Tennessee’s third annual Student Appreciation Day is slated for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee completed its eighth practice of the spring on Wednesday, putting in two hours of work on the indoor field at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex. Wednesday’s practice marked the halfway point of the spring season, as only seven of UT’s 15 allotted spring practices remain.

The DISH Orange & White Game, scheduled for April 16 at 2 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium, represents Tennessee’s final practice of the spring. Admission to the Orange & White Game is free to the public and it will also be televised nationally on the SEC Network.

The Vols return to the practice field on Saturday when it hosts its third annual Student Appreciation day at Neyland Stadium, beginning at 1 p.m. ET. All University of Tennessee students are welcome to attend Saturday’s practice to get their first look at Team 120. Those attending Saturday’s practice should enter the stadium through Gate 4. The gate will open at 12:30 p.m.

Members of Tennessee’s coaching staff spoke to the media prior to practice on Thursday, discussing the Vols’ progression through spring camp and noting the success and growth of some noteworthy individuals.

Mike DeBord | Offensive Coordinator | 2nd Season

Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord spoke about the continued development and growth of UT’s offensive line, which is equally comprised of young players and upperclassmen this spring. He said that redshirt junior Brett Kendrick has stood out this spring and that the offensive line positions are among the most challenging for young players to learn.

“I think that they have got the right mindset now. They want to come out to practice and get better all of the time. In all of my years of football and on offense, every position is hard to play, every one. But offensive line, in my opinion, is the hardest. It’s the hardest to learn and one bad step and you’re in trouble. It’s going to take time with them. They are going to keep getting better and they definitely need to do that. It’s a tough position.”

Bob Shoop | Defensive Coordinator | 1st Season

Halfway through Tennessee’s spring training camp, defensive coordinator Bob Shoop has learned a lot about his defensive unit. Speaking with the media Thursdayafternoon, Shoop had a lot of praise for the veteran defensive back Cameron Sutton. He believes that Sutton should be recognized as one of the premier cornerbacks in the SEC, and that he can help lead Team 120 to an SEC East division title.

“The guy who’s really stood out to me in the back-end, and I knew he was good, but I didn’t realize he was this good, is Cam Sutton. He’s a pro. Someone asked me yesterday, ‘What’s so good about him?’ It’s his approach. He comes to work every day … He helps the young corners. There’s not a technique that he doesn’t do very, very well. You hear other players’ names, as far as the corners in the SEC, but I think it’s about time we put him up at the next level. He’s so unselfish, and he’s so quiet about it. He came back not for personal gain. He’s been here for the building process, and he wants to see this thing through and compete for an SEC East divisional title.”

Robert Gillespie | Running Backs Coach | 4th Season

Coach Robert Gillespie talked to the media about his top two backs, Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, and how the group has emphasized carrying themselves with a specific attitude.

“The way they go about their day-to-day is probably the biggest thing. Both of those guys come to meetings prepared. Their demeanor when they walk around the building says that they are running backs at the University of Tennessee. That’s something I talked to those guys about when we recruited them and also when they got here. When you are the tailback at Tennessee, there has to be a sense of confidence when you walk around the building. Because of what we do as a group and what we do on offense. I think both of those guys do a good job of encouraging guys off the field, encouraging guys on the field when practice takes a lull. Both of those guys have done a really good job of understanding why they’re here and what kind of season we can have. It’s going to be built around those guys.”

Larry Scott | Tight Ends Coach | 1st Season

In his first spring practice with the Vols, tight ends coach Larry Scott is focused on strengthening the foundation of the team. To that end, Scott is aiming to work with his players on identifying their strengths and focusing on how those strengths fit into the larger dynamic of Team 120.

“It’s important that you do not lose sight of who you are and what you are and make steady improvements in what your game is and what your strengths are. For us right now we are kind of in the discovery process with each and every player asking ‘What is for you?’ and then let’s tailor that. Let’s highlight the strengths of what the players do and build on that.”

SOUND BITES

Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord
(On Preston Williams growth as a player)

“In my opinion, he’s a different guy and very much handling (his development) the right way. I was sitting in the meeting room yesterday and just listening to him and giving feedback. With his demeanor on the practice field, he is a different guy and he has really stepped up.”

Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop
(On Darrin Kirkland Jr.’s ability to lead the defense)

“I’ve said it from the day I’ve been here. You coach for a long, long time, and he’s got a unique personality. He thirsts for more. He really wants to be the leader of the defense. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that when he started playing better, the team started playing better. He asks good questions. He challenges my thoughts. He’s not just a ‘yes man.’ He’s the undisputed leader of the defense right now.”

Running backs coach Robert Gillespie
(On sophomore running back John Kelly)

“We’re coming off a really good day from John. He’s gotten a lot better with his assignments, very smart kid. I said last year, that I was confident that we could put John Kelly in any moment of the game not just in clean-up roles. I think this offseason he has done a really good job in the weight room, a really good job from an X’s and O’s standpoint. I still want to see him take that next step going into year two. The last practice we had the other day was really good, he broke a long run. We do a good job with GPS and heart monitors. He had the fastest time that we ever clocked a guy at practice at full speed at almost 22 miles per hour. That kind of opened our eyes and opened his teammates’ eyes also. He has taken a lot of big strides.”

Tight ends coach Larry Scott
(On Ethan Wolf’s development)

“With Ethan, it’s him letting his guard and his ego down and just dissolving himself from where he was and saying ‘Coach what do I need to do and how do I get better?’ He’s understanding that he’s getting to the point in his career where he’s a veteran player. There are bigger pieces to the puzzle than just going out and playing, it’s preparation and those types of things. He’s really embraced that part of it and has done a good job.