Tennessee football isn't able to hold official practices, but that hasn't stopped some of its players from getting together to work out.

The father of Braylon Staley, a Vol wide receiver, posted a picture of Staley and other players together. Featured with him are quarterback Jake Merklinger and fellow wideouts Travis Smith Jr. and Mike Matthews.

Staley is from South Carolina, while Merklinger, Smith and Matthews are all from Georgia.

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Merklinger enters the year as a possible option at starting quarterback for Tennessee. The Vols lost Nico Iamaleava to the spring window amidst drama and now have a quarterback battle on their hands.

After bringing in App State and UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar, it'll be between Aguilar, Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre for the job.

Merklinger is going into his redshirt freshman season after joining UT as a four-star recruit and No. 80 player in the country. In his first year, he appeared in two games while completing 6-of-9 passes for 48 yards. He also ran for 22 yards in seven attempts.

Matthews was also a part of the 2024 recruiting class alongside Merklinger. He was a five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 30 player in the country.

Out of Georgia, Matthews saw his role increase as the season progressed. He finished the year with seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

After briefly announcing he intended to enter the portal after the season, he decided to stay through spring camp and did not enter in the spring window, either. Now, he's expected to start on the outside.

From South Carolina, Staley is another piece alongside Merklinger and Matthews in the 2024 class. He was a four-star Rivals250 recruit.

He maintained a redshirt while appearing in four games as a freshman. He caught three passes for 21 yards.

Despite his limited experience, Staley is the most experienced piece the Vols have in the slot. He's expected to start at the position.

A true freshman, Smith could make an impact in year one. He's a four-star recruit out of Atlanta who ranked as the No. 133 player in the country.

Smith turned heads early in spring camp as he integrated himself into the offense. He'll likely sit behind Matthews and Chris Brazzell II on the outside, but could play a significant role throughout the year.

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