Tennessee’s defense set the tone early and often as the Vols hit the field at Neyland Stadium for their second scrimmage of spring camp.
“Defensively, I thought they started extremely fast and violent and destructive, got off the field on third downs and did a great job offensively and settled in on the second half of the scrimmage,” UT head coach Josh Heupel said.
Two positions have been a concern through camp. First, the Vols have to replace their entire starting secondary from last season and about eight contributing defensive backs in all. Second, the Vols recently found themselves rather thin in the offensive backfield when Cameron Seldon went down with a shoulder injury. This was supposed to be a key set of practices for the highly regarded sophomore running back.
“The running backs tonight,” Heupel said. “ I thought DeSean Bishop ran extremely well tonight,” Heupel said. “Without watching the film, I’d say probably his best football that he’s played this spring. He’s a guy coming back off of an injury that is getting more comfortable as he’s gone through this spring.
When asked about Tennessee’s secondary, which has been led by safeties Andre Turrentine, Jourdan Thomas and Will Brooks, as well as cornerbacks Jermod McCoy, Rickey Gibson III and Jalen McMurray.
“Will Brooks had a really good night tonight,” Heupel said. “(Andre Turrentine) has been really consistent throughout the course of spring ball. Jermod McCoy continues to play at a really high level. Those are a few of the guys that have been consistent, but also showed up tonight for us.”
Two positions of concern. Two positions that seem to have been addressed, for spring practice at least.
