By SCOTT FELTS
College football programs are knee deep in spring practices and in Knoxville, the Vols have wrapped up a couple of scrimmages on their way to the Orange and White Game at 2 p.m. this Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Quarterback has been a major focus this spring with the team having its most open competition at that position in more than 20 years. It took a scrimmage and a half, but George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon finally started to put things together and move the ball in the second half of the second scrimmage, which was held April 2. Vols coach Josh Heupel was pleased with both quarterbacks’ decision making and the way they took care of the football, but was quick to point out they both have things they need to do to continue to grow.
The Vols also worked crowd noise into the second scrimmage. The QBs performed well operationally in those scenarios and the offensive line did well with silent counts.
So far this spring, the defense has been ahead of the offense, even with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and several new players and defensive assistant coaches. I believe bringing both coaches and players that have worked with Knowles before has helped the defense be a step ahead where most would be with the number of changes that have gone on since last season. Heupel called the defense “assignment sound” coming out of the first spring scrimmage, which was held March 26.
Knowles and Heupel especially like what they have now on the back end of the secondary. There are a lot of bodies there and the competition is strong. The defensive pass rush has been a point of emphasis and shown some good flashes especially from redshirt sophomore Xavier Gilliam who has been using his hands well and may be the star of spring practice. Junior DB Edrees Farooq put together two good scrimmages with interceptions in both scrimmages including a pick six off of Faizon Brandon.
A few other standouts and question marks through the scrimmages:
- Newcomer DT Chaz Coleman hasn’t lost a rep all spring but he needs to harness his work ethic and be consistent. He has a chance to be a leader on the defense. It will be interesting to see if he buys into Rodney Garner’s system on the defense line.
- The right side of the offensive line needs to get better. No one is separating themselves at either the right guard or tackle position. Donovan Haslam, Sham Umarov, and Jesse Perry battle at the guard spot while Perry, Ory Williams and Jeremias Heard currently are competing for starting right tackle snaps. Sam Pendleton is in the center position but hasn’t been a “wow” type of guy there. If Haslam can’t win the guard spot, he could be an intriguing option at center but the team hasn’t seemed to get him much work there yet.
- Qua Moss has shown flashes at the star position. He’s had a couple nagging minor injuries so will be interesting to see how much he plays in the spring game.
- Knoxville native Deshaun Bishop is the clear lead back but expect big competition for other playing time from the rest of the RB room.
- Heupel also spoke positively of sophomore TE DaSaahn Brame.
Check back later in the week with a more in-depth spring game preview and a wrap up of spring training next week.