Tennessee football opened up spring practice on Friday morning as the Vols worked on the Haslam Practice Field on a chilly March morning.
It was the Vols’ first practice of Josh Heupel’s fifth season as head coach as Tennessee begins Its on field work as they try and get back to the College Football Playoffs this season.
Tennessee’s practice was open for under 10 minutes on Friday morning so there’s very few notes and obersvtions but we do have some quick injury notes and a few more thoughts elsewhere. Let’s dive in.
More From RTI: Cornerback Rickey Gibson III With Tennessee Football At Start Of Spring Practice
Offense
Tennessee’s offense is relatively healthy to open up spring practice with just a few injury notes. Second year offensive lineman Jeremias Heard was working off to the side while transfer receiver Amari Jefferson and redshirt freshman tight end Cole Harrison were both in red non contact uniforms. Both Jefferson and Harrison did go through routes on air while practice was open to the media.
Jefferson was injured his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Tennessee and is still not quite 100% healthy.
The Vols mostly worked on the short passing game during the routes on air portion of practice which led to a relatively efficient session. Nico Iamaleava was working with Mike Matthews, Chris Brazzell, Ethan Davis and Braylon Staley before jumping back in to throw to some walk-ons at the end of each loop through.
Jake Merklinger was Tennessee’s second quarterback followed by early enrollee freshman George MacIntyre. MacIntyre missed a few throws but was solid overall. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel gave MacIntyre some instructions after a couple reps.
Here’s a look at what numbers the offensive newcomers are wearing this spring: MacIntyre (15), Justin Baker (28), Daune Morris (31), Star Thomas (33), Antoni Ogumoro (55), Sam Pendleton (56) David Sanders (70), Nic Moore (74), Wendell Moe Jr (75), Travis Smith Jr (80), Jefferson (81), Radarious Jackson (84), DaSaahn Brame (88) and Jack Van Dorselaer (89).
Defense
The two biggest notes on the defensive side is about who was there: Rickey Gibson III and Boo Carter. Gibson going through spring practice is a big development after he previously announced intentions to enter the transfer portal. Carter wants to play more offense this season but he started the first practice on the defensive side of the field. But who knows, he could have moved over to offense after we left the practice field.
On the injury front, Arion Carter, Christian Charles, Emmanuel Okoye, Daevin Hobbs and freshman Mariyon Dye were working off to the side. Jourdan Thomas, Jermod McCoy and freshman Christian Gass were working on bikes. Both Thomas and McCoy continue to rehab torn ACLs.
One other small note, Gass is listed as a defensive lineman on the roster. Recruiting services had him as a linebacker.
Besides roll call, I spent the rest of practice watching the offensive side of the ball so more defensive notes to come on Monday.
For now, here’s the numbers that the defensive newcomers are wearing this spring: Sidney Walton (26), Ty Redmond (27), Dylan Lewis (34), Tre Poteat (36), Jayden Loftin (39), Jadon Perlotte (41), Gass (46), Jaedon Harmon (48), Dye (52), Brenden Anes (55) and Ethan Utley (97).
