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Tennessee opened spring practice Friday, and as you might expect there was a flurry of information pouring out immediately afterward. Hopefully this post will bring you up to speed, but you should also check out the Vols spring practice thread for a bunch of great pictures from practice, as well as post-practice videos.
THE QUARTERBACK BATTLE
Butch Jones is most certainly watching every spring snap very closely, but he’s acknowledged that he may not choose a starter during the spring. For now, it was senior Justin Worley, who started seven games last season, taking the field with the first team. Joshua “don’t call me Josh” Dobbs, who started the final four games of the season last year, got the nod with the second team.
A disturbing note on Riley Ferguson from Patrick Brown:
*Quarterback Riley Ferguson redshirted last season largely because of a fractured tibia suffered in mid-season, and he still has a sleeve on his right lower leg. He even pulled out of a drill momentarily favoring that leg.
Ferguson acknowledged after practice that the injury occurred the week before the Alabama game last season. Although, he has no clue how it happened, exactly.
“We do not know, really,” Ferguson said. “It might be from over-pressing when I’m dropping to throw. It got to the point where it was really sore. They took me to get an MRI and I had a stress fracture.”
After just one day, it’s obviously too early to start moving guys up or down in the rotation, but we do know that Joshua Dobbs and Riley Ferguson both gained a good bit of weight in the offseason. Combined, the duo has added about 40 pounds since last season. Ferguson now weighs in at 173 198 (thanks for pointing out the typo Easttnken), while Dobbs is up to a massive 213 pounds.
THE RUNNING BACKS
As expected, Marlin Lane—who “practiced the way a senior should,”according to Butch Jones—worked with the first team, with true freshman Jalen Hurd behind him. At one point during practice, Jones reminded Hurd over the microphone that he now represents Tennessee in everything he does. Devrin Young also worked with the running backs.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Physically, Marquez North “looked like a fourth year player” and Von Pearson showed out early on. Pearson even caught the eye of junior defensive back LaDarrell McNeil.
There were some big plays in the passing game today against quality defenders, something that was absent last year. “I think we have some individuals now that are capable of making big plays,” Jones said.
OFFENSIVE LINE
On the line, Jones specifically applauded center Mack Crowder. He makes all the calls and has shown great leadership ability thus far, according to Jones. Josh Dobbs, knowing who butters his bread, said the line has done a great job in the offseason and has really improved. As for the newcomers, Coleman Thomas, who started with the first team, “looks the part”.
RETURNS (via Patrick Brown)
Punts: Cam Sutton, receiver Jacob Carter, tailback Marlin Lane, freshman wideout Josh Malone, Young and Pearson.
Kickoffs: North, Hurd, Malone, defensive backs Riyahd Jones, Devaun Swafford and JaRon Toney, tailback Justus Pickett, and freshman cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and D’Andre Payne.
CORNERBACKS
Freshman cornerback Emmanuel Moseley worked with kick returners. According to multiple reports, his speed really was evident on the field today. He very well may be one of the fastest players on the team. LaDarrell McNeil mentioned D’Andre Payne as one of the newcomers who stood out. Justin Coleman is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. “I’m willing to play anywhere. If they put me at linebacker at 190 I would play there,” said Coleman.
INJURIES
WR Drae Bowles, TE A.J. Branisel, TE Brendan Downs, WR Ryan Jenkins, S Brian Randolph and DT Trevarris Saulsberry. Curt Maggitt was on the practice field and going through drills without a brace, instead wearing a light wrap below his knee. Riyahd Jones practiced with a sleeve on his right leg after working through a nagging calf injury last season.
DEPTH CHART (via Daniel Lewis)
FIRST UNIT — QB: Justin Worley, RB: Marlin Lane, WR: Jason Croom, Marquez North, Von Pearson (slot), OL (left to right): Dontavius Blair, Marcus Jackson, Mack Crowder, Kyler Kerbyson, Coleman Thomas, TE: Ethan Wolf
SECOND UNIT — QB: Nathan Peterman/Josh Dobbs/Riley Ferguson; RB: Jalen Hurd/Alden Hill; WR: Josh Malone, Josh Smith, Johnathon Johnson (slot); OL (left to right): Jacob Gilliam, Austin Sanders, Ray Raulerson, Dylan Wiesman, Marques Pair/Brett Kendrick; TE: Daniel Helm
DEFENSE (via VQ) Up front Corey Vereen, Owen Williams, Danny O’Brien, Jordan Williams; at linebacker it was A.J Johnson and Curt Maggitt. And the five defensive backs were Cam Sutton and Malik Foreman at cornerback, Justin Coleman at the nickel, and at safety it was Lemond Johnson and Devaun Swafford.
BUTCH JONES
MORE VIDEO: Highlights from Brent Hubbs, Justin Worley, Justin Coleman, Joshua Dobbs, LaDarrell McNeil, Curt Maggitt, Riley Ferguson, Nathan Peterman
The Vols are back at it tomorrow at 9:25 a.m.
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