Vols' competition just begun

Tennessee begins its final week of spring practice this afternoon. And with workouts scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday in advance of the Orange and White Game, the Vols' time on the practice field is almost over until August.

For some, like spring standout defensive end Chris Walker, the final week is all about plugging along with an eye toward fall camp.

"Keep practicing hard, keep working hard, keep getting better every day," said Walker, who has been one of the Vols' best performers in spring drills. "And then just carry it over to next fall."

For others, though, the final two workouts are just prelude to even more competition this fall.

In the secondary, for instance, the Vols have battles brewing at both cornerback spots and free safety. Middle linebacker and one outside spot remain unsettled as well.

And on the offensive line, which has struggled lately in pass protection, players continue to work at new, different positions and coaches are using different configurations.

Right tackle has been a wide-open battle, with Jarrod Shaw the latest player to work there with the first team.

"I think he's doing a really good job," tight ends and tackles coach James Cregg said of Shaw. "I think he's competing, along with all those other guys that have been plugged in there. We'll see who's going to be the guy. I think it's going to go into training camp, guys battling for that spot. It's been good to see as far as competition goes."

If the Vols' previous 12 practices have been any indication, competition is just a part of the daily routine. During these final two workouts and Saturday's spring game, coaches will shore up their first depth chart. That will certainly change in fall camp, as several high-profile recruits are thrust into the mix.

But Cregg, for one, is looking for two things in the Vols' final two practices: effort and execution.

"Let's just go out here and have less thinking and execute and play fast," Cregg said. "I want us to play a little faster and get rolling. Sometimes I think we're thinking too much. I just want to see us execute and go. I thought we had a really good finish (in Friday's scrimmage). I thought guys were having some fun and playing hard. I think that's the whole thing: Play hard and execute.

"That's all I'd like to see."

Secret Admirer: Receiver Gerald Jones has had a first-hand look at Tennessee's defensive backs. On Friday, he saw the Vols' defensive front disrupt the passing game with constant pressure on the quarterbacks.

And while the defense's success has fed the offense's frustration at times this spring, Jones likes what he's seen from the defense.

"I enjoy watching Chris (Walker) and Ben (Martin) and Wes (Brown) and EB (Eric Berry) and all them," Jones said. "Even the younger guys like C.J. Fleming and Art Evans, man, they're growing so much. To see the progress and to see where they started from to where they are now, it's amazing, you know. Dennis Rogan and all them. I feel good that we have those guys on that side of the ball.

"I think they'll get the job done."

Run on Walker: Walker has made a major impact on the pass rush this spring, but he's also fared well against the run for a smaller defensive end.

It all starts with using his hands to shed blockers - and then using his quickness to make a play.

"I'm 235 pounds, so I got to get in and get off of them," Walker said. "It all starts with my get-off. Getting separation and getting off of them."

One player in particular who Walker has learned to avoid is left tackle Chris Scott.

"He's about 330 (pounds)," he said. "I'm trying to stay away from that. He outweighs me by about 100 pounds, so I'm trying to stay away from him."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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