Tennessee practiced at Neyland Stadium for the first time this spring, completing a Competition Saturday session.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee made its return to Neyland Stadium for Competition Saturday as it wrapped up its second week of spring practice. Sunny skies greeted the Vols, whose intense, two-hour session featured live-scrimmage segments, positional competitions, and individual drills.
Head coach Butch Jones and six players spoke to the media after practice, including linebacker Quart’e Sapp. Sapp met with reporters for the first time as Vol, discussing his increased reps at linebacker during the spring season.
With six practices now in the books, a total of nine practices remain on the docket for the Vols. The DISH Orange & White Game represents Tennessee’s final practice of the spring, scheduled for April 16 at 2 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium. Admission to the Orange & White Game is free to the public, but it will also be televised nationally on the SEC Network.
Butch Jones | Head Coach | 4th Season
With the midway point of spring practice drawing near, Butch Jones spoke about how the defense has progressed in its first few weeks under the direction of new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. The defense has focused on fundamentals and Shoop has integrated his style with the defensive terminology that was already in place to help make the transition to his system even smoother.
Jones said that while he has been pleased that the offense has limited turnovers this spring, he would like to see the defense force more turnovers. The Vols’ defense forced 19 turnovers in 2015, a number that Jones hopes is higher this season.
“You need to generate turnovers and that’s an area that we need to continue to improve on from last year. We did not take the ball away much on defense last year, so that has been a point of emphasis. We have to continue to work to get better on ball disruptions and taking the ball away. That will be another big point of emphasis next week.”
Josh Smith | WR | RS Junior | Knoxville, Tenn.
With three seasons under his belt, redshirt junior Josh Smith enters spring practice with an accumulated knowledge that has built a sharper focus. With last season’s losses of a combined 25 points serving as a constant reminder, Smith plans to lead the younger receivers in a winning direction.
“I hope people see me as [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”][a leader] because that’s something that I really work on. When I leave here I want people to say that they wish that I were there because I would tell them what they did wrong or what they had to do with the assignments. I try to watch the younger guys and teach them what I know and what I’ve been through. I feel like all of the experiences that I’ve had is helping them.”
Ethan Wolf | TE | Junior | Minster, Ohio
Speaking to reporters after practice, tight end Ethan Wolf explained that his goal this season is to work towards becoming a dominant tight end in running and passing game. He added that he has enjoyed playing under new tight ends coach Larry Scott so far this season and agreed that it is beneficial to have the fresh set of eyes to enhance the position.
“It’s kind of nice to have that different perspective and seeing things that the other coach may have not seen. A lot of the stuff may be the same. As of right now, there are some similar coaching points, but he’s going to stress different things. I think that is really going to be beneficial.”
Todd Kelly Jr. | DB | Junior | Knoxville, Tenn.
After sharing playing time with a pair of veteran safeties in Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil over the last two seasons, junior safety Todd Kelly Jr. is ready to step into a larger role this year. He is the most-experienced safety on the roster with 26 career games played and six career interceptions. He had 46 tackles and a team-high three interceptions last year and has embraced his role as a mentor for his younger teammates.
“I always had reps ever since I was a freshman, so I’ve known what it is like to play at the SEC level. Being the older guy now, it’s pretty important to me. I like being the leader in the back end of the group. Cameron Sutton and I do what we can to help the young guys learn as best as they can.”
Quinten Dormady | QB | Sophomore | Boerne, Texas
During his first season with Tennessee, rising sophomore quarterback Quinten Dormady saw valuable reps throughout the year. This spring, he is trying to build off his experience from last fall and continue to learn the offense.
“I feel a lot more comfortable in the offense. I come in each day and try to learn one or two more things that I didn’t know. I want to continue to grow as a player. There is always stuff you are still picking up on. You are never going to know everything.”
Dylan Wiesman | OL | Senior | Cincinnati, Ohio
Coming off a season in which it paved the way for the second-most rushing yards in program history, the Tennessee offensive line may feel some pressure to match, if not exceed, that massive success. Senior Dylan Wiesman, who earned second team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press in 2015, acknowledged that pressure, but insists that his unit is focused and up for the task.
“Last year was something to hang our hat on, but that was last year. So right now we’re working just to be as good as we can. We take pride in what we do as an O-line. With Josh (Dobbs), with Alvin (Kamara), with Jalen (Hurd), the sky’s the limit. So our goal is to be No. 1 in the SEC.”
Quart’e Sapp | LB | Sophomore | Alpharetta, Ga.
As a freshman, linebacker Quart’e Sapp followed in the footsteps of many players before, picking up quality reps on special teams to help the Volunteers. Now, Sapp is embracing his increasing role on the defense and special teams.
“I will go wherever I fit in to help the defense. I am all about helping the team. My role last year was on special teams, and that was the way I helped. I helped on kick off and punt return. This year, my role is increased a little bit.”