The Tennessee Volunteers have some big plans for the 2016 season. However, there’s no sense in stressing too much before the season starts, and it appears the Volunteers are taking things one step at a time this offseason.

Coach Butch Jones said he’s noticed a quiet confidence in his squad this summer. Jones told GoVols247 that the team is clicking across the board:

“We’re very limited in the amount of time we’re able to spend with them over the summer months, but I’ve really liked what I’ve seen so far,” Jones said. “I’ve liked the direction from a leadership standpoint, the accountability standpoint, the work ethic standpoint. You can see a lot of different individuals making tremendous strides in the development of their bodies and their strength levels, and we’re doing well in the classroom, as well.

“I’ve liked their approach every day that they’ve come in with. They’ve had a workmanlike mentality.”

From the incoming freshmen working hard to the upperclassmen showing them the way, Jones is confident he’ll have a cohesive unit to work with when the season starts.

Of course, it’s easy to say that before the team has played a game. The Volunteers start their season on Sept. 1 against Appalachian State, but their first real test will come the following weekend (Sept. 10) at the Battle of Bristol against Virginia Tech.