Tennessee practiced for the 11th time this spring on Saturday.
Saturday’s practice took place at Neyland Stadium and was Tennessee’s second scrimmage this spring.
First-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with media following the Vols’ scrimmage. He discussed which skill players that have stepped up during Tennessee’s two spring scrimmages.
“I don’t know that it’s been the same guys,” Heupel said. “I think you see guys periodically throughout practice or throughout the scrimmage make some plays. I think at the running back position, Jabari Small has done a fantastic job. He understands how we want to play. He understands what we’re doing. He’s been good without the ball in his hands and not just with the ball in his hands at the running back position. I feel like he’s in a really good spot, and he does some really good things. Dee Beckwith has had some flashes at the running back position, as well. He’s starting to understand how to play that position. A unique guy in that he’s played multiple positions in a short amount of time coming out of high school, having played some quarterback as well. He’s grown into a guy that is understating the running back position, learning how to play with pad leverage. His size is a positive, but he’s also got to learn how to get pad under pad, and he’s starting to do that.
“The tight ends, that group have all made plays. (Austin) Pope coming back off of injury, he’s done some really good things, obviously, he’s the most mature guy in the room or has the most experience. Princeton Fant has made plays. (Jacob) Warren has made plays. That’s a group that has great depth and a lot of consistency in it. They are able to play in the box and outside. At the wide receiver position, I’ve talked about those guys before, but I like that group as far as their understanding and competitive nature. Velus Jones Jr., (Cedric) Tillman have made some plays. Jalin Hyatt has made some plays, getting back on the practice field here and done a really good job.”
Tennessee will conclude spring practices with its annual Chevrolet Orange & White Game on April 24 at Neyland Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. EDT.