jennings should go ahead and move to wide receiver full-time. The quarterback/receiver once again looked much better out wide. Jennings had some fundamental mishaps, but he shown a glimpse of his athletic ability tonight with a tremendous leaping catch that drew microphone praise from Butch Jones.
Jalen Hurd continues to look impressive at the running back position. The 242 pounder demonstrated how quick a large man can move tonight in each of the running back drills providing tremendous foot work.
As far as the offensive line is concerned, with the Vols still not being in pads it is hard to tell who is excelling or not. We will get to those when the Vols pad up.
On the defensive side of things, the defensive line is under the same tent as the offensive line right now. It is hard to say who is outshining who after day 2 in the first place, but we will need to see the guys in pads before any real judgments are made.
In terms of inside linebacker news, Kenny Bynum was the first through drills tonight, but nobody is yet to pull ahead in the race for the spot beside Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
The defensive back fight to line up beside Cam Sutton is going to be a fun one. Justin Martin looked like a guy who will be able to match up with the receivers in this league. His long arms and ability to go get the ball are going to make it interesting for Emmanuel Mosley.
Final observation: No injuries to report in day 2, and another reminder that football is back.