Tennessee concludes four weeks of spring practice with the annual Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.

While the scrimmage will have its limitations, it will be the Vols' last semblance of football until their season opener versus Virginia on Sept. 2 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

With new pieces at key positions and some returning experience at others, here is what VolReport's Noah Taylor and Ryan Sylvia are looking for in Tennessee's spring game:

Noah:

The coaching staff has raved about Tennessee's running backs room this spring. Following both scrimmages, head coach Josh Heupel singled out the group and Saturday will be the first opportunity to see them in a game-like setting for the first time.

Veteran Jabari Small hasn't participated in spring practice due to injury and Jaylen Wright has been limited. Apparently, the three underclassmen in Dylan Sampson, DeSean Bishop and Cameron Seldon have made the most of their opportunities and will get to showcase their growth.

Sampson worked his way into a bigger role as a freshman late last season and has the potential to get a lot more carries in the fall. Given Small's injury history, all three could be called on next season.

Ryan:

One of the biggest question marks heading into the season is who will start on the offensive line. Darnell Wright and Jerome Carvin have both departed for the NFL leaving a gap at right tackle and left guard.

The other three spots are fairly locked in, though. At left tackle, Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford split time a year ago. Mincey likely has the edge but the position may still be up for the taking. At center, Cooper Mays is the undisputed starter. At right guard, Javontez Spraggins has also locked down his position.

With competition arising at the remaining two positions, a group of linemen have made cases for earning the starting role. John Campbell, Andrej Karic, Parker Ball, Ollie Lane and Larry Johnson all will likely be considered due to their experience. Younger players such as Addison Nichols, Mo Clipper, Vysen Lang and Shamurad Umarov may also get an opportunity.

The unit that is sent out with the first team on the opening drive will be telling. There's still plenty of time for a change before the season, but it'll give a snapshot of where the coaching staff is at.

Noah:

There was little doubt that Tennessee's weakest spot despite last season's success was in the secondary.

The Vols were among the worst teams in college football in pass defense, allowing nearly 300 yards per game but a lack of depth and injuries had a lot to do with that.

The coaching staff added some depth in the offseason, both in the 2023 signing class and through the transfer portal. There also been a lot of shifting at different positions there.

Tennessee lost Trevon Flowers to the NFL Draft, but returns seniors Doneiko Slaughter, Jaylen McCollough, Tamarian McDonald, Wesley Walker, Kamal Hadden and Warren Burrell, who missed most of last season with injury. Slaughter is making the transition to cornerback full time after splitting time between that position and safety. Among the the Vols' transfer portal hauls was former BYU defensive back Gabe Jeudy-Lally.

With more depth and experience in the room, the spring game will offer a chance to see if any strides have been made in the secondary.

Ryan:

During Heupel's first two seasons in Knoxville, he has lacked true depth at linebacker. This has hindered the creation of the successful defense needed to earn a spot in the SEC Championship or College Football Playoffs.

This year is different, though. Although Jeremy Banks and Juwan Mitchell are no longer with the team, plenty of returners and newcomers are capable of taking their spots.

The headliner at linebacker is Aaron Beasley. He dazzled at the Orange Bowl and will return for his senior year.

Around him, players such as Kwauze Garland, Kalib Perry, Keenan Pili and Elijah Herring all return with at least one year of college experience under their belt. Freshmen Jeremiah Telander, Jalen Smith and Arion Carter will also get a chance to show off their talents.

It'll be interesting to see how the snaps are divided amongst the deep group on Saturday.

Noah:

Paxton Brooks leaves a void to fill at punter after five seasons at Tennessee.

Heupel's teams don't punt much. Last season, the Vols' opted to stay on the field on fourth down, but Brooks was an asset when he was called upon, averaging nearly 40 yards per punt and down 11 inside the 20-yard line.

It's hard to get too much of a look at special teams given the format of spring games, but Tennessee will be breaking in a new punter this season in Jackson Ross, who redshirted in 2022.

He'll get the opportunity to boot a few punts on Saturday, which is worth keeping an eye on.

Ryan:

Punter isn't the only special teams position with a newly created hole. Chase McGrath has also moved on after kicking one of the most iconic field goals in Tennessee history.

Now, three candidates have arisen as a possible replacement.

Leading the pack is Charles Campbell. The Indiana transfer grew up in Tennessee with the dream of playing for the Vols. Now, he'll have the opportunity to make those wishes a reality.

Max Gilbert and JT Carver have also impressed at spring practice. Special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler says the depth at the position is a welcomed sight. He wants competition for the starting role and has confidence in all three kickers.

It'll be worth noting who is the first kicker out on the field for Tennessee on Saturday. It'll also be crucial for the kickers to avoid easy misses in front of a crowd hungry for another great football season.

Who: Tennessee Orange and White Game

Where: Neyland Stadium | Knoxville, Tennessee

When: Saturday, April 15 | 2:30 p.m. ET

TV: SEC Network Plus (Justin Kutcher, play-by-play, Jordan Rodgers, analyst)

Radio: Vol Network (Bob Kesling, play-by-play, Pat Ryan, analyst)

Keep up with VolReport for complete Orange and White Game coverage on Saturday in The Rocky Top Forum and on Twitter @TennesseeRivals, @RyanTSylvia, @ByNoahTaylor and @Dale_Dowden.

According to a press release from Tennessee, the offense will wear white jerseys while the defense will wear orange. The offense will alternate possessions for the orange and white teams.

Quarterbacks will be non-contact in smokey grey jersey tops.

Though spring games give coaching staffs a chance to break from the ordinary as far as scoring goes, Tennessee will have normal game scoring with touchdowns, extra points and field goals.

The first half will consist of two 15-minutes quarters. Following a 10-minute halftime period, the second half will feature a running clock.

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