KNOXVILLE—The Vols practiced without pads in Neyland Stadium this morning. This was the last practice of spring before Saturday’s Orange and White Game. Here are a few notes and observations from the field and assistant coach interviews.

*Running back Marlin Lane was absent again today. He is expected to return, but it’s unlikely he’ll participate in Saturday’s scrimmage.

*Vol offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian said they have installed approximately 50% of the offense and that he’s happy with the development of the offense this spring. He also said he’s pleased with the improved leadership qualities of both Worley and Peterman and is generally comfortable with the pace at which the team is playing.

Jones instructs his team during spring practice.
Photo by Reed Carringer

*Bajakian said both quarterbacks will play with the first team Saturday and that they’ve shown the ability to learn the offense quickly.

*The Vols have struggled to find a consistent punt returner but that position performed well today. Pig Howard, Devrin Young, Vincent Dallas, Rajion Neal, and Winston Williams combined to field every punt cleanly.

*Concerning the offense, Bajakian said he wants his team to play hard, fast, and with great effort and emotion.

*Senior kicker/punter Michael Palardy appears to have a firm hold on all three kicking jobs (field goals, kickoffs, and punts). With the exception of last Saturday, his performance this spring has been excellent.

*Bajakian said he hasn’t started a true freshman quarterback during his time with Jones. However, he also said Dobbs and Ferguson have the mental and physical ability to come in and compete from day one.

*The list of injured Vols continues to be lengthy. Paul Harris, Jacob Carter, Curt Maggitt, Riyahd Jones, Justin Croom, Justin Meredith, and Jalen-Reeves Maybin were in yellow jerseys and did not practice. Jacob Carter was in a walking boot. Riyahd Jones was walking with a noticeable limp and had a brace on his left knee.

*Tennessee ran 7-on-7 drills twice. In those situations Worley worked with the first team and Peterman with the second team. Worley was 5/8 for approximately 37 yards. He had completions to Pig Howard, Cody Blanc, Vincent Dallas, Alex Ellis, and Sam Cranford. Peterman was 3/7 for close to 105 yards. The majority of those yards came on a busted coverage when walk-on receiver Spencer Mackle broke free down the seam. Drae Bowles pulled in a pass with the second team, and tight end Justin King made a beautiful one-handed catch along the sidelines and somehow managed to come down with two feet in bounds.

*Sam Cranford, Pig Howard, Cody Blanc, Vincent Dallas, Alex Ellis, and Rajion Neal worked with the first team in 7-on-7 drills. Drae Bowles, Justin King, Tom Smith, Devrin Young, and Spencer Mackle worked with the second team.

*If one thing stands out about this team it’s the energy with which the Vols practice. Jones and his staff place a huge emphasis on playing and practicing with intensity. Above all, expect to see a team that plays with passion in Saturday’s Orange and White Game.