#VolReport: Setting The Foundation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Team 119 opened its third week of spring football on Tuesday. With the rainy and wet weather in Knoxville, the Vols had a chance to have their first indoor practice of spring.

“Kind of a change of pace today, obviously practicing inside and we need to do that because, again, we are setting the foundation for next year and our players understanding how we practice indoors,” said Butch Jones. “I thought it was an extremely productive day. A lot of situation football that we covered. I thought Joshua Dobbs had one of his better days of the spring.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the player drawing praise was sophomore defensive lineman Kendal Vickers.

“I was very encouraged by the play of Kendal Vickers,” said Jones. “We went live, goal line at the end of practice and you could feel the presence of Kendal Vickers. Kendal is an individual who continues to get better and better. So very encouraged about his progress.”

With the Vols at the midway point of spring football, Jones continues to be focused on building Team 119 with attention to detail. That is something different from the regular-season when the focus is on the weekly opposition during much of the preparation.

“In the spring you can really work to elevate your game on an individual basis,” said Jones. “It is everyone taking accountability for transforming their game. We spoke about that with them today and I liked our approach. I thought our players came out with a lot of energy, again fundamentally still a long ways to go.”

HURD TURNING LIMITED REPS INTO VOCAL LEADERSHIP

Donning a green, limited-contact jersey for the entirety of the spring has been a frustrating endeavor for running back Jalen Hurd, but limited reps don’t necessarily equate to limited influence out on the field for the second-year tailback.

While seeing his workload restricted to thud drills and other low-impact situations might be understandably irritating to the 235-pound, bruising back, the sophomore has embraced the situation by latching onto a new perspective of leadership on the sidelines.

“I think it’s a good time for me just to be a leader to other guys,” Hurd said of his limited spring. “Just teaching them what I know and teaching them what coach is teaching them. Giving them my opinion and being the best leader I can and whatever reps I get, just giving it all I’ve got.”

Hurd’s partial work has also allowed him the opportunity to take a more vocal leadership role in the Vol backfield. As the most experienced running back in the still-youthful unit, Hurd has taken it upon himself to level the learning curve for first year backs Alvin Kamara and Jayson Sparks.

“Being here a full year, I really know the offense,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to focus on this spring–conveying to Sparks and Alvin and just showing them what I know. Obviously I get better, too, by explaining it. So I can pick up new things.”

NORTH PREPARING FOR 100 PERCENT RETURN

Since tearing the labrum in his right shoulder, junior Marquez North has been waiting for the day that he’s back to being 100 percent healthy. Taking his time to ensure a sound recovery, he’s been mentally focused on getting better.

“Really just staying in it mentally,” North said about what he learned from his injury. “It gets tough and frustrating when you’re not at your full capability. It was real frustrating for me. I was really down on myself because I’m a powerful guy and couldn’t really do a lot.”

Preparing himself to move forward, North has learned about getting through hard times.

“It was just a lot of trials and tribulations. I’m glad I overcame it. I’m glad I’m getting back healthy now.”

Although he isn’t cleared to practice with his teammates, he spends each practice working on route techniques and working with the quarterbacks of Team 119 to perfect his timing.

Anticipating a full recovery after May, North is still just taking it day-by-day with his trust in the medical staff.

“I’m feeling good right now,” North said. “I’m still not 100 percent yet, but they have a good plan that I’m doing right now so I can get back right.”

“I’ve been doing a lot of band work working on the little muscles. I haven’t tried to lift heavy yet. We’ll wait and see.”

TAKING THE DISTANCE BEYOND 40

Sophomore Aaron Medley has set new goals for himself less than a year after making 20 field goals, a feat that marked the second-most by a true freshman in a season and tied the fourth-most in a single-season.

With high expectations of himself, he’s spending the spring focusing on a few things.

“Just getting more comfortable with the longer kicks and going back and making sure my technique is sound,” Medley said.

He has already seen some improvements.

“I’m stronger in mechanics and height on field goals. Distance is about the same. I feel much more smooth going through my kicks. [I could kick] 55 [yards] easy.”

During Saturday’s scrimmage, Medley went 3-for-4 and was perfect in practice today. His progression is something that he sees as motivating and wanting to feel more comfortable with field goals from 40 yards and beyond, he knows what he has to do.

“Just see your line,” Medley explained. “It’s a putt in golf. You see your line and follow through that line, you’re going to make that kick.”

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR SANDERS

Coming off a season in which he saw action in only five games, redshirt-sophomore Austin Sanders looks to increase his role on the offensive line in 2015 by taking any opportunity given to him.

The Tennessee native discovered the true grind of SEC play in Oxford, Mississippi, last season as starting lineman Marcus Jackson went down with an injury at No. 3 Ole Miss. Sanders admittedly struggled in the game and realizes his need to make corrections both mentally and physically to see the field in the SEC in 2015.

“[I need] to prepare a lot more,” Sanders said. “I didn’t prepare as well as I should have. It just made me realize that I need to do more and not sit there and say, `Someone is not going to get hurt.’ I need to prepare more as an individual.”

Throughout the offseason, Sanders has diligently been working to get to the level necessary to compete in the SEC. With redshirt-senior Marcus Jackson sitting out spring practice, Sanders wants to seize the opportunity in his path.

“It is a great opportunity for me,” Sanders said. “I do hope Marcus comes back and is healthy as he can be, but I see it as a great opportunity for me to come out and stand out for this coaching staff.”

Catching the eye of the Tennessee coaching staff is Sanders’ goal, and he is willing to do whatever necessary in order to achieve that. Although Sanders is more comfortable on the left side of the line, flexibility is key for him.

“I want to have a lot of value, so I want to play wherever I can,” Sanders said. “Last year, I did a lot more right side, but that was during season. Now, I’ve been doing a lot of left side. If somebody goes down, I can go in at right. I have had reps there before, so I know what I am doing. You just flip flop the plays.”

For Sanders to see more action in 2015, he understands he needs to continue to clock in hours at the office, whether that is in the weight room, the film room or on the field. He has accepted the challenge and wants to do whatever it takes to `Earn the Jersey.’ ​

KIRKLAND LEARNING FROM SIDELINES

Though linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. is still recovering from a shoulder, the freshman has been mentally preparing for the upcoming season throughout spring football.

“Really I’m just breaking down the film, being the mic that Coach Thigpen needs, really trying to lead the defense the best that I can from the sideline,” Kirkland said. “Learning play calls, learning hand signals, things like that to help my overall game improve.”

This injury is the biggest that he has had to overcome in his playing career, but Kirkland is taking the injury and turning it into a learning experience.

“It’s been a big learning experience for me and taught me a lot of confidence for myself. When I come back I’ll be stronger than ever.”

On top of the injury, this is Kirkland’s first semester at Tennessee. Though it can be overwhelming balancing school with football, Kirkland sees it as a blessing.

“It’s definitely a mental fatigue with classes as well. But I’m enjoying it. It’s teaching me a lot of mental toughness and I’m getting used to it.”

Kirkland has noticed a few differences between high school and college football, including the speed, but he believes that’s to be expected in SEC play.

“Just the volume of the scheme and how many different scenarios that can happen. But that’s SEC ball and you’ve got to be a volume type of defense to be successful in this conference.”

The linebacker is on schedule to begin upper-body training in the next few weeks and looks forward to the opportunity to play for Tennessee in the fall.

“It was a big advantage for me coming here in the spring. I’m really grateful for it,” said Kirkland. “I get to learn the playbook and be under great guys and still be in the strength program. I’m happy that I get to rehab here and be better for it.” ​

INJURY UPDATE

Following the conclusion of Tuesday’s practice, head coach Butch Jones provided a series of updates on the Vols’ injury situations in spring camp.

First-year running back Alvin Kamara did not practice on Tuesday while tending to a bruised thigh, but is not expected to miss extended time.

“Alvin was nursing a thigh bruise,” Jones said. “We should have him back for Thursday, and if not, definitely on Saturday. So we had one healthy running back [at Tuesday’s practice]. We had to pick our spots when have live opportunities and tackling drills as well.”

Defensive lineman Corey Vereen was absent as he works his way back from knee surgery.

“Right now, he underwent surgery on his knee,” said Jones. “He is progressing and we expect to have him back in relatively the same time frame as most of the guys–sometime in June.”

Jones also explained that while defensive lineman Owen Williams has been battling through nagging injuries, his absence from practice last weekend stemmed from family matters that had to be attended to back home.

While depth has been an issue throughout the spring season, Jones remains encouraged by the level of engagement he sees from his injured players.

“They are doing a great job,” Jones said. “They have been very, very into practice. We have actually given them assignments in practice where they are responsible for one player and they are responsible for that individuals technique and their effort. So we have really tried to keep them involved in practice. I think the off days of being able to walk thru the install has helped them. But you are going to get better thorough your due diligence in the strength and conditioning room and in the training room.Jason McVeigh does a tremendous job. Dave Lawson, they do a great job. Our players have really taken ownership in getting themselves back.”

SOUND BITES

Here are sound bites from #Team119:

HEAD COACH BUTCH JONES

»(On sophomore kicker Aaron Medley)

“We motivate him everyday. The great thing with Aaron [Medley] is he is motivated internally first and foremost. The one day he didn’t have a particularly productive scrimmage, our first Saturday, and on Sunday he drives to Nashville to work on his kicking game. So he is intrinsically motivated. But we have worked on his length. That is one of the things that he was very productive from about 30-yards in but his struggles occurred about 40-yards and beyond. So we really, really challenged him. So today we actually started our field goal session with 40-yards and worked our way back. Also, I think Aaron has added the much needed strength with the off-season strength and conditioning program. The ball is jumping off his foot right now. The other part in his development are kickoffs as well. We need him to get the ball in the end zone. The best kick off cover team is when they have a touchback. So we have really challenged [him] on that and he has really responded. But his internal drive is one of the best we have on this football team.”

»(On how offensive coordinator Mike DeBord has made an impact on the offense)

“I think a mentality in an offense. The fine details of what it takes it play winning football. Definitely a mentality and a presence. A command presence over the entire offense. I think our quarterbacks have improved greatly. Josh [Joshua Dobbs] is throwing the ball with much more accuracy. I see our young quarterbacks continuing to grow and develop as well. So I have been pleased with their progress so far this spring.”

»(On junior wide receiver Cody Blanc)

“Again he is an individual who continues to progress. Is he 100% healthy? No but he is giving everything that he has. He is going to be invaluable for us either it is special teams or giving us valuable repetitions at the receiving position as well. I think Cody Blanc has had a very productive spring. I have been very proud of him. Again these are great stories because these individuals are very, very limited but you would never know that by their approach out here each and everyday.”

SOPHOMORE RUNNING BACK JALEN HURD

»(On running back Alvin Kamara)

“Alvin’s doing a great job. Him and [Jayson] Sparks are doing an amazing job feeding off each other. I’m just trying to be there to give them as much encouragement and tips I’ve got and help teach them. But they’re doing an amazing job.”

»(On Joshua Dobbs’ leadership)

“Josh is always a great leader, going out there taking command of the whole field. He’s working on his game every single day. He’s staying after, getting his stuff in. Just leading the team and helping the younger guys.”

»(On offensive coordinator Coach DeBord)

“Coach Debo he’s just got certain swag to him. I love Coach Debo. He brings his style to this place and I love it. He’s got his own little energy and I love it.”

JUNIOR WIDE RECEIVER MARQUEZ NORTH

»(On the depth at wide receivers this spring)

“Right now in the spring it’s pretty hard because there’s only five or six guys going. We run an up-tempo offense so we go and go and go. Once me, Jason [Croom] and some other guys get going back healthy it’ll be good.”

»(On increased expectations for this team come fall)

“Everyone sees the potential. Coach Jones is moving us in the right step. Every sees what we can do. It’s just up to us to focus in and have one goal to do it. I know we can be real good. It was evident. We just have to close out some guys and clean up on the fine details.”

SOPHOMORE KICKER AARON MEDLEY

»(On maintaining balance between strength and flexibility)

“It’s very tough. We stretch every day after every workout. I think [Dave] Lawson and his staff have a good mix going on.”

»(On what he’s learned coming into this season)

“I think the biggest change going from last year to this year is we go out there for a field goal, and I’m expected to make it now. Last year it was like `Let’s see what he can do.’ I think the standard is up there now, and I have to maintain it.”

SOPHOMORE DEFENSIVE BACK EVAN BERRY

»(On being compared to older brother Eric Berry by Brian Randolph)

“It’s obviously a good compliment. It just feels good. Especially getting a compliment from him, because I look up to him as he is my brother. It’s just a good compliment.”

»(On being singled out by Coach Jones)

“It’s obviously a confidence booster and I appreciate it, but I don’t take it to the head. Just got to keep grinding and try to repeat it again.”

FRESHMAN LINEBACKER DARRIN KIRKLAND JR.

»​(On the talent at defensive tackle)

“It’s a blessing to have guys like Shy [Tuttle], Vick [Kendal Vickers], to be in front of me and make plays and help me do my job and make it a lot easier.”

»(On junior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin)

“He has helped me a lot. He’s my big brother in our big brother/little brother program. He’s helped me a lot just to teach me tips, quick things to learn. He’s been very vocal in my development so far.”

»(On how he’s grown as a player while at Tennessee)

“I’ve been killing my lower body for the past two and a half months that I’ve been injured. I’m seeing a lot of improvement. I’ve gained about 12 or 13 pounds since I’ve been here. It’s been very successful for me.”

RS SOPHOMORE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN AUSTIN SANDERS

»​(On how different the o-line is this spring compared to last season)

“It’s all about relationships as an o-line. And now, since we’ve been working together the whole entire season of last year and now we’re coming into this year, we’re just a lot stronger as a bond as a whole. So there’s a lot of excitement, a lot of leadership now on the o-line.”

»(On the transition from tackle in high school to guard at Tennessee)

“At first it was a lot different because you have to be able to bend more and you’re with a lot of bigger bodies on the inside. So the transition from being outside–you’re standing up here and in high school I was in a down-stance–but here it’s just a lot different just because you have all these bigger bodies. I’ve grown to learn how to deal with that.”

»(On what he took away from his playing experience last season)

“It’s just a whole new ballgame. To get in and learn how the game is going to be and just how much more you have to prepare. I took a lot from that, just knowing that I need to prepare and I need to be on track with everything. And that’s from outside of football as well.”