Sutton feels this camp has been the best

Cornerback Cam Sutton has lived more Vol football than any player on the roster. The senior has started every game of his college career and with the final season opener coming, Sutton sees a very different program than what he found when he arrived particularly when it comes to depth of talent.

“I would not have imagined that. We have definitely come a long way. I remember sometimes we only had a couple of guys who might roll in because we didn't have any depth. Now we have a tremendous amount of depth at each and every level. We are not just limiting ourselves to one position. Guys are interchangeable and can move around and play different positions.”

With 38 career starts, Sutton welcomes the help and the depth as he sees it as a big help starting Thursday night when the Vols open the season against Appalachian State.

“A big difference,” Sutton said. “That's something we talk about. A guy might have 10 reps and some guys might have 50 reps. Just make the most of the reps you have. In the past a lot of guys have had to play 80-90 snaps. We are at the stage now where we can have guys rotate in and not have a drop off at any level. In the fourth quarter, we can have our closers in and be able to close games out.”

The Georgia native also believes the improved depth has already made a big impact on this team. To the point, that the senior believes this pre-season has been the best he's been a part of.

“I think it's been our most productive. Obviously we have gained so much depth and not just on defense but on offense and special teams," Sutton said. "Our approach in how we are each and every day. No one is complaining about practicing or being out there. Just being competitive each and every day. Coming to work every day.

"When you have that mindset it definitely takes you a long way, not just because your leaders are bringing it every day, but everyone is pushing each other every day. It gives the coaches the chance to step back and coach the little things. They are not really focused on being a coached led team. It takes a lot of stress off them so I think camp has been a lot better.”

Coaches including Butch Jones have compared freshman cornerback Baylen Buchanan to a young Cam Sutton. Buchanan was the first newcomer to have his black stripe removed and Sutton admits he sees a lot of himself in the fellow Peach State native.

“I would say so,” Sutton offered. “He's a guy who comes to work each and every day. I have never heard him complain one time about what every his reps are or whatever he job is on the field. He's always coming to me asking questions. He's always around the coaches asking them questions. He does what he is supposed to do on and off the field. I would definitely say so.”

Tennessee’s passing game has gotten a good deal of scrutiny this preseason, to the point that Josh Dobbs seems tired of answering questions about it.

Sutton has an excellent vantage point to observe the passing game, and he’s not shy in saying he’s seen progress in that phase of the game.

“Going against our own passing game has helped us out a lot, obviously because of the type of teams we play and the style of offenses we’re going to see this year, it’s helped,” Sutton said. “Just things like being able to find the ball, seeing the different routes and concepts.

“Our offense throws a lot of different things at us from throwing the ball down the field, misdirection, a lot of motion, things that make offenses very tricky. So seeing that everyday helps prepare us for the challenges we’re going to see this year.”

Sutton has also been in a position to evaluate the Vols new crop of receivers, several of whom have already worked their way into the rotation.

Junior college transfer Jeff George along with freshmen Tyler Byrd and Marquez Callaway all showed up on the first released depth-chart of the season. Something that didn’t surprise Sutton.

“They’re stepping into their roles and they’re going to be able to make plays for us,” Sutton said of the young wideouts. “They don’t really shy away from anything. That’s a group of guys that’s very competitive. Those guys come to work everyday, they aren’t afraid to ask questions, even of the defensive guys.

“They’ll ask what we’re seeing as DBs. They’re on a different side of the ball but they want to learn tendencies and different things that will help them out on the field.”