Them Vols offseason thread

Tennessee*wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has one word for how he feels about the additions of*Ethan Wolfand*Daniel Helm.

“Jackpot,” he said.

Azzanni and Tennessee coaches knew the potential each of the talented tight ends possessed while recruiting them, but it’s safe to say they have surpassed already high expectations during the first few spring practices.

“I’m excited about them. Those guys both bring a level of athleticism that you want at the tight end position,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian told InsideTennessee. “They adjust to the ball. They have good hands. But I knew that.”

As did most everyone who followed their recruitment.

Helm and Wolf, both former Scout four-stars, were highly praised for their body control and route running skills.

What Bajakian didn’t expect from the talented tandem was a willingness to play physical so early into their college careers.

“They’ll stick their face in the fan,” Bajakian said.

That rare combination of pass-catching ability and solid blocking skills has Tennessee offensive coaches giddy.

Azzanni explained why by providing an example from Thursday’s practice.

During full-team work, a slot receiver had to come off the field unexpectedly. Out came one of the young tight ends to replace him split out wide.

“I helps from a depth standpoint, I can tell you that,” Azzanni told IT. “We just put those tight ends in there that can run routes. We put them all over the place. It’s awesome. They’re fun.”

Helm and Wolf’s ability to line up in several different spots also provides Tennessee with versatility it lacked last fall.

And that versatility, Azzanni says, will help the Vols “greatly” improve their tempo this fall.

“They really help just how we change personnel,” Azzanni said. “One play we’re running the ball with an attached tight end and the next he’s split out and we’re spreading them. You can’t do that with a slot guy all the time. They’re going to do big things here.”

While Bajakian shares Azzanni’s optimism about the newcomers, saying “both of those guys are going to be outstanding players,” he also warns that they’re still “very inexperienced.”

But both are being force fed experience in a hurry.

With veteran tight ends*Brendan Downs*and*A.J. Braniselsidelined this spring because of injuries, Helm and Downs are seeing more than their fair share of important reps.

“Those reps are invaluable,” Bajakian told IT.” Absolutely invaluable.”

Pair the duo’s large helping of experience this spring with their “smarts,” and Bajakian stops just short of saying Helm and Wolf are the perfect tight ends.

“Those guys are very smart guys and approach the game the way you want,” Bajakian said. “…They have all you can really ask for.”

VEREENGetting in extra work

As each spring practice comes to an end and Tennessee players trickle out of the facility, there’s a usual group that sticks around getting extra work in on their own.

Seeing*Corey Vereen*doing extra stretching and ab work,Jordan Williams*training with an agility ladder and Danny O’Brien roaming an empty weight room have all become familiar sites.

All are defensive linemen, the group tasked with replacing all the starter’s from last year’s squad.

Don't forget about Devrin

Highly-recruited newcomer*Jalen Hurd*and rising seniorMarlin Lane*gives the Vols a potentially impressive one-two punch at the running back position next fall, but Robert Gillespie will tell you most overlook a third element of the rushing attack.

Gillespie said he’s been very pleased with the production ofDevrin Young*this spring. Young is transitioning back to running back after playing slot receiver last fall.

“(Devrin) will allow us to do some things that we couldn’t do last year with Rajion and Marlin,” Gillespie said.

QB update

Tennessee’s search to find its starting quarterback is far from over.

Bajakian said it’s a possibility that there’s “zero” separation in the competition after spring practice, adding that each quarterback has “flashed” at times but no one has shown consistency.

“There’s not a ton of separation in their skillsets,” Bajakian said. “It’s not like one is a phenomenal athlete and one is a great passer. They’re all good passers and they’re all good athletes.”

Malone gaining more momentum

After being singled out by head coach Butch Jones Tuesday for sticking out amongst the newcomers, wideoutJosh Malone*received more praise Thursday.

Bajakian said Malone needed time to adjust to the speed of practice and to get in “college” shape.

“Now that he’s done that, he improves every day,” Bajakian said
 
Tennessee’s first-team offensive line stayed the same for the first few spring practices, but the group saw some major changes Thursday.*

As InsideTennessee earlier reported, rising redshirt senior Jacob Gilliam replaced Dontavius Blair at left tackle. Austin Sanders also saw some reps at guard in place of Kyler Kerbyson.

Tennessee offensive line coach Don Mahoney tells IT the moves are more than motivational tricks, saying his starting five is far from set.

Gilliam is a player to keep an eye on as the spring progresses. Mahoney is open in saying Gilliam has outperformed Blair by a” long shot” so far.

“Jacob is really showing us what he can do on film,” Mahoney said. “I really, really like what I’ve seen from him.”

Added offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian on Gilliam’s play: “ He brings experience, knowledge and intensity. He’s doing good. He’s been a solid mainstay there and I like what he’s brought to the table.”

Gilliam is a one-time walk on. Blair is a heralded recruit and one of several gems in Tennessee’s 2014 class. Mahoney said he doesn’t read into any of that.

“I don’t look at that stuff. No matter who they are… the guys that end up playing will be the guys that impress me and earn it. No one has impressed me enough to win a job outright at tackle.”

There are plenty of areas Mahoney says his group need to improve on “in a hurry,” but he’s been continually pleased with his players’ work ethic.

For example, Mahoney said Kerbyson and center Mack Crowder stay after practice and watch extra film nearly every day. Also, newcomer Coleman Thomas has been given “double” the reps of any player in an effort to bring him up to speed and has handled the heavy work load “well.”

According to Mahoney, this week’s practices has done wonders for Thomas. After a rough scrimmage, Mahoney said he’s seen the rookie take major strides recently. It all started when Thomas “buried” Curt Maggitt in a one-on-one blocking drill Tuesday.

“That was a big mental thing for him,” Mahoney said. “It was like he finally saw he can play with the big boys. Since, he’s really been getting after it.”

In one way, George Bullock misses Michael Palardy. In another, he doesn’t at all.

It appears the kicking job for the 2014 season is Bullock’s to lose with Palardy gone. The rising redshirt sophomore is tough on himself, saying he’s struggled this spring with consistency and rushing through his approach. Both are aspects of his game Palardy helped him with constantly last season.

“Michael was great to me. He coached me up a lot and really helped me,” Bullock said.

According to players and coaches alike, JUCO transfer and early enrollee defensive tackle Owen Williams has had his ups and downs this spring. But it doesn’t appear he’s going to lose his first-team reps anytime soon.

Players and coaches have been “awed” by the strength Williams has displayed during the first few spring practices.

“He’s really impressed me with his strength,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said. “He can hold his own in there. You worry about the transition for some of these JUCO guys…he’ll be fine…at least strength wise.”

Added defensive line cohort Corey Vereen: “Owen, man, he real strong. He moves guys around like nothing. He’ll be a big help for us.”

After the sixth and seven practices taking place earlier this week, expect the Vols to head to Neyland Stadium on Saturday for the second spring scrimmage. As expected, quarterback play will be under the microscope with the staff needing more consistency overall from the position. Bajakian told IT that none of the four have separated themselves from the pack: “Not yet, not yet.”

Keith Pantling joined Jones’ staff coming from Cincinnati not long after Jones took the job on Rocky Top. However, some things didn’t work out and Pantling went another route. He is officially back at Tennessee and will work as the program’s associate director of football operations.

Now that Gibbs Hall has been gutted and all asbestos removed, the wrecking ball started swinging on the structure, starting with the front corner facing Volunteer Boulevard.
 
There was no bucket needed Saturday.

In order to simulate throwing and playing with wet footballs,*Tennessee*managers are often asked to dunk dozens of pigskins into water-filled pails.

Mother nature took care of that as the Vols were greeted by downpours at Neyland Stadium during their second spring scrimmage.

Tennessee coach Butch Jones called it a “tremendous teaching day” for the Vols’ four quarterbacks who are still duking it out for the starting spot.

“No matter how hard you try, you can never really simulate playing in the rain in a game,” Jones told InsideTennessee. “Today, there were valuable reps in terms of how you take care of the football.”

Rising senior*Justin Worley*feels all four quarterbacks passed the test.

“Offensively, I think we probably had one of our best days,” Worley said. “We moved the ball and had some explosive plays. We had some good passes. We all had a good day.”

Jones said he was pleased with the quarterback play as a whole, even with ball security – botching handoffs and fumbling snaps – being an issue throughout the scrimmage.

“I see that position overall continuing to get better and better and better,” Jones said. “I’ve really been pleased so far with the play of all four quarterbacks. I’m very, very encouraged.”

Each quarterback contributed a mixture of highlights and mistakes during the scrimmage, which Jones said is an illustrations of why each gunslinger has improved “greatly” this spring.

Jones said there is still no clear separation in the race to be named starter, adding that each quarterback has shown flashes at times.

The stalemate in the competition, he said, creates an ultra-competitive environment during games and practices.

“I think we have a great competitive balance and battle going on there,” Jones said. “When you have competition at positions, every individual improves. All four of these individuals are improving every day.”

Worley agrees.

“I think we’ve challenged each other so far,” he said. “We’re all taking it with stride and progressed every day. I think from Day 1, we’re all better.”

After the first spring scrimmage, Jones said cutting down costly redzone turnovers would be the focus of the quarterbacks heading into the second mock game.

Worley and redshirt freshman*Riley Ferguson*both tossed turnovers in goal line situations. Worley’s came on a play action roll-out inside the 10-yard line. Ferguson forced a throw off his back foot.

Jones took to the loud speaker after Ferguson’s interception and yelled at the rookie for several minutes. But Jones called the mistake nothing more than a teaching moment.

“I’ve seen good things from Riley,” Jones said. “I’ve been pleased.”

Of the criteria Jones is looking in deciding on a starter, “playmaking” ability sits near the top of the list.

Ferguson, Jones said, has that covered.

What Jones now needs to see from Ferguson is the ability to manage the offense and avoid “catastrophic” throws while trying to make something happen with his legs.

“One of Riley’s strengths is the ability to create plays when there’s nothing there,” Jones said. “We need a playmaker back there, but we also need an individual who can take care of the football and manage the offense.”

On top of the rain,*Joshua Dobbs*said all four quarterbacks have benefited and learned from being “live” during both scrimmages.

“It’s the real deal. It gives you the chance to make plays,” Dobbs said. “It’s like a real game and we all grow from that. I think our tempo is getting faster because of it. We’re just out here having fun.”

Decide for yourself which QB had the best game by clicking on the image of Worley blow to be taken to IT’s complete notes package from the scrimmage.
 
NOTES:*— It was “family day” at Neyland Stadium, featuring dozens of parents and relatives observing the scrimmage in the stands and sticking around for a cookout afterwards.

*—Jaylen Miller had his arm in a sling, joining fellow defensive linemen Malik Brown and Trevarris Saulsberry on the sideline.

*

—Jalen Hurd wore a bulk brace on his left elbow, but was full-go during the scrimmage.

*

— Wideout Johnathon Johnson wore a green jersey and did not participate.

*

— Wideout Marquez North stretched with the team, but then left to attend to what Butch Jones said was a “family emergency.”

*

From the scrimmage…Ball on the 50-yard line—Justin Worley helmed the first-team. Jacob Gilliam was again at left tackle. Marlin Lane was full go and in the backfield with the first group. Kyler Kerbyson jumped on the first play, drawing a flag. On the next play, Worley hit Jason Croom for a 50-yard touchdown strike down the left sideline. Croom caught the ball on the 30 and carried freshman defensive back Emmanuel Moseley the rest of the way.

*

—Nathan Peterman’s group was up next, featuring Dontavius Blair at left tackle and Dylan Wiesman at center. Peterman picked up two first downs with his legs to set up 34-yard field goal from George Bullock. Before the field goal, Ethan Wolf dropped a touchdown pass on a play action rollout.

*

—Lane showed flashes during Ferguson’s turn to take over at quarterback. Lane totaled 30 yards on the drive, breaking an A.J. Johnson tackle to pick up 15-yards on the first play. Ferguson threw three incompletions to set up a 45-yard field goal from George Bullock, which he made with ease.

*

—Jalen Hurd fumbled a handoff from Josh Dobbs on the first play of the fourth drive. But he recovered quickly, taking his next touch 20 yards to the endzoe.

*

—Worley’s next turn resulted in a turnover on downs. Joe Stocstill dropped a would-be first down pass on fourth and 1 from the 42.

*

—Ferguson, after being tackled in the backfield for a loss by D’Andre Payne on a zone-read keeper, hit Devrin Young in the flats for a 35-yard touchdown.

*

From the 1-yard line (going out)—With his heals in the endzone, Ferguson took the first reps from the 1-yard line and gave to Lane twice, picking up a first down. Ferguson then found Alex Ellis for a 30-yard pass to get the offense out of dangers. Jones said the offense’s goal during this situation was to get the ball to the 20-yard line.

*

—Worley went deep to Josh Smith down the right sideline on his first play, but the pass was dropped. On the next snap, Worley went deep down the left sideline to hit Cody Blanc.

*

—Dobbs’ group couldn’t move the change. The series featured another drop from Wolf.

*

—During Peterman’s series, Blair was beat by freshman Dimarya Mixon for the sack. Wiesman was called for holding on the next play.

*

From the opposite 35-yard line—Corey Vereen tackled Von Pearson in the backfield for a big loss on a reverse. On the next play, Worley had Wolf wide open in the middle of the field but the pass was dropped. It was a very rough day for Wolf. The offense stayed on the field for a fourth-and-2 attempt, but Vereen and Jordan Williams teamed for the sack.

*

—Jason Carr tallied a sack on Peterman’s first play and the offense went three-and-out

*

—Ferguson gave to Von Pearson on the end-around handoff, and Pearson picked up 8 yards. Lane scampered all the way down to the 1-yard line on the next play. Hurd then punched it in from the 1.

*

—Ferguson picked up 20-yards on a zone-read keeper. Mixon tallied a sack and the offense failed to score.

*

Overtime (tie game):*— Worley took the first snaps during a situational overtime and hit Malone for a touchdown over the middle on the first play.

*

— Daniel Helm made a one-handed grab on a Peterman throw to move the chains. The offense settled for a Bullock field goal after fumbling a snap.

*

Overtime (offense down by 3)*—Ferguson* made a poor decision in his first “overtime” rep. He rolled left and threw a deep ball off his back foot. The wobbly pass was intercepted in the endzone by Malik Foreman.

*

—Dobbs hit Wolf over the middle, who dropped the pass after being drilled by Lemond Johnson. Dobbs then found Croom for a 25-yard touchdown.

*

Overtime (offense down by 8)—Ferguson’s unit turned the ball over on downs.

*

—Peterman hit Jacob Carter for a 20-yard touchdown and connected with Woody Quinn to cap off the two-point conversion.

*

First and goal from the 9*—Vereen again dropped Pearson for a loss on a reverse. Dobbs threw a bad pass, but Moseley dropped the intercepting.* With pressure coming from his backside, Dobbs scrambled around in the backfield and loss grip of the wet ball. The defense recovered.

*

—Ferguson scored on a zone-read keeper on his first play.

*

First and goal from the 5—Tennessee ran through nearly a dozen reps from the five-yard line. Here are some of the highlights: Pearson made a leaping grab in the corner of the endzone. Worley threw a pick-six to Max Arnold. Alden Hill fumbled and the defense recovered.*
 
I need someone to please explain how a walk-on getting first team snaps at LT isn't indicative of a potential disaster. Thanks.
 
Vercingetorix;23564]I need someone to please explain how a walk-on getting first team snaps at LT isn't indicative of a potential disaster. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Lol. Its disastrous. But don't tell people that. It's because our dline is All Americans why the oline looks bad in practice.. or vice versa
 
LWSVOL said:
accurate...

its not weed, its not academics (although not sure he is keeping up now), its not team rules and it is a personal issue..

I know people would like to know the specifics but not something anyone would want discussed publicly if it was you.
Click to expand...

LWS on pig. Wonder what it could be
 
Jacob Gilliam– then a senior offensive lineman at Farragut High School – was playing in the annual Border Bowl between prospects from Tennessee and Kentucky when his phone rang.

It was a call he’d been longing for.

He had sent Tennessee some game film, and Lane Kiffin’s staff apparently liked what they saw.

A self-proclaimed die-hard Vols fan since he was 7 years old, Gilliam scheduled a “dream” official visit with his hometown team.

But the actual visit was far from a fantasy.

When he arrived, Kiffin was setting up his new office nearly 2,000 miles away in Southern California. There wasn’t a single coach on campus.

Instead of energetic coaches, wide-eyed assistants and hostesses shadowing his every move, administrators and graduate assistants walked him around the facilities and stadium.

“I figured I may as well still give it a shot,” Gilliam told InsideTennessee. “Just go for it.”

Gilliam decided to walk onto Derek Dooley’s team, turning down a few offers to play at smaller programs.

Tennessee offensive line coach Don Mahoney is certainly glad he did.

Gilliam, now a 6-foot-4, 290-pound redshirt senior, has been working recently as Tennessee’s starting left tackle.

Tennessee must replace all its starters along the offensive front, so new faces were certainly expected to make an impact.

But even then, Gilliam’s name was rarely mentioned in projected depth charts and starting line ups.

Yes, his emergence as a serious contender to protect the quarterback’s blindside this fall has surprised just about everyone – aside from Gilliam, that is.

“For me, this had been building over the past four years and I’m just trying to reap the benefits now,” he said. “…I’ve been working my butt off.”

At the end of last season – a year where Gilliam saw his only snaps in the waning minutes against Missouri and Alabama – Mahoney approached him with a message.

“We’re going to need you to help us win some ball games next year,” he said. “We’re courting on you.”

So far, so good.

Several Tennessee coaches have praised Gilliam for being a model of consistency this spring.

But even that’s not good enough.

The Knoxville-native said his goal during the home-stretch of spring camp is to raise his level of play.

“Pass sets, run blocks, whatever we have going on I’m trying to master each thing to where I can be the best tackle I can be,” Gilliam said. “I try to come to work every day with as much aggression as I can.”

BLAIRGilliam said he started getting first-team reps after Tennessee’s first spring scrimmage.

During that game,*Dontavius Blair*– a JUCO transfer and heralded recruit – held the job.

Gilliam knows his starting spot is far from set in stone, citing Blair’s athleticism and length as proof.

“I’m trying to bring (Blair) along as fast as possible. You know, generate some more competition,” Gilliam said. “You know, just coaching him up.”

It’s certainly a role reversal.

He remembers being the student like it was just yesterday.

Gilliam recalls trying to learn from the likes of Ju’Wuan James, James Stone and Zach Fulton – all of whom will likely be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“Even though they’re the same age as me, they’re superior athletes,” Gilliam said. “I tried to learn as much as I could.”

Gilliam is the teacher now, the starter now.

But he knows he can’t relax.

He said it himself: “Nothing matters until the final lineup is out in August.”

“You have to beat out someone they’ve invested a lot of time and money into. I know in a moments notice, I can be replaced,” Gilliam told IT. “I’m trying to make the most of this opportunity.”

Williams working

Early enrollee defensive tackle Owen Williams has been praised for his strength by many this spring, but also has been knocked for needing to become better conditioned.

After practice Tuesday, Williams stayed in the indoor facility in full pads and ran several 100-yard sprints.

Drop off from defense

Tennessee took the practice field Tuesday with a noticeable change.

The offense — normally in white jerseys — wore orange.

The defense — normally in orange jerseys — wore white.

But no more than three minutes had passed before Jones revealed why.

“Defense, you look good in white,” he hollered into his microphone. “You look like a bunch of marshmallows. You’re all soft like marshmallows.”

Jones has voiced his displeasure with the defense’s physicality most of spring. He grew even more displeased after what he called a “poor” effort during the second scrimmage.

“We’re no where close to being a physical defense,” Jones told IT.

Saying the defense still has “a long, long way to go,” Jones added that he’s starting to see some progress. Jones said at the beginning of spring he’d see a considerable drop off in effort at the end of practice, but his young roster is starting to handle the physical workload.

“We’re starting to see improvements. Not enough, but some,” Jones said. “They’re starting to play physical the entire practice, and we’ve demanded a lot from them.”
 
— The usual bunch were in yellow no-contact jerseys: Brendan Downs, A.J. Branisel, Drae Bowles, Ryan Jenkins, Trevarris Saulsberry and Brian Randolph. Marquez North and Justin Coleman were in green jerseys.

*

— No newcomer has their black stripe removed.

*

— Former Tennessee coach Johnny Majors was on hand.

*

—Jalen Hurd and Geraldo Orta wore bulky braces on their left elbow. Both were still full go.

*

—Corey Vereen wore his normal No. 50 jersey, but the last name “Manning” was stitched across the back.

*

—Butch Jones began practice with a handful of one-on-one and other drills. First up was a drill using two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a running back and a linebacker. Allen Carson and Austin Sanders limped off the field after their reps. Next up, Jones selected players for one-on-one pass blocking drills. Players circled the competitor for both drills, so match ups were difficult to see. Jones did say, “Congrats, Blair. You just got you’re first ever pancake in pass pro. Nice to see a little toughness out of you.”

*

—Jones then hustled the team down to the goal line for one-on-one wideout and cornerback drills. Here are the results: Nathan Peterman’s pass sailed out of the endzone and above the head of Josh Malone, who was guarded by Cameron Sutton. Von Pearson drew a pass interference flag from Riyahd Jones while jostling for a ball in the corner. Jason Croom beat LaDarrell McNeil on a slant pattern. Emmanuel Moseley broke up a Josh Smith fade route. Devaun Swafford jumped Alex Ellis’ slant route and intercepted the ball. Lemond Johnson interfered with Ethan Wolf. Daniel Helm dropped a ball in the corner of the endzone after beating Max Arnold.

*

From the offense:—Jones spent time during practice serving as a mock center, rolling bad snaps at the feet of the quarterbacks who had to catch the ball and fire a slant pass to an awaiting Mike Bajakian.

—Jacob Gilliam again took first-team left tackle reps.

*

—Toned-up Marlin Lane is among the Vols’ most improved physical specimens. He showed tremendous punch in a drill requiring running backs to run in place, then step forward and belt a medicine ball-wielding teammate. Lane also showed excellent power in bulling his way between two managers holding blocking pads, drawing praise from Butch Jones for one especially powerful run.

*

—Running back Devrin Young got instruction from running backs coach Robert Gillespie and offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian after bobbling a handoff from quarterback Riley Ferguson.

*

—Wideouts coach Zach Azzanni put his troops through an intriguing drill – lining up three of them, them lobbing the ball to the one in the middle to see if he could outbattle two “defenders” to make the catch. Not surprisingly, towering Jason Croom (6-feet-5, 234 pounds) excelled at this drill. So did rising sophomore Marquez North (6-feet-4, 221), plus mid-term freshman Josh Malone.

*

—Jones motivated Croom during a one-on-one drill by telling him, “You’re playing against the best corners in the country.” He was referring, of course, to SEC cornerbacks.

*

—JUCO transfer Von Pearson showed great agility and balance in a drill requiring wideouts to hit a blocking dummy, then try to scoop a towel off the ground as they ran past. Josh Malone also performed well in this drill. Croom, despite his size, did well also.

*

From the defense:*—Curt Maggitt again spent practice with the defensive linemen.

*

—Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez spent most of practice giving a hard time to freshman corners Moseley and D’Andre Payne, calling them “soft” over and over.*
 
wU-Tang Vol said:
Exactly what I was thinking... seriously, like a bad STD (not meaning in a facetious manor) or some type of other really bad disease
Click to expand...

Yep, that's where my mind went also. Must be from working in a hospital for a while.
 
wU-Tang Vol said:
LWS on pig. Wonder what it could be
Click to expand...

Embarrassing medical situation, self
Medical or some kind of care situation, family
"Family" situation, girl
Financial crisis, family

Whatever it is, it's probably admirable of them to keep it under wraps like this.
 
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