Jeremy Pruitt issues update on Austin Pope

Jeremy Pruitt issues update on Austin Pope.

Vols’ offense will benefit when Austin Pope returns in multiple personnel groupings

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee redshirt senior tight end Austin Pope announced he underwent back surgery on July 16.

Following Tennessee’s third practice of fall training camp ahead of the 2020 season, third-year UT head coach Jeremy Pruitt issued an update on Pope.

“He’s been out there every day,” Pruitt said of Pope. “He continues to improve and if he continues to improve like he has the last five weeks, he should be ready to play for the opener.”

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end has totaled seven receptions for 85 yards in 33 games during his career at Tennessee.

Tennessee will play at South Carolina Sept. 26 to kick off the 2020 campaign.