Team 120 returned from spring break and got back to work with a Tuesday practice at Haslam Field
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee got back to work on Tuesday, reconvening for its fourth practice of the spring at Haslam Field after taking last week off for spring break.
The Vols wasted no time in picking up where they left off, working out in pads for the second straight practice on a warm, but breezy, Knoxville afternoon.
The smooth transition back was aided in large part by a concerted effort by Team 120 to maintain its fitness and focus during the week away. While many Volunteers spent the break back home or in tropical destinations, head coach Butch Jones noted that his phone buzzed daily with messages from his players offering assurances — often with video evidence attached — of their dedicated workout routines while away from campus. That retained focus, Coach Jones said, speaks not only the maturity of this year’s UT squad, but also sheds some light on the ever-developing leadership and growth throughout Team 120 during the spring campaign.
Tuesday marked the first of three practices this week as Tennessee settles into a consistent workout slate over the next four weeks. A total of 11 practices remain on the docket for the Vols, including the DISH Orange & White Game, scheduled forApril 16 at 2 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium.
BUTCH JONES
With spring break over and a full slate of uninterrupted spring practices now staring back at the Vols, Coach Jones stressed how important this time of year can be for the development of Tennessee Football. And while grasping the Xs and Os will be a crucial component of spring ball — especially for the young players — Jones stressed that this season, when the bright lights of gameday are still months away, represents a prime opportunity for the development of the character, work ethic, and leadership that will forge Team 120 together even before the summer months.
“This is the time of year I love. You’re really building a football team, you’re building your football identity. So much comes out of spring football: our habits, our fundamentals, our execution, our toughness, our mental toughness in terms of how do we respond when things don’t go the way that we planned them to. Every team develops its own leadership, its own personality, and we’re in the infant stages of doing that. I was really anxious to see how our players would handle the retention while being off on spring break. For the most part I thought they did a good job. Our younger players are still learning, going through their first spring football and learning the mental effort and the mental intensity it takes. This is, right now, the most important phase of our football program and the building of Team 120.”
JOSHUA DOBBS
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs took a trip to the Golden State during his spring break, taking the time for a unique excursion to the the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. He returned to Knoxville with not only a newfound knowledge, but a renewed mission to improve his team as a whole. Like his coach, Dobbs was pleased to see a relatively smooth transition for the Vols upon their return to spring workouts.
“We came out and we’re improved. We did a lot of fundamental drills and a lot of new install. The guys hit the ground running with an open mind and we’re ready to get back on the field and that was exciting to see.”
ALVIN KAMARA
During Tennessee’s first practice back from spring break, the Volunteers continued to make progress on the field. Several individuals on Team 120 took time during their break to work on different things in preparation for the upcoming season, according to rising junior running back Alvin Kamara.
“I think we had a pretty good day after having the week off. Usually, there is some concern with having that much time away from football, but I think everybody was pretty much focused. I think a lot of guys got in some good work over spring break. I know I did. We were focused today and guys looked good.”
SOUND BITES
Head coach Butch Jones
(On having U.S. military veterans from Second Tour in attendance atTuesday’s spring practice)
“It’s very important to have them around. They protect our freedom. That’s what it’s all about. They put their lives on the line each and every day. It’s all about respect. I’m proud that they gave me this jacket and it’s great any time that we can give back. I think it speaks volumes that you have individuals that have laid it on the line for our country and they’re telling me this is the greatest day that they’ve had – watching Tennessee football practice. Our players need to understand what they represent on a daily basis.”
QB Joshua Dobbs
(On his passion for airplanes attracting him to the Reagan Library & Museum)
“They have the Air Force One that President Reagan flew on and my mom found out about it and it was an hour from where we stayed. My dad talked about it and Reagan was one of his favorite presidents. They had everything from his childhood to his acting career and sports he played in high school; it was really good knowledge.”
RB Alvin Kamara
(On going through his second spring as a Vol)
“I feel like a veteran this spring. Last year, I felt like I was running around not knowing what was going on. This year, I know the flow of practice. I know what is going on and what is expected of me from my teammates. I feel like a veteran.”