Quick HiTs: TEs return en masse, special teams take focus
With first AC/DC and then simulated Georgia crowd noise blaring through the loudspeakers, Tennessee logged a physical, detail-oriented practice Tuesday afternoon on Haslam Field.
With coach Butch Jones sparing no one from the microphone, including staffers, the Vols worked an inordinate amount of time on what coaches have called "critical" aspects of the special teams units.
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There was a significant focus on punting, with Jones even himself firing off a punt --- though he's not going to be taking Matt Darr's job anytime soon.
All of Tennessee's tight end corps practiced, including Daniel Helm, Woody Quinn and Ethan Wolf. So, too, did freshman tailback Derrell Scott and veteran defensive lineman Trevarris Saulsberry, who worked in full pads and continued to gain his most significant work since injuring his knee in the Vols' Aug. 16 open practice.
Neither Von Pearson nor Josh Smith practiced, with Smith still on crutches and his leg immobilized. The Vols are expected to travel just 16 players of their 70-man limit to Georgia on Saturday who have played inside the Bulldogs' stadium.
On the offensive line, Tennessee used some scout team secondary guys to work as edge speed rushers and blitzers in individual work to help the tackles.
Tennessee also conducted a battery of one-on-one edge rush and interior push drills with its top half-dozen defensive linemen against its starting offensive linemen and then reserves.
Elsewhere, the Vols continued to work every aspect of offense with virtually every skill player logging time on pass reception drills, as well as blocking and more.
VolQuest.com has video highlights and many other items, including Jones' reaction, as well as that of players, coming immediately after practice. We'll post updates to the General's Quarters, as well as our Twitter handles: @John_BriceVQ; @Brent_Hubbs; @VolQuest_Rob; @VolQuest_Paul; @GrantRamey; @AustinPriceless.