5 defensive linemen among 11 Vols to miss spring practice
Tennessee opened its spring practice festivities on Monday with a joint press conference featuring head coach Butch Jones, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.
One of the biggest takeaways was just how thin the Vols will be on the defensive line during workouts as five players recover from injuries:
Butch: 11 #Vols — and 5 DL — are out this spring with injuries. Derek Barnett, Shy Tuttle, Kendal Vickers, Andrew Butcher, Kyle Phillips.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) March 7, 2016
Tennessee will be down six defensive linemen this spring if you include the suspension of Alexis Johnson.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
11 players out for the spring: Barnett, Tuttle, Vickers, Phillips, Butcher, Robertson, Hall, Evan Berry, Malone, Stocstill and Joe Young.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
Here are some of the other highlights from Monday’s press conference:
Butch opens up congratulating Peyton Manning on his retirement. "He is truly a legend."
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
"In the last 18 games we're 13-5. Five losses by a combined 25 points… The hardest 25 points to score." Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) March 7, 2016
The new mantra: "Searching for those 25 points" that were the difference in the five losses in Vols' last 18 games. Get used to hearing it.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
Position changes: Austin Smith from LB to DE, Micah Abernathy from CB to S, Jason Croom from WR to TE. So no new ones.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
Butch says they won't look at Jauan Jennings at safety, "right now." Want him to concentrate on receiver. Gaulden to work at safety.
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) March 7, 2016
Shoop: "You always try to put as much speed on the field as you can. … I'm really excited to see Darrell Taylor and Austin Smith."
— Dustin Dopirak (@TennesseeBeat) March 7, 2016
"Our players have been very focused and very driven. We've had the best offseason." Butch on focus despite lawsuit.
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) March 7, 2016
#Vols OC Mike DeBord: DeBord: We've got to improve our passing game in every aspect, starting with the pass protection.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) March 7, 2016
Butch asked about Drae Bowles allegations. Says he stands by the statement he released two weeks ago and now wants to talk only footbaw.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) March 7, 2016
Butch on JRM, Kamara & Co participating in Saturday's protest: "They're just more than football players. They're students. I respect that."
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) March 7, 2016
