Some notes and observations as the Vols took the practice field Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the Battle at Bristol.
#DobbsWatch: There have been plenty of questions and rumors about Joshua Dobbs since he took the hard hit to his midsection at the end of the Appalachian State game on Thursday.
Both Dobbs and Butch Jones did their best to silence any of that on Monday during their press conference. Dobbs said he was fine and Jones said people needed to “check their sources.” I don’t have too much to add to that outside of he looked fine as far as I could tell in the few periods open to the media on Tuesday.
He ran around well, took snaps, pitched the ball and did some throwing on air – all pretty standard stuff for a regular-season practice. Video wasn’t allowed during the periods where he threw, but here’s a quick look at him working on the pitch drill.
Josh Dobbs looking good on the flip. That's all you get in terms of video of him today. pic.twitter.com/MtH3bzJ1nh
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 6, 2016
I wouldn’t be surprised if, just because of the nature of the hit, Dobbs is feeling a bit sore, but there’s simply been no indication that he won’t be full go on Saturday in Bristol.
Other injury notes: As Jones confirmed earlier in the week, tight end Jason Croom, who missed the opener against Appalachian State, was on the practice field going through drills on Tuesday. Jalen Hurd, Austin Smith, Jauan Jennings, Preston Williams and Josh Smith were all in green, non-contact uniforms.
Jason Croom getting some work in today pic.twitter.com/YxqoEW8Mc3
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 6, 2016
Jones said on Monday that he anticipates everybody being able to play at Bristol after the team came out of the opener relatively healthy.
O-line notes: There were a lot of eyes on the offensive line as well after that unit underperformed against the Mountaineers. As per usual, Don Mahoney and Mike DeBord worked with that unit, putting them through several drills focusing on steps, hand placement and driving their feet.
Jones has not confirmed any lineup changes for that group, but did say there will be ongoing competition at that spot. Jack Jones will continue to be a name to watch. The Vols could turn to the sophomore who started one game and played in nine last season if the play of the interior does not include. Jones could play center, or move Dylan Wieman to center and then play guard.
