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.
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Comments » 158
UTROX writes:
Will be glad to see some of the freshmen this fall. Hope they can bring more competition to the mix..
Basketball_Jones writes:
I got a strange feeling this fall may look alot like the year the Ravens won the Super Bowl. Great defense, mediocre QB play, great running backs and lots of ball control/control the clock.
I really hope someone steps up as a QB to lead this team.
appalachianvol writes:
Defense is going to be great. Now some good news about the other side please.
gohawks1 writes:
Defense sounds ready to go right now - can't wait to see how good they're gonna be.
O-line is a concern. Somebody needs to step it up. Dangit, when in doubt, knock 'em out!
Rick4UT writes:
I feel good about the defense....but can we score points?
Basketball_Jones writes:
Any word about Dexter Moody? Scout has him as possibly coming to Tennessee since he was released from scholarship at UGA.
Didn't he get in some trouble? I always say people deserve a second chance..:)
ryan_storie#400647 writes:
Does anybody know if Josh Mcneil has the center spot lock down? I figured he would be the most consistent of the O-line
vol2211insc writes:
Haha!! love that! I've been real proud of Toney Williams because he kind of got lost with all the attention for Oku and Brown signing late. He's actually had a really good spring. Tauren Poole and Hardesty are still really good too
vol2211insc writes:
Maybe a few will be red shirted...but certainly not all three.
CoverOrange writes:
Please ignore the interloper.
Break the cycle.
Nip it in the bud.
101st_AIRBORNE_VOL (Inactive) writes:
I bet your own mother hates you.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Don't forget to check your grammer Mr Gator
Pacemaker writes:
NO PHIL!
NO Redshirt!
old_number1 writes:
That's what I like about you. You're always thinking!
old_number1 writes:
Gatorsownya = Gatorzzzz! Must have been banned again!
hotrodvol writes:
Well you got to be excited about the defense and this fall CMK will have some great LBs and DBs coming in.
Now the offense will get better as it will take all summer for these guys to learn a new system again. CLK will get some scoring threats coming in this fall at RB and WR.
Also special teams will be improved just by adding some fast playmakers as returners, not to mention Eddie Gran will be coaching special teams.
The only weakness this team has is O-line, D-line tackles and depth. OK we have to have a QB to play well(that's the big one).
hglover40#234154 writes:
Is Gerald Williams still with the team? Would it be possible to get him and Martin and Walker on the field together? That's 1 to many great DE. Can one of the play LB?
smokeyvol1 writes:
This is about the Orange and White, not Florida Gay Day! Sure hope the Gators wait until after each game to have intercourse with each other so they are not drained! Would hate to hear that sorry excuse after each loss.
Ironcity writes:
Jones really sounds like a leader when you read quotes from him. Based on the lack of results from the right tackle position, I think Schoefield might be our starting right tackle when the season starts.
hotrodvol writes:
Turbo, I'm with you on this one. Like the late Nancy Reagan used to say, JUST SAY NO.
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Voluvr writes:
Okay, Okay, the defense is getting it done.
hglover40#234154 writes:
Here are the facts -
1 The state of Florida has some great football.
2 Yes - the Gators have gotten the best of us in football since about 1994 - excluding a few good years from 1998 - 2003.
3- Kiffin is making some changes and is going to turn it around.
4 - Gatorownya appears to be a donkey.
commonsense32 writes:
You are obviously a punk and a loser!! now that's funny you being exposed... Oh yea the reason I was responding to your ignorance if your defense is sooooooooooo great why is it that the University of Tennessee defense was so much better last year than your GRReat defense? You cannot argue that son those are facts!! You have never played football, I would be willing to bet. Also talk about our dog again and you might get to eat sum smoket shart. C-ya punk.
Voluvr writes:
Spring Games would be much better if they were against another team. Then you could really tell where you are.
This is a weird time. It's like going into Publix. They say, "you saved 12 dollars today." I'm thinking, "as opposed to what?"
The reactive nature of the defense is always ahead of the offense. We are far ahead of where we came from, but I think it's going to be a sigh of relief to get that first touchdown.
oldvolsfan writes:
get back in your cave and pull the rock in on you
old_number1 writes:
I remember 45 to 3! I was there. And I was there when U.T. completed the perfect season. That was 1998 (TOO far for you to remember, sinse you are 14). Listen closely; You can only appreciate perfection if you experience it!!! Can I get some back-up?!!
iowavol writes:
Average OL play + mistake free quarterbacks + dominating defense = dang good season. Seriously, it doesn't surprise me to see the coaches say they look like their thinking rather than reacting. Read and react, read and react, it's football 101. From what I heard about Clawson's key to success, he was turning the OL into philosophers.
give_him_6 writes:
Why give that little gay-tor the satisfaction. If everyone would just not respond to him, we could go on about the real buisness here. The kids coming in the fall will really help out. We have some backers coming as well as D-Backs. We are gonna have to get through this year with the O-Line we have and then reload next year. With all being said and done, 8-9 wins will be a big step forward. Any more and that's just icing on the cake for the recruits looking at us. We have to walk to before we run. But, we are getting the pieces in place to run over the SEC for a while to come.
Go Vols
PepperGrinder (Inactive) writes:
I love how you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Can we count on you to shed a few tears this season when the Gators fall short of their incredibly high expectations?
By the way I love how your delusional fanbase has already crowned them champions without actually playing a game in 09. Remember how that worked out for the Patriots?
gohawks1 writes:
From what I've read, he hasn't locked it down at all. He has even been working some with the second team recently. Cody Sullins is battling him for the spot.
Some of the guys who have seen a practice or two first-hand might be able to tell us more...
pammyvol1000 writes:
What happens in the summer? Do these guys have to stay in shape on their own?
PepperGrinder (Inactive) writes:
There will be workouts. But no coaches. I think that is how that works.
old_number1 writes:
I agree. But it is so easy to make the lopers look like idiots! And it is fun! 9 wins and we're on our way.
ETSUvol0226 writes:
Let's just all ignore gatorsownya. Eventually he will figure out what it is like to be a real college football fan. I bet once the Gators struggle, he is the first one to jump ship. He can have that Gator Tebow (and there is pictures to prove that Tebow does kiss guys). He needs to understand that we are UT fans through the good times and the bad times. This isn't some bandwagon you just jump on and go like it is in Gainesville. He can say whatever he wants to. It just makes him look like an idiot and shows how classless of a person he is.
CoverOrange writes:
Hotrodvol, too late for some to just say "no". They have to admit they have a problem now.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True.
Some never learn not to rise to the bait.
Oh well.
vol_chaz writes:
The gator comments have increased, you can smell their fear..
It will be interesting to see whom is red shirted this fall....
Vol43 writes:
This to GATOR SO WNYA. You gonna make it to the o/w game Saturday? I'll buy you a ticket and a beer on the strip.
Vol43 writes:
You be there?
utvol12345 writes:
Gators....yall better enjoy what you have right now. I do not care who you have coming in after Tebow and company, yall will not be the best when Urban Meyer is the coach at Notre Dame.
Vol43 writes:
So how are you looking forward to the Tennessee game? If you aint there then why do you care?
gohawks1 writes:
Good info. Thanks.
Going from being a Freshman All-American player (according to Rivals in 2007) to becoming a 2nd stringer would be quite a shock to the system. Of course, he earned those accolades in '07 when Cutcliff installed the two-steps-and-pass system with Ainge. It's easy to look good at protection when the QB only holds the ball for 2-3 seconds.
Vol43 writes:
Ok here's the deal. My neighobor, who happens to be a beautiful woman by the way, happens to be an avid gator fan as well as a sports fan in general. She can talk sports as well as anyone I know. She is a good fan. She respects the University of Tennessee and admits that Kiffin and company are the best think to happen to the VOLS in years. She knows about this web site and I've told her about the gator interlopers. She said it disgusts her to hear that some weaklings like 'zz' and 'dc' would spend their time spewing their venom on our site. If she could meet these homosexuals face to face, she'd probably whip their arse's. It'd be sweet to see it.
TommyJack writes:
Sad to see this site ruined.
belayvol writes:
They going to allow spittoons for you and your family in Gainesville?
Vol43 writes:
TJ I agree.
belayvol writes:
Don't worry. Gators still get free hot dogs. They just do something unnatural with them. Know what i mean Brokeback?
Slystone writes:
Perhaps the Gators should know the last time several fans came on here boasting and bragging their coach ended up leaving them. I'm just saying.
Vol43 writes:
You are sooooo right about these guys. They are undoubtedly the worst fans in college football. If the real gator fans knew what these idiots were up to, they would be quite dissipointed.
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