Vols Spring Football Practice #5

[Fingers]

The quarterbacks and running backs worked the mesh drill out of pistol to begin the day.

Outside, the quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends took part in routes on air into the endzone. It was not the sharpest period as it was likely the first time they were throwing into the endzone all camp. Timing was off on some routes, which is normal this early in camp.

George MacIntyre threw a couple of great balls to Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews in the back of the endzone. Matthews made a highlight catch. Radarious Jackson made the best catch of the period on a ball thrown by Faizon Brandon that was out in front of him on a slant in the back of the endzone. He stretched out, made the catch and then got his feet down before going out of bounds.

Brandon also threw a really nice fade to Joakim Dodson just inside the back pylon.

There were some misses, too. Brandon threw behind Keys twice on a slant. Jackson dropped a Brandon pass. MacIntyre threw behind Matthews on a slant. Staub has a miscommunication with a receiver and threw it into no man’s land. Again, this can be common early in camp when doing a new drill.

The rotation at wide receiver was Jackson and Travis Smith on one side and Mike Matthews and Tristen Keys on the other side. In the slot, it’s been Staley followed by Dodson and then transfer Ian Duarte.

e.cain

George MacIntyre was the most accurate during the period-and-a-half we watched. He was a little high to Mike Matthews on an early throw, the receiver able to tip the football to himself but catching it behind the end line. The redshirt freshman also missed over the top to Braylon Staley as he worked with the top targets at wideout.

But MacIntyre came back to throw two beautiful fade balls to Staley and then Matthews, putting the football out in front of his targets and allowing them to make catches away from their frames and still get a foot down.

Faizon Brandon was a little more inconsistent on his throws. He was behind TK Keys on a deep crosser and missed him entirely on a fade, and Radarious Jackson dropped one of his passes. The freshman quarterback’s best throw was a dime to Joakim Dodson in the corner of the end zone, but on one round of throws he and Jackson were a little off, his far-hash fade throw to Dodson was flat and there was the miss to Keys – but that’s what practice is for.

Idaho State transfer Ian Duarte had a nice catch on a fade out of the slot and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub missed on a throw to the flat for Dodson.

In limited viewing, two linebackers who stood out were Jadon Perlotte and TJ White. Perlotte was able to get around Cole Harrison without much trouble and freshman White’s combination of size, twitch and quickness is impressive.

Jesse Perry was in uniform and with the offensive line early in Monday’s practice, but did not look to be doing much. The redshirt sophomore starter got a little banged up on Saturday and was in a walking boot after practice. He was scheduled for post-practice interviews, so that explains why he didn’t talk to media.

Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee was complimentary of redshirt freshman Nic Moore after Saturday’s practice and a closer look at home showed a little bit why. The former local standout and Top247 prospect has put in the work to look the part physically and does not look like a freshman anymore having his changed his body the right way. He is vying for the backup center spot, which always seems to be a conversation point for the Vols, this offseason after William Satterwhite transferred.

p.brown

While it wasn’t available for film or photos, we got to see quarterbacks work in the red zone with routes on air. Both George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon had a few difficult throws that you couldn’t put more on the money. The best of the session, in my opinion, was a fade ball to the back pylon from Brandon to Joakim Dodson. MacIntyre also threw a great ball to the pylon to Braylon Staley and one over the middle to Mike Matthews.

There were some missed throws, as well, though. Brandon threw behind Radarious Jackson, who got a hand on it, but couldn’t reel it in. MacIntyre’s lone significant miss was a similar throw to Matthews that wasn’t caught. However, I’d say most of Brandon’s misses were some sort of miscommunication or timing

Ryan Staub remains accurate with the ball, but there’s just not as much zip on it as MacIntyre or Brandon.

Working with MacIntyre to start were Travis Smith Jr. (X), Staley (Y) and Matthews (Z). Working with Brandon after were Jackson (X), Dodson (Y) and TK Keys (Z).

I didn’t watch much defense today, but Edwin Spillman jumps out in the linebacker room. Especially with Arion Carter still out, he’s emerged as one of the leaders of the room. Jeremiah Telander and Penn State transfer Amare Campbell have significant voices in that group, as well.

Spillman, who was already a great size, looks like he’s put on some more muscle and could be a step or two quicker. Jadon Perlotte still looks like a guy who will play with his hair on fire, as well, which is great to see.

r.sylvia

 

[NomadVol]

Awesome

Thank you

 

[GBO2011]

Right as I sent a post asking when day 5 was lol, perfect timing. Thanks Fingas

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

GBO! Keep grinding Big Orange!

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Thanks, Fingers!

And can someone jog an old man's memory? Why are they digging in the dirt around the practice field and Anderson?

 

[Deathandtaxes]

Number 5! Come on! Thanks fingers!

 

[ftsandersvol]

I know there isn't much optimism, even from myself, about a double-digit win season, but just maybe we pull out 2 or 3 games on paper we probably shouldn't. I think that all depends on improvements in the defense this season.

 

[Deathandtaxes]

Also, wouldn’t be surprised to see some hybrid fronts this year trying to get as many linebackers on the field as we can.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

I know there isn't much optimism, even from myself, about a double-digit win season, but just maybe we pull out 2 or 3 games on paper we probably shouldn't. I think that all depends on improvements in the defense this season.

All depends on QB.

 

[ftsandersvol]

All depends on QB.

They most obviously play a role. However, we had decent QB play last year, but our defense was almost 100% responsible for our poor record. For our record to improve this year, the defense has to be better.

 

[WillisWG]

Thanks, Fingers!

And can someone jog an old man's memory? Why are they digging in the dirt around the practice field and Anderson?

Finishing the exterior work on the Haslam Field expansion. Raising the field? and adding player patio deck

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

They most obviously play a role. However, we had decent QB play last year, but our defense was almost 100% responsible for our poor record. For our record to improve this year, the defense has to be better.

I'm not that worried about defense. The D-line does worry me, I'm not sure how good they are, but the LBs and DB's look elite.

Good players on the d-line, but I don't know if they're game breakers.

My fear is the offense takes a big step back with a freshman QB

There's hope that, even if the QB doesn't understand the game that well yet (like Nico), that he will AT LEAST be reasonably accurate (unlike Nico)

Mind you, we were able to run a more intricate offensive system in part, because of Joey's experience and football IQ. We just don't know how well George or Faizon operate it as we continue to add wrinkles to it.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

Thanks FINGERS. GBO GBO GBO

 

[VOLINVONORE]

They most obviously play a role. However, we had decent QB play last year, but our defense was almost 100% responsible for our poor record. For our record to improve this year, the defense has to be better.

The defense will be greatly improved this Fall.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

I'm not that worried about defense. The D-line does worry me, I'm not sure how good they are, but the LBs and DB's look elite.

Good players on the d-line, but I don't know if they're game breakers.

My fear is the offense takes a big step back with a freshman QB

There's hope that, even if the QB doesn't understand the game that well yet (like Nico), that he will AT LEAST be reasonably accurate (unlike Nico)

Mind you, we were able to run a more intricate offensive system in part, because of Joey's experience and football IQ. We just don't know how well George or Faizon operate it as we continue to add wrinkles to it.

Agree on all of this. I think we will be fine at DE/Edge but we are thin and a little undersized at DTackle. Gonna need to stay healthy there and guys consistently punch above their weight class to stop the inside runs. Hopefully the ridiculous talent we have in the LB room can help with this also.

Our Oline is deeper than last year and maybe more talented as well.

LB and WR rooms are as loaded as they will ever be... both might be the deepest in the SEC.

RB room is good and deep too, DBs will be better this year especially at Safety.

Questions for me are at QB, Dtackle, TE and how quick we can pick up the new defense and play well together as a team on that side of the ball. Exciting off-season with so many positions up for grabs in the 2deep. Spring and fall camps will be hyper competitive. The new Strength coach Owings may be the most important acquisition we made this off-season.

Thanks FINGERS. You make camps something to look forward to bud.

 

[GBO2011]

Agree on all of this. I think we will be fine at DE/Edge but we are thin and a little undersized at DTackle. Gonna need to stay healthy there and guys consistently punch above their weight class to stop the inside runs. Hopefully the ridiculous talent we have in the LB room can help with this also.

Our Oline is deeper than last year and maybe more talented as well.

LB and WR rooms are as loaded as they will ever be... both might be the deepest in the SEC.

RB room is good and deep too, DBs will be better this year especially at Safety.

Questions for me are at QB, Dtackle, TE and how quick we can pick up the new defense and play well together as a team on that side of the ball. Exciting off-season with so many positions up for grabs in the 2deep. Spring and fall camps will be hyper competitive. The new Strength coach Owings may be the most important acquisition we made this off-season.

Thanks FINGERS. You make camps something to look forward to bud.

Not at all worried about TE, Ethan Davis was one of our most underutilized players on offense last year, we should have used him way more

 

[GBO2011]

Also didnt DaSaahn Brame get up to like 240

 

[#1HomeGrownUTVOL]

Also didnt DaSaahn Brame get up to like 240

I got high hopes for that guy ever since we recruited him. I thought he could be a game changer. Real mismatch in the passing game.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

Agree on all of this. I think we will be fine at DE/Edge but we are thin and a little undersized at DTackle. Gonna need to stay healthy there and guys consistently punch above their weight class to stop the inside runs. Hopefully the ridiculous talent we have in the LB room can help with this also.

Our Oline is deeper than last year and maybe more talented as well.

LB and WR rooms are as loaded as they will ever be... both might be the deepest in the SEC.

RB room is good and deep too, DBs will be better this year especially at Safety.

Questions for me are at QB, Dtackle, TE and how quick we can pick up the new defense and play well together as a team on that side of the ball. Exciting off-season with so many positions up for grabs in the 2deep. Spring and fall camps will be hyper competitive. The new Strength coach Owings may be the most important acquisition we made this off-season.

Thanks FINGERS. You make camps something to look forward to bud.

I don't even have many questions about TE either. Ethan Davis usually has health issues, otherwise we got Brame who is a freak, Cole Harrison is in his third year, then the two transfers who should at least be good blockers.

For DT I agree we seem very thin and I'm pretty surprised we didn't grab another body there. Hobbs, Gilliam and Robinson are the only ones that have proven anything. Need Utley and Campbell to make big jumps.

I'm so afraid of the defense being elite again, but the offense gets held back by the QB. If we can just have both sides good at the same time for once....

 

[thistime]

Work hard everyday to get better !!!!

 

[marcusluvsvols]

Not at all worried about TE, Ethan Davis was one of our most underutilized players on offense last year, we should have used him way more

I agree on Davis, and as the guy below you stated Brahme has put on 20lbs or more in the last year...but neither one of them are proven blockers. I am not worried about our passing game at TE...Davis and Brahme are both like overgrown WRs. I am worried about moving bodies like a bulldozer in the run game. Kitselman was by a mile the best blocking TE last year and JVD was 2nd best which is why he played so much as a true freshman. None of the guys we have at TE are proven blockers, but Davis has flashed at times. Hoping the big TE from the portal will be a bulldozer this year too. He is a big kid. Whether we are in 11 or 12 personnel, the TE plays a critical role in our running game. Need that whole room to level up their blocking...luckily we stole Owings from Indiana which will help a lot IMO. We are gonna have to be bigger and stronger there. I am really excited about what our TEs can do in the passing game this season though.

Edit: I forgot about Harrison. He might really step up this year. Between him and the portal we need a couple dozers in the run game.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

I don't even have many questions about TE either. Ethan Davis usually has health issues, otherwise we got Brame who is a freak, Cole Harrison is in his third year, then the two transfers who should at least be good blockers.

For DT I agree we seem very thin and I'm pretty surprised we didn't grab another body there. Hobbs, Gilliam and Robinson are the only ones that have proven anything. Need Utley and Campbell to make big jumps.

I'm so afraid of the defense being elite again, but the offense gets held back by the QB. If we can just have both sides good at the same time for once....

Good post. Gilliam gets praise here:
Source: Rocky Top Insider
Everything Tennessee Football LEOs Coach Andrew Jackson Said During Spring Camp | Rocky Top Insider

 

[PEPPERJAX]

PHANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!