[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
It was day two of spring practice and the buzz this morning was from the one-on-one matchups of wide receivers versus the cornerbacks.
First, Malik Foreman and five-star receiver Josh Malone lined up against each other. “You’re not ready!” Butch Jones shouted to Malone, after Foreman broke up a pass to the heralded prospect.
Von Pearson, who continues to generate buzz, and is “more polished” than the younger newcomers, caught a pass in the end zone against Cam Sutton. To add insult to injury for Sutton, the video is playing on a loop in the football facility as part of the day’s highlights.
Want to see why people are excited about Pearson? Click here.
In a win for the defense, Justin Coleman out-fought Marquez North and came down with a nice interception in the end zone.
Speaking of North, there’s no question that Tennessee will look to him to lead this group of young receivers and newcomers, especially with Pig Howard’s status in question. North caught 38 passes as a true freshman last year for nearly 500 yards.
“I really enjoy that because like I said I’m trying to emerge as a leader so that’s a part of it,” said North.
“I’m just a hard worker,” he said. “I was really proud of the freshmen All-American accomplishment but I still have high goals for myself and I’m just ready to achieve them.”
Yesterday, Butch said Marlin Lane practiced like a senior should. Today, we learned Lane stuck around over Christmas break to work in the weight room and prepare for the 2014 season. Lane is well aware that Vols have a five-star running back on campus and welcomes competition from all the newcomers.
“They bring a lot of competition,” said Lane. “We only had four running backs last year at the end of the season and now we have eight to 10. I think that’s going to make the role more competitive.”
Emmanuel Moseley, who received high praise yesterday for his raw speed, had the first shot at corner opposite Cam Sutton. Justin Coleman worked at nickel. LaDarrell McNeil worked with the first team at safety Saturday in place of Lemond Johnson.
With The Gap Band’s “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” blared over the speakers at practice, a playful Butch Jones suggested the song was dedicated to freshman cornerback D’Andre Payne. He also took a shot at one of the freshman tight ends, insisting he should be moved to tackle where he wouldn’t have to do as much running and catching.
Linebacker Jakob Johnson is still learning mentally, but continues to impress physically.
Corey Vereen, who says he’s still very motivated by the fact that he wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, praised newcomer Owen Williams. It came out yesterday just how strong Williams is and Vereen reiterated it today, saying he can rep 455 pounds on the bench press and rattle off 655 pounds squats like it’s nothing.
Butch didn’t speak to the media on Saturday, but there were tons of player interviews after practice: Marlin Lane, Mack Crowder, Corey Vereen, Jordan Williams, Marcus Jackson, Marquez North, Cam Sutton.
Stop by the Vols football forum and check out the Vols spring practice day two thread for more discussion, photos, etc.
VOLS PRACTICE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Bi6bUfiJgRs[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]