Tuesday Practice Thread: South Carolina Week

[Fingers]

NEWS: Vols bruising rookie RB Jeremy Banks practiced at MLB today.

We’ll see how long the experiment lasts but this is a move that’s been rumored for a bit.

Banks certainly has enticing traits that are missing in that unit. How fast can he get ready to play though?

-Simonton

Jeremy Banks was at middle linebacker today, getting a lot of 1-on-1 attention from head coach Jeremy Pruitt. He also spent much of two open periods shadowing senior Darrin Kirkland Jr.

Banks has all the physical tools, and was learning how to step with the correct foot, strike and wrap up. One hilarious moment did happen when Banks actually had the football back in his hands. During a tackling drill, he ran straight through Dillion Bates. I mean straight through him. Bates' helmet nearly came off and he had to collect himself after the blow, where he was supposed to tackle Banks. Kevin Sherrer had to holler at Banks, "Don't run 'em over."

Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was out there, taking all the No. 1 reps in routes on air.

Both injured wideouts Jordan Murphy and Josh Palmer were present, participating in routes on air.

In the secondary, Shawn Shamburger (right knee) was working at safety alongside Nigel Warrior. Both freshman corners got plenty of reps, while Marquill Osborne and DJ Henderson saw increased attention, too.

-Simonton

TE Dominick Wood-Anderson was back in full pads at today’s practice with some sort of tape on his right leg.

Limited in today’s practice: S Micah Abernathy and WR Jordan Palmer. Abernathy was in a boot and street clothes for Saturday’s game.

-Ubben

During one contact drill, Banks went hard and delivered one of the loudest pops of the thud tackling drill to Daniel Bituli.
The veteran then gave Banks a quick technique pointer to keep his head up when he goes in to tackle.
In the past Pruitt has called Banks a "ball of energy" and he's certainly showed he's not afraid of contact.

It's worth noting that cornerback Carlin Fils-aime, a running back the past two seasons, was with the running backs during pregame warmups before Saturday's game against No. 1 Alabama.

Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano looked normal going through drills on Tuesday.

Tackling was an emphasis for Tennessee's linebackers and defensive backs on Tuesday. Plenty of angle/pursuit type of contact drills. Pruitt was unhappy with how many tackles Tennessee missed against Alabama.

Freshman JJ Peterson, who made a tackle in kickoff coverage against Alabama, continues to work at outside linebacker.

-Patrick Brown

 

[BeardedVol]

Wait a minute...are those, turnover, trashcans?

 

[ProudVOLfan]

Yes please move Banks to LB.. he will tear some heads off

Does he have a neck roll of some sort is it just me?

 

[ScooterVol1]

banks to middle linebacker please- him next to bituli will do just fine

 

[jbcollins]

Does he have a neck roll of some sort is it just me?

yea he do

 

[Pacer92]

Thinking about what Pruitt could’ve done with Hurd on the defensive side of the ball...

 

[njvols]

Banks makes sense. Just wonder how effective he can be coming in mid season. Carlin was a strong runner too so maybe that’s the reasoning. Need some al Wilson type guys who can run and hit, and banks may fit the bill if he can adapt. Looking forward, wonder if that means we’ve got someone on the hook coming in at RBmaybe kid from NC? Though he’s a LB prospect too.

 

[VolET]

Banks to MB...good news...maybe he will learn to balance his physical and mental (im)maturities.

 

[VolBricks]

For Banks to make it at MLB he will need to do some of those "Mental Reps"

 

[DeltaVol05]

For Banks to make it at MLB he will need to do some of those "Mental Reps"

( cringe )

 

[butchna]

Thinking about what Pruitt could’ve done with Hurd on the defensive side of the ball...

Couldn’t change his hatred of hitting.

 

[turdherder11]

Move banks to LB and give him number 27!

 

[sameolvol]

Thanks again, Fingers, for your much appreciated updates.

Apparently CJP's not one to waste any time in fixing weaknesses...even when there aren't a whole lot of SEC type players to move around. Lacking even a decent pass rush is a priority to Coach Pru. Fils-Aime is a powerful back who can hang on to the ball. He'd wind up playing more at RB, IMO. And Banks? He's a fast moving man-bull who, even though he's been fumbling a bit, maybe-just-maybe might add enough speed and provide enough violent collisions at MLB to improve our Vols' needy pass rush. This switcheroo could, indeed, be a workable twofer.

 

[jwilliams]

For Banks to make it at MLB he will need to do some of those "Mental Reps"

I noticed Saban said we had "resiliency" in his post-game PC. Guess Butch is jerk-- errr... rubbing off on him.

 

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

I’m glad to hear Fils-Aime is back with the running backs. I like the way he runs the football. May work out for the best in the long run for him and banks switching positions. Gotta give Pruitt props for trying to find the best position possible for his guys. Banks laying the wood to Bentley on Saturday would be pretty fun to see as well!! Lol

 

[Remy]

Banks to MB...good news...maybe he will learn to balance his physical and mental (im)maturities.

Banks put the ball on the ground again last week. It didn't hurt us as the play was called back, but the youngster cannot hang onto the ball at this level. So? Give him a shot at a position where he can excel. MLB sounds good to me.

 

[Remy]

I noticed Saban said we had "resiliency" in his post-game PC. Guess Butch is jerk-- errr... rubbing off on him.

Kirby Smart discussed how resilient his players were after their LSU loss vs the staff struggling with it.

 

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

I’m glad to hear Fils-Aime is back with the running backs. I like the way he runs the football. May work out for the best in the long run for him and banks switching positions. Gotta give Pruitt props for trying to find the best position possible for his guys. Banks laying the wood to Bentley on Saturday would be pretty fun to see as well!! Lol

I agree on CFA. He brings some big play ability to the table with his speed.

 

[butchna]

Thanks again, Fingers, for your much appreciated updates.

Apparently CJP's not one to waste any time in fixing weaknesses...even when there aren't a whole lot of SEC type players to move around. Lacking even a decent pass rush is a priority to Coach Pru. Fils-Aime is a powerful back who can hang on to the ball. He'd wind up playing more at RB, IMO. And Banks? He's a fast moving man-bull who, even though he's been fumbling a bit, maybe-just-maybe might add enough speed and provide enough violent collisions at MLB to improve our Vols' needy pass rush. This switcheroo could, indeed, be a workable twofer.

Never heard CFA referred to as powerful...not even by his proponents.

 

[TrueVolsGBOInsider]

Never heard CFA referred to as powerful...not even by his proponents.

I’d say he’s deceptively powerful, if you go At him under 100% then he will run over your ass no doubt. He runs angry.

 

[Memphisvol87]

Would love to see CFA in the rotation more with chandler.

Banks is a great back but can’t hold onto the ball. I absolutely love hearing about him popping bates. I don’t want to assume too much but I’m tired of some players going the motions. You better practice hard and it seems like only half our guys understand that.

Banks is a bull and I hope he finds a way to contribute. He plays mean and we need everyone to bring that heat everyday.

 

[BloomuVol]

Couldn’t change his hatred of hitting.

? One of my biggest complaints with hurd was he would lean into a hit 8 yards downfield instead of making them miss or anything else.

 

[Behr]

I'm happy to hear we may get to see CFA back at RB. Never knew him or met him, but I did go watch him play here against Ft. Myers his senior year. I know its no big deal, but its the only "connection" I have to anyone on the team. Just always hoped he would do well.

 

[butchna]

? One of my biggest complaints with hurd was he would lean into a hit 8 yards downfield instead of making them miss or anything else.

I think it was more bad change of direction at 240 lbs...which wouldn’t have served well on defense either. He’s more explosive at his current weight...and lighter. Just never saw him as built to lay out punishment.

 

[TNHopeful505]

Wonder if Phil was like "You know....back in the day, we took some RB's in high school and turned them into some pretty great LBs...." I mean....Eric Westmoreland was an outstanding RB in high school, and he turned out to be a pretty great LB. And there's several others. Definitely have had some success with that here at UT.