Today was the fourth practice this spring—the second in pads—and it was the fourth time that Von Pearson‘s name topped the post-practice buzz. Check out this one-handed spectacular catch he made in the corner of the end zone against Malik Foreman:
Receivers coach Zack Azzani had nothing but praise for Pearson.
Von has endless energy, I’m not sure Von has an off switch. He’s a glass half full all the time guy. Boundless energy. Von is ultra talented. He’s raw, gifted and talented. It’s been fun to coach him.
After spending some time working in fast food, Pearson isn’t taking this opportunity lightly. Grant Ramey wrote:
Emphasized by both Zach Azzanni and Mike Bajakian: Von Pearson brings it because he’s “seen the other side.” Worked two years in fast food. The point: Pearson brings the energy everyday because he worked at Bojangles. He knows what life is like without this football opportunity.
Five-star running back Jalen Hurd continues to work on his pad leverage. During drills where the players work on staying low, running backs coach Robert Gillespie interrupted Hurd and made him repeat the drill.
After drawing national praise on Tuesday from CBS analyst Bruce Feldman, Coleman Thomas had a couple of nice performances in drills this afternoon. He held his own in one-on-one drills against Curt Maggitt and had one of the best performances in the ‘circle of life’ drill. Thomas dominated Dimarya Mixon, driving him from the ring and earning a celebration from his teammates.
Hopefully it isn’t anything worth mentioning, but Marlin Lane wasn’t at practice this afternoon. Apparently he isn’t on campus and coaches weren’t expecting him today. However, nothing official has come out about his whereabouts.
Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek said Justin Coleman continues to work at nickel with D’Andre Payne “pushing” him at the position. Both Payne and Emannuel Moseley drew high remarks from Jancek.
Butch Jones is targeting defensive lineman Jason Carr on his radar. Jones said Carr will be first in the circle of life drill every day until further notice.
Tight ends coach Mark Elder said Daniel Helm and Ethan Wolf are both quick learners. He’s thrown them both into the fire and seems to be pleased with the results so far.
Elder: Ethan Wolf is a complete tight end, can be physical with DE. Can get out and catch the ball. Can line up as H Back, catch as a WR.
Helm has made plays knocking around DEs, made some plays catching the ball.
THURSDAY PRACTICE VIDEO
Be sure to check out Thursday’s Official Practice thread.