On Saturday, Tennessee football held its annual Orange and White Game to conclude its slate of spring practices. While the coaching staff looks at the entire scope of spring camp, some players stood out during the scrimmage and certainly helped themselves.
Here’s a look at three returners who shone during the event.
CB – Ty Redmond
After a breakout freshman season, Ty Redmond is projected to reprise his starting role at cornerback. However, additions through the transfer portal provided competition for the job. Throw in a new coaching staff, and his job was far from secure.
This spring, Redmond seemed to do his part to keep the role, though. In the Orange and White Game, he continued to be a star. Whether it was attempts at him to stretch the field in man-to-man or in zone coverage, he gave little breathing room when he was on the field.
Overall, Redmond looked like what you’d want a rising sophomore with high expectations to look like.
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TE – Cole Harrison
The top of Tennessee’s tight end room is secured. Ethan Davis will play the majority of snaps as a true all-around option as a pass catcher and blocker. However, the snaps behind him are a bit unclear. Dasaahn Brame is the favorite to be the first off the bench, but he has work to do as a blocker. Trent Thomas comes in as a transfer from South Alabama, but he hasn’t been a receiving threat in his career.
An option that isn’t talked about a lot is Cole Harrison. Heading into his redshirt-sophomore year, he’s progressed really nicely, though. In the Orange and White Game, this was on display.
What surprised me the most was his ability as a receiver. He reeled in a really nice catch on the sideline (though he was ruled out) and looked extremely improved as a route runner. He also continues to take steps as a blocker. There are snaps to be taken, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can be a factor.
OL – David Sanders Jr.
Expectations for David Sanders Jr. are extremely high. The former five-star recruit inserted himself into the starting lineup at right tackle last season once healthy and never looked back.
Now, Sanders is switching back to his natural left tackle position. Throughout camp, he’s looked fantastic. In the Orange and White Game, it was no different.
Growing physically and having comfort in the system is expected, though. What’s been really great to see is him claiming a leadership role on the team. He’s truly one of the top voices within the offense, which is critical with young quarterback options.
