Tennessee football: 5 takeaways from Vols first week of spring practice
1. Health is much better than last year.
When Tennessee football opened spring practice, we noted how much better shape the Vols are in this year than last year. It’s the biggest thing that allows for Jeremy Pruitt to focus on things other than teaching how to practice.
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The only person we know is out is Darrin Kirkland Jr. Meanwhile, JJ Peterson and Kurrott Garland are banged up while Brandon Kennedy is returning to health. Trey Smith is able to be at practice despite his health issues.
On top of those guys, Tyus Fields, Eric Gray and Chris Akporoghene are all banged up as well, but they’re early enrollees who are newcomers. And all of these guys outside of Kirkland and Smith will be able to practice.
So that makes only two returning players who are out and three who are limited. All of that is a major improvement over 2018 when Pruitt took over for a coach who oversaw a record amount of injuries through two years.
One bit of good news for the Vols as well is that through a week, they haven’t seen any new injuries. New Protective helmet coverings are helping to make the game safer and should protect these guys until the season as well.
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Injuries were a big reason for the slow development last year. They were clearly a much less significant issue this year. But after a week, we know for a fact that Tennessee football is more flexible right now due to better health. Overall, that is very good news and should play a role in them developing even more so this spring.