The Vol’s first game of the 2022 season will be here in 31 days. It’s almost “Football Time in Tennessee”, but we still have a little bit to go. Luckily, we don’t have to wait that long to know what’s going on during Tennessee practice.
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren of the Tennessee Volunteers tells Off the Hook Sports on The Vol Report what the first day of practice looked like for the Vols. Many Tennessee fans have expressed their anxiety over the defensive side of the ball, but Warren hints that the Vols are headed in the right direction:
“It’s weird; sometimes you get a first day where one side comes out and is kind of sluggish, kind of slow, just can’t quite get the hang of things, but both sides were really good. It was a really competitive day.”
‘They did well today; we did well today. As a team, I think it was a good first day for sure.”
Like with anything else, getting back into the groove of things after time off can be an adjustment. But Jacob loves this time of year because he gets to do one thing: football.
There is surely an adjustment for any football player during preseason camp. Warren, however, is willing to accept what the following month will bring.
“This is your time to just be a professional football player,” he said. “This is what they do in the league.”
“Eat, sleep, breathe, live football for a month.”
More than a receiver
Being a tight end means that Warren is part offensive lineman and part receiver. The offensive lineman aspect of his play seems to be reaching a higher level. Warren said he and Tennessee defensive end/linebacker Tyler Baron have a habit of engaging during practice, which often leads to a stalemate. That’s a win for Warren.
“Tyler Baron is a big guy,” Warren said. “He’s about my size, so it’s always interesting to see. He also has a quick first step. He’s strong. He’s explosive. He plays with his hips well. He has a quick first step.”
That often leads to the aforementioned stalemate. That battle will be intriguing to watch as camp rolls on.
Off and running
Dylan Sampson made an early impression in the Vols’ first practice on Monday.
“He broke a couple of runs today and really looked good,” Warren said. “I was happy because I know he’s a great athlete. I know he’s a great player, but it’s kind of cool to see (him doing it in practice). I’ve seen his speed in pre-camp workouts and I’ve seen his footwork, but it’s just been cool to see that kind of stuff come together. Really hopeful for him and hope that he can make an impact on that group.”
The Vols could use the help. Depth is already an issue after Len’Meth Whitehead was ruled out for the season due to an unspecified, upper-body injury.
