Tennessee Vols morning report: Coordinators talk final spring practice

We’ve reached the end of spring ball for the first Tennessee Vols football team under head coach Josh Heupel. With questions surrounding an NCAA investigation still hanging over the program’s head, UT takes the field Saturday for its Orange and White game.

Our morning update on Rocky Top deals with the aftermath of spring practice, as two key assistants spoke about the growth the team had the past few weeks. Despite other spring sports being in play, football still dominates. Offseason news in women’s basketball also made the list with a key signing made.

Beyond the offseason, there are sports in play two, including previews for baseball, softball and track and field along with more postseason coverage. That includes men’s and women’s tennis and men’s golf. Let’s start with the football news, though.

Coordinators discuss final spring practice – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest

As the Tennessee Vols football team wrapped up its final spring practice Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Orange and White game, offensive coordinator Alex Golesh and defensive coordinator Tim Banks spoke with the media about the growth of the team on their sides of the ball. Here’s what Golesh said about the installation of the offense.

"“I think we are where we hoped we would be, in terms of normal situation football. I think the situation side we have to continue to grow. I think it’s just guys understanding the game better, understanding what we’re trying to get done in certain situations.”"

Banks discussed the players’ fit in his system and where the defense is at. Here’s a bit of what he said on that topic.

"“We made considerable strides since the first practice to obviously whatever practice number we are on right now. The kids are starting to grasp what we’re trying to get done. It’s not all about schematics but what the expectations are. How we practice, our whole intent, our body language, everything, how we take the field.”"

Women’s basketball signs Alexus Dye – AP News

Troy Trojans transfer and 2020-2021 Sun Belt Player of the Year Alexus Dye announced her commitment to the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team Wednesday. The rising senior forward signed with the team Thursday.

"From Birmingham, Alabama, Dye averaged 16.6 points and 12.6 rebounds in 28 games for Troy. She led the nation with 23 double-doubles and ranked second with 352 total rebounds. She shot 49.5% from the floor and 73.7% at the free throw line."

Baseball to visit Texas A&M – Brian Perroni, 247Sports

For the first time since facing the Alabama Crimson Tide the first weekend in April, the Tennessee Vols baseball team has an SEC series against an unranked team. UT will visit the Texas A&M Aggies, who are 22-17 and 4-11 in SEC play, for a three-game series. The first pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.

"Tennessee (30-8, 10-5 SEC) is coming off a rare series loss as the Vols dropped two of three at home last weekend to No. 2 Vanderbilt. After being shut out in the opener, 4-0, Tennessee won the next game, 8-4, before dropping the finale, 10-4. Prior to that, though, Tennessee took two out of three against a top-10 Florida team as well as Alabama. The other two SEC series were a sweep of LSU and winning two of three against Georgia."

Softball to host Georgia – Ethan Stone, UT Daily Beacon

Coming off their second straight SEC series win last weekend by taking two of three from the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team hosts the No. 22 ranked Georgia Bulldogs this weekend for a three-game series. UT comes in with a 33-7 overall record and 6-6 SEC record. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET.

"Georgia (28-12, 6-9 SEC), like Tennessee, is desperate for an SEC victory. The Bulldogs are 1-4 in their last five contests, but earned some momentum before their trip to Knoxville when they split their series with No. 1 Oklahoma on Tuesday, handing the Sooners their first loss of the year."

Track and Field to take part in Clark Wood Open – GoCards.com

The Tennessee Vols track and field program heads to Louisville this weekend for the Clark Wood Open, which is hosted by the Louisville Cardinals. UT will send 17 athletes to the event.

"The Clark Wood Invitational will take place Friday and Saturday at Cardinal Park and feature 24 participating teams.…Following this weekend’s home meet, the Cardinals will travel to Knoxville, Tenn., on May 1 for the Tennessee Challenge."

Women’s tennis eliminated from SEC Tournament – UTSports

After upsetting their way to the SEC Tournament semifinals, the No. 17 overall ranked and No. 5 seed Tennessee Lady Vols team fell to the No. 2 overall ranked and No. 1 seed Georgia Bulldogs 4-0. This came a day after UT upset the No. 10 ranked and No. 4 overall seed LSU Tigers.

"The Bulldogs (19-1) took the doubles point over the Lady Vols (16-8) to gain a 1-0 lead with wins on courts one and three.…Up next, Tennessee will learn its NCAA Tournament draw on Monday, May 3 when the official bracket is released."

Men’s tennis moves to SEC Tournament final – ArkansasRazorbacks.com

Thanks to a 4-0 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks, the No. 2 seed Tennessee Vols men’s tennis team moves onto the SEC Tournament final, where they will face the No. 1 overall ranked Florida Gators Friday. The Arkansas Razorbacks are hosting the event.

"Tickets will not be required for admission to the 2021 Men’s SEC Tournament. All matches will be open to the public."

Men’s golf finishes day two in sixth at SECs – GolfStat.com

A second place finish after Day One of the SEC Championships turned into sixth place after Day Two. UT shot 12-over par Thursday to move to 9-over in the tournament. The final day is Friday.