Tennessee took the field Tuesday for their first practice after spring break.  Seven sessions of individual drills were open for media viewing. Here are a few notes from the practice field.

Notes

*Butch Jones started practice with his “Tennessee Tough” drill. Linemen Kyler Kerbyson and LaTroy Lewis battled to a draw. Marcus Jackson and Jordan Williams faced off—Jones called Williams “my favorite player.” Jakob Johnson and Kenny Bynum, who are battling it out for the No. 2 linebacker spot, faced each other—neither emerged victorious.

*Tennessee should have significantly more speed on kick coverage this year. Speedsters Emmanuel Moseley and D’Andre Payne worked with what looked like the No. 1 kick coverage team. Cam Sutton, Malik Foreman, Geraldo Orta, Lemond Johnson, A.J. Johnson, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Devaun Swafford saw time with the presumed first team as well.

*LaVon Pearson got knocked off his feet a little during an individual drill when a managed struck him fairly hard with a blocking pad. Pearson let out a little chuckle and said, “That’s messed up.” He’s obviously got to get a little stronger before SEC ball starts.

*The coaching staff continues to work intently on getting Jalen Hurd to lower his pads. He’s been better in that regard but still has a ways to go. Hurd is adjusting well to the pace of college practice, as is Josh Malone. Both were more fluid today than they were before spring break.

*The quarterbacks continued to split reps evenly for the open portions of practice.

Quotes

Jones to LaVon Pearson, “Get your head around. You’re thinking too much.”

Jones to Jalen Hurd, “Run! Jalen! You’re too mechanical. Steal the base…Did you play baseball?”

Gillespie to Jalen Hurd, “You’re too high. Bend! Bend!”

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