Tennessee hit the practice field on Wednesday afternoon final time open portion of practice before Saturday’s game against the No. 9 Florida Gators.
Sophomore corner Bryce Thompson was once again in attendance as he has been since last Wednesday. Derrick Ansley and Jeremy Pruitt led the defense through seven-on-seven drills against the scout team offense to close out the open portion of practice. With Alontae Taylor and Warren Burrell on one side of the field, Thompson was on the other side with Kenneth George Jr. at the main cornerback spots. The entire secondary went through the drill at the same time from their respective positions.
At linebacker, Henry To’o To’o and Daniel Bituli continue to work as the first team inside linebackers. Will Ignont and Jeremy Banks come in behind those two in the drills.
Up front along the defensive line, Greg Emerson and Aubrey Solomon were two of the first team defensive linemen on Wednesday while Matthew Butler and Greg Emerson worked behind them. Savion Williams and Ja’Quain Blakely were the third duo through drills.
Offensively, it was the usual. Brian Maurer and JT Shrout worked two at a time behind Jarrett Guarantano at quarterback. Tim Jordan worked as the second team back behind Ty Chandler while Eric Gray worked third. The quarterbacks and running backs worked on quick throws out of the backfield.
Up front, it was the same combination that it has been since Saturday’s game against Tennessee-Chattanooga. Jim Chaney and Will Friend worked the offensive line through short-yardage situations, stressing the importance of getting a push.
Wanya Morris worked at left tackle, Trey Smith worked at left guard, Brandon Kennedy worked at center, Darnell Wright worked at right guard, and K’Rojhn Calbert worked at right tackle. That’s the same starting five the Vols trotted out against UTC this past weekend. Jahmir Johnson saw reps at left tackle as well.
