KNOXVILLE—The Vols hit the field this afternoon after a day off yesterday. Today’s Vol practice report features a few quick notes, stats, and observations from the field.

Quarterbacks: Justin Worley continues to work almost exclusively with the first team. In open portions of practice, he was 4/5 through the air in team and skeleton drills. Peterman worked with the second team and was 3/4. His lone incompletion was during a two-point conversion drill when he rolled right and tried to forced the ball on a flat route; walk-on safety Max Arnold (who tallied a pick-6 in the Orange and White Game) jumped in front of the receiver and returned it for a score. Riley Ferguson got one live rep with the second team. His only attempt fell short on a Jacob Carter out route. Josh Dobbs threw during drills, but not during the open live portions of  practice. After practice, Jones singled out Riley Ferguson with some unprompted praise.

“Today we made the quarterbacks live. The individual who stepped up was Riley Ferguson. Don’t write about that. He’s not the starting quarterback. We don’t have a starting quarterback right now so don’t put words in my mouth. I thought he showed some poise. The thing I liked about him was his pocket presence. He doesn’t get rattled. He made some big throws.”

Though Ferguson garnered Jones’ praise, this job is still Worley’s to lose, but Ferguson appears poised to push Worley and Peterman for more reps as the season progresses. “We’re a long ways away from naming a starting quarterback,” Jones said after practice. Don’t rule out seeing several quarterbacks during the Austin Peay and Western Kentucky games.

Running backs: Marlin Lane looks to be 100% after working in a green jersey earlier in the week. Lane and Rajion Neal continue to split first team reps. No matter who wins the starting job, it’s clear both will receive their fair share of carries this fall.

Receivers: Jason Croom and Marquez North both recorded multiple catches during live skeleton drills (where the team works without offensive or defensive linemen). North  worked with the first team and hauled in three-consecutive passes, while Jason Croom caught two passes working with the second team. During one play, Croom broke across the middle and put a ferocious stiff arm on Curt Maggitt, who saw some of his first live action of fall camp. Maggitt pulled Croom down but not before he gained a couple extra yards.

Defensive: Byron Moore and Max Arnold worked at second team safety while Vincent Dallas continued to work with the second team at defensive back. Curt Maggitt and Christian Harris were the second team nickel linebackers this afternoon during skeleton drills. 

Injuries: Michael Palardy, Ryan Jenkins, Johnathan Johnson, Jacques Smith, and Michael Williams worked in the “Hole” designated for injured Vols during practice. Palardy did kick during punt drills and was effective. He continues to hold a sizable lead for all three kicking jobs.

Jones Quote of the Day: “Get your hands off your hips, you like you’re synchronized swimming but instead you’ve got synchronized softness.”