Josh Heupel and Tennessee continue to build depth across the roster, and the Vols are starting to see it strength at multiple positions.

“Just in pure numbers, athletic, skill sets, much deeper in particular on the defensive side of the football,” Heupel said. “It’s evident in some of the skill spots offensively, too. Those young guys that are a part of what I’m talking about still have to push and get themselves ready to go on game day. … We feel like we are a much deeper football team than we were a year ago.”

Heupel said over the course of training camp, the offense led by Hendon Hooker and Cedric Tillman has won one-on-one battles.

“I feel like they’re both playing at a really high level right now,” Heupel said.

Heupel did not have an update on Bru McCoy’s final eligibility clearance, but said the Tennessee administration has done everything they can for him. Parts of this are out of McCoy’s control, out of Heupel’s control and out of the administration’s control.

“We’ve done everything we can on our end,” he said.