KNOXVILLE—The Vols hit the field Tuesday morning for practice No. 10 of Butch Jones’ tenure, and the storyline of spring continued—the defense remains demonstrably ahead of the offense while the QBs continue to struggle. Here are seven observations from today’s practice.

1. This was the first practice of the year where the team appeared sluggish and to take a step back. Maybe the team is hitting a bit of a wall or maybe they’re beat up from Saturday’s physical scrimmage, but every unit looked a step slow and a little mentally sluggish. From receivers running sloppy routes to quarterbacks under throwing passes, to missed tackles and to blown assignments, this wasn’t Tennessee’s finest effort of the spring. Most expected to see such a performance last week when the Vols were returning from the break, but that didn’t happen. Look for them to bounce back Thursday.

Vol QBs continue to struggle.
Photo by Reed Carringer

2. The Vol quarterbacks continue to struggle. Justin Worley remains in the lead in the quarterback race, but that doesn’t mean he’s blowing anyone away. In individual drills between the quarterbacks and receivers, both Worley and Peterman routinely underthrew their targets by a wide and noticeable margin. In an offense that’s likely to lack big play ability, whoever starts at quarterback will have to complete a high percentage of passes if the Vols are to be successful this year. There have been fewer balls on the ground since practice No. 1, but today’s effort was not their best. One bright side: Neither QB turned it over. Worley has shown a better handling of the offense, while Peterman has more mobility and a much stronger arm. This race is a long way from being decided. If neither of them start playing more consistently, Tennessee’s incoming freshman QB’s will certainly get a look.

3. The receiving corps desperately needs depth and consistency. It’s no secret the Vols’ receiving corps is young and inexperienced. Since the start of spring, the receivers have shown regular progress and have been the most improved unit on the team. However, they ran numerous sloppy routes today and dropped way too many on-target passes. Paul Harris, Jacob Carter (ankle), and Vincent Dallas were held out of practice. Their absence left an already young unit without many options. Tennessee can’t afford injuries at any position this year, but the receivers will have to stay especially healthy for the Vols’ season to go well. We’ll closely watch incoming freshmen Ryan Jenkins and Marquez North when they arrive on campus this summer.

4. Tennessee doesn’t have a punt returner. “I’m very concerned about who are punt returners are. I think that’s the hardest skill in sports, in football. You have to catch the punt and you have 10 guys running down the field trying to tackle you. We’re looking for the individual who can get 10 yards and also secure the football,” Jones said. “Thank God we don’t have to play a game tomorrow.”

He singled out Jacob Carter as the most consistent performer, but he didn’t practice today. Devrin Young, Riyahd Jones (also out today), Pig Howard and Marlin Lane have returned punts this spring, but none of them have been terribly consistent.

5. Jones employed the use of distracting noises in an effort to increase his team’s mental toughness. About halfway through practice the unmistakeable sound of a crying baby starting pumping through the loud speakers (emphasis on loud). That was followed with sirens, jet engines, and buzzing. Jones emphasizes mental toughness and the ability to communicate nonverbally. The use of annoying noises is one of his trademark ways to condition his team to hostile environments and will be making an even louder return Thursday.

“Playing in the SEC and having to play at Oregon, some people describe it as the loudest venue in all of college football. You have to learn how to sort those distractions out. You have to focus on your communicative skills, your nonverbal communicative skills, and your command presence. We will continue to grow as spring ball progresses in using that,” said Jones.

Croom is standing out at receiver.
Photo by Reed Carringer

6. Jason Croom is quickly becoming the most consistent playmaker at receiver. About a week ago the offense started clicking for Croom and since then he’s been a totally different player. At the beginning of the year he was mistiming jumps and frequently dropping passes; now, he’s playing much more fluid. He was open in the endzone in one team drill but Worley underthrew him. Later in practice, Worley hit him just across the goalline for a touchdown. On that play, Croom used his size and physicality to overpower a Vol defensive back and used his frame to go up and grab the ball. That’s becoming a regular sight in practice and Croom, who’s just a redshirt freshman, is headed for a solid career.

7. Tennessee’s defensive line is improving. Tennessee finished at the bottom of the SEC in sacks last season (with 17), and part of that was due to the inability of the Vol defensive front to collapse the pocket. Even with Mo Couch out, the line is doing a much better job of collapsing the pocket (even without blitzing) and putting pressure on the young Vol QBs. Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek preaches pressuring the quarterback without blitzing (if possible), so the line’s development will be vital to the defense’s success this season.

Injury Report: Tight end Justin Meredith, linebacker Curt Maggitt, safety Jalen-Reeves Maybin, receiver Jacob Carter, defensive tackle Mo Couch, offensive tackle Tiny Richardson, cornerback Riyahd Jones, receiver Vincent Dallas, safety Geraldo Orta, and receiver Paul Harris were limited to non-contact work. Jones, Dallas, Harris, and Carter should be a making a return to contact drills soon. At this point, everyone on the injury report is expected to make a full recovery in time for summer camp, with the exception of Curt Maggitt who still has some work to do before his knee is ready for contact.