Tennessee was back out on the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for their trip to Columbia, Missouri on Saturday. As has been the case for what feels like an eternity, all eyes were on the quarterbacks during the media-viewing portion of practice.
Jarrett Guarantano had his famous white Michael Jackson glove on his left hand while he continues to work through the post-surgery pain to repair his broken left wrist. Guarantano and freshman Brian Maurer were the first two quarterbacks in line during routes-versus-air. Guarantano also took the first rep in 11-on-11 as the media was leaving practice.
Jeremy Pruitt mentioned during the SEC teleconference early on Wednesday that he knew who the starting quarterback was going to be, but he added that he’ll wait until Saturday evening before game time to announce it.
Along the offensive line, the first team rotation from left to right consisted of Wanya Morris, Trey Smith, Brandon Kennedy, Jerome Carvin, and K’Rojhn Calbert. The second team O-line was Jahmir Johnson, Riley Locklear, Chris Akporoghene, and Darnell Wright. Johnson also rotated in with the ones next to Smith.
While the offensive line worked on tandem blocks, and before working with the offensive line in run blocking drills, the tight ends caught passes from position coach Brian Niedermeyer. The rotation consisted of Dominick Wood-Anderson, Austin Pope, Jacob Warren, Princeton Fant, and then Andrew Craig. Fant was back with the tight ends after spending much of the last month with the wide receivers.
Defensively, Bryce Thompson (knee) was practicing with a big brace. Henry To’o To’o was also dressed out with a big wrap around his knee.
Quavaris Crouch spent some time working with the inside linebackers considering the circumstances with To’o To’o. John Mincey, LaTrell Bumphus, and Darel Middleton were working with the outside linebackers.
Former Tennessee fullback Kevin Cooper, the older brother of Auburn defensive line commit Jay Hardy, was in attendance for practice.
Pruitt is scheduled to meet with the media following practice.
