UPDATED
For the first time all year, we were able to see the Vols practice over the course of an entire two hours. A lot was learned. Here are a few observations from the Fan Day open practice at Neyland Stadium:
-Alontae Taylor is good at football. For the spring, the question was will he play on offense or defense? Now, the question is, will he start at cornerback? The freshman had two interceptions during team drills and continues to impress. It'll be hard to keep him off the field.
-The veteran defensive line has looked impressive. Strong, explosive, physical. One player in particular who is rounding into shape nicely is Shy Tuttle. Tuttle has spent so much time injured, it's easy to forget just how talented he is. He can provide a huge presence in the middle of the defense if he can stay on the field.
-Jarrett Guarantano is looking good, against the air, but still good. There were a few big plays in drills that had the crowd of fans cheering. He continues to have a presence about him as well, you feel as if he is in charge when watching the team operate with him under center or in shotgun.
-JUCO tight end Dominik Wood-Anderson is a newcomer. He wasn't here in the spring, but he's definitely making his presence known. He made several plays in the passing game during team drills. The crowd cheered, you turn to look, and No. 18 would be on the ground with the ball in his hands.
Tennessee is off tomorrow, they will not practice, but will pick things back up on Tuesday with practice No. 4 of fall camp. We won't hear from head coach Jeremy Pruitt until Wednesday after practice.
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Fans lined up hours before the gates opened to Neyland Stadium for a chance to watch the Vols play and get autographs from the players and coaches.
Gates open at 1:30 p.m. and the open practice is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.
But before all the action, Tennessee posed for a team photo.
Select players and head coach Jeremy Pruitt were available as well to speak with the media. You can check out their full interviews here:
Jeremy Pruitt
Drew Richmond
Paul Bain
Quart'e Sapp
Shy Tuttle
Austin Pope
