The 2014 football season is underway as Team 118 hit the practice field just after 7 Friday night on Haslam Field.
Tennessee head coach Butch Jones made it clear on Thursday that he was looking for tempo and retention on day one.
From an observer standpoint, it's hard to think the head coach wasn't pleased as the Vols moved quickly from station to station including jumping into special teams with extra points and punts. Matt Darr boomed some early punts, but he also heard from coaches regarding his get-off time, which was just barely above 2.0 seconds a couple of instances.
One interesting note is that with Michael Palardy gone, Tennessee split up special teams with one side of the practice field working on punts and the other on field goals as the roles are expected to be split up this season.
But this day was about seeing a bigger, faster and stronger Volunteers' football team. The Vols definitely looked the part in that regard. Not merely the newcomers, either. For the first time in at least two years, Curt Maggitt roamed the practice field without a brace on either knee. Corey Vereen also looked more physical, but he did wear a knee brace on his right knee.
Some members of the Tennessee defense as it took to the field:
DE: Corey Vereen
DT: Jordan Williams
DT: Danny O'Brien
DE: Curt Maggitt
LB: AJ Johnson
LB: Jalen Reeves-Maybin
NB: Justin Coleman
CB: Emmanuel Moseley
CB: Cam Sutton
S: Brian Randolph
S: Devaun Swafford
Allan Carson was the only player in the 'Black Hole' doing only conditioning and not a full participant in practice.
Among second-team notables were defensive end Dewayne Hendrix, who certainly grabbed the attention of his coaches, and linebacker Dillon Bates.
Offensively, Justin Worley and Joshua Dobbs were clearly at the forefront of the Vols' quarterback derby with Worley earning the stripes early.
Marlin Lane was the early tailback while receivers were Marquez North, Von Pearson and Josh Malone. The offensive line, early, was from left to right: Jacob Gilliam, Marcus Jackson, Mack Crowder, Kyler Kerbyson and Coleman Thomas. Brendan Downs, Ethan Wolf and Daniel Helm all got early work at tight end.
On a visitor note, Hunter Dale was in town from New Orleans to check out the Vols.
