Tennessee football was back in action on the practice field on Monday morning. Of note, for the first time this spring session, the Vols were in full pads. Also, Josh Heupel likes to say he breaks down spring camp into thirds. This would mark the conclusion of the first third of this spring.
Here are my notes and observations from a morning in Knoxville that finally started to feel like spring.
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Offense
We’ll start with what everyone is here for: Quarterbacks.
While it wasn’t available for film or photos, we got to see quarterbacks work in the red zone with routes on air. Both George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon had a few difficult throws that you couldn’t put more on the money. The best of the session, in my opinion, was a fade ball to the back pylon from Brandon to Joakim Dodson. MacIntyre also threw a great ball to the pylon to Braylon Staley and one over the middle to Mike Matthews.
There were some missed throws, as well, though. Brandon threw behind Radarious Jackson, who got a hand on it, but couldn’t reel it in. MacIntyre’s lone significant miss was a similar throw to Matthews that wasn’t caught. However, I’d say most of Brandon’s misses were some sort of miscommunication or timing. The optimist in me feels like that’ll be easy to clean up.
Ryan Staub remains accurate with the ball, but there’s just not as much zip on it as MacIntyre or Brandon.
The worst drop of the day was from Jackson. It’s worth noting that he bounced back with some really nice catches on bullets from Brandon later in the session. The wide receivers went in the same order as usual. Working with MacIntyre to start were Travis Smith Jr. (X), Staley (Y) and Matthews (Z). Working with Brandon after were Jackson (X), Dodson (Y) and TK Keys (Z).
On the line, David Sanders Jr., Gabriel Osenda and Kamari Blair were off to the side working on what appeared to be footwork when I was watching. Sanders looks polished and should be much more comfortable back on the left side this year.
Running backs did some pass protection, as well. DeSean Bishop looked like the experienced veteran he’s grown into, but overall, coaches didn’t seem happy with that portion. Still plenty of time for that young group behind Bishop to adjust, though.
First day in full pads for the Vols ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IjnqUv5Ugs
— Ryan Sylvia (@RyanTSylvia) March 23, 2026
Defense
I didn’t watch much defense today, but Edwin Spillman jumps out in the linebacker room. Especially with Arion Carter still out, he’s emerged as one of the leaders of the room. Jeremiah Telander and Penn State transfer Amare Campbell have significant voices in that group, as well.
Spillman, who was already a great size, looks like he’s put on some more muscle and could be a step or two quicker. Jadon Perlotte still looks like a guy who will play with his hair on fire, as well, which is great to see.
