Since Jeremy Pruitt’s arrival on Rocky Top, Tennessee has been very open to cross-training its players during camp.

Now, more than ever, that’s going to be important in Knoxville as there’s simply no telling which players are going to be available week in and week out due to COVID testing and contact tracing.

One player that could see action all over the field for Tennessee this fall is true freshman, Dee Beckwith. Signed as an athlete in the 2020 recruiting cycle, the Florence, Ala., native has proven to be just that during his first camp with the Vols.

After spending time at both receiver and tight end early in camp, Tennessee running backs coach Jay Graham discussed getting to work with Beckwith with along with the Vols’ running backs in recent practices.

“Dee has done a really good job,” Graham said on Wednesday. “The first thing is in high school, he did some wildcat and things like that, so he had an understanding of it… when he first moved over, it hadn’t been long but I tried to stick with what he does naturally and kinda adjust from there.

“I think he’s done well with it. There’s been some time you’ve had to get him in position a little bit, I’ve had to yell some things at him – just as far as technique and what to do. He’s done a really good job so far here.”

Those comments echo similar ones made by Tee Martin during Tennessee’s camp.

Here is what the Volunteer receiver coach had to say when asked about Beckwith a few weeks ago working with his receivers and the team’s tight ends.

“He’s fast, he’s big, he’s physical, a young man who the nuances of the game and the feel from when he’s outside versus when he’s inside where he’s in the core, possibly putting his hands down, maybe,” Martin said of Beckwith.

“We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to actually progress him that far at that position yet, but he has the skill set, he has the want-to. He’s a young man that’s always around asking questions, always trying to watch extra film and improve himself, and that’s what you want from a young guy. Just needs a lot of reps.”

Now it makes sense why Beckwith was listed as an athlete coming out of high school.

Photo credit: Tennessee Athletic Communications