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Tennessee Vols Look To Orange and White Game

By Randy Sharber

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The Tennessee Vols have one more week of Spring Practice before they unveil the 2015 version to the fans. And there will be plenty of Vol fans in attendance.

Tennessee has had a rough Spring. Injuries have plagued this team all off season, and that has continued throughout this practice season. Head Coach Butch Jones is determined to bring a toughness to this team that was lacking during the Derek Dooley era. They improved in that area last season, and it will continue as long as he is in Knoxville.

Jones wants these guys to compete on every down. He starts every practice with the “circle of life” drill. (We had a version of this called “Bull in the Ring” during our High School practices at Nashville Christian School back in the day). Two Players are called into the center to do battle in front of their teammates.

Jones may call for a 170 pound defensive back to go up against a 320 pound lineman. The point is to create toughness, and more importantly, to learn to compete. You do not want to be humiliated in that drill in front of everyone, so you give your all.

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    • Jones is also employing the “Oklahoma” drill. This is an old staple used from Pop Warner league to the NFL. It is a three on three drill that takes place between an area about 5 yards wide. It pits two down lineman on each side of the ball, a running back on the offensive side and a linebacker/defensive back on the defensive side. The back has to run in between the five yard area so he has to initiate contact. He can not run around the mass of humanity.

    This may be the best drill in football. It teaches everything you need to know. From a blocking standpoint you are trying to win your one on one battle and get to the next level of defenders. From a defensive side you are trying to shed your blocker with your hands and leverage to get to the ball carrier. The back must see and hit the hole quickly and the linebacker/defensive back has to take on that back in a one on one battle. I love this, but it is dangerous.

    The biggest injury problems have been suffered by the Wide Receiving Corp. They were beat up at the end of the season and several wear green jerseys as they are not to be touched. Several more have been hurt in spring practice. This has eliminated the opportunity to really “gel” the passing game.

    Marquez North and Jason Croom have been extremely limited. Tennessee needs these guys in a big way this season to be great. Back up Cody Blanc is out for the rest of the spring. Josh Smith has been limited as well, but it is great to have him back at any level. Pig Howard has been outstanding in a leadership role and a performance role.

    But one guy that is really moving up is Senior Jonathon Johnson. Coaches are bragging about his ability to get open, run outstanding routes and catching everything that has been thrown his way. One of the things you hear coming out of these practices is that the receivers are dropping too many easy throws. Jones calls these drops “catastrophic”. He is right.

    Two Vols returned this week. Lineman Coleman Thomas was reinstated after theft charges were dropped when it was deemed he was an innocent participant. We knew that was going to be the case a long time ago. He is spending time at center which is where he will more than likely be a back up. Defensive cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is back as well from a bout with Mono.

    The Orange and White game will be held in Neyland next Saturday. It will be well attended. I expect 40,000 or so to show up to watch this game. Gates open at 2:30 and the game starts at 4:10. Look for the Vols to play a lot of “situational” football during this scrimmage more than actually playing a game. They will employ their offense in both goal line situations; scoring on the goal line and coming off of the goal line. They will be put in third down situations a lot. Third and short, third and five, third and long. The format will also show a lot of one on one drills as well.

    I am excited about seeing a few of the newcomers. I can’t wait to see Alvin Kamara. He was injured early in spring practice as well and has been held out of contact, but I can’t wait to see him. I am also excited about seeing the two young quarterbacks, Quentin Dormady and Jauan Jennings. On the defensive side I want to see Darrin Kirkland Jr, and of course Shy Tuttle.

    I will see you there Saturday.

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