Open Scrimmage Observations

The quarterbacks didn't have a great night. Nathan Peterman had the best night of the bunch, in my opinion, but no one really stood out. The only turnover on the night came when Rashaan Gaulden picked off Justin Worley, but there were a lot of throws missed by all three guys. Justin Worley under threw his targets a few times, which has been commonplace over the past few weeks, while Josh Dobbs continued to struggle with some overthrows. As we get closer and closer to Utah State week, it looks more and more likely than Peterman will be the second team quarterback, though nothing is official. Worley's decision making does look to be improved, as there weren't any throws he made on Saturday that left you scratching your head. Avoiding those type mistakes will be crucial.

There is reason to worried about the kicking game. George Bullock, who will likely be the Vols' starter at the position, was inconsistent but does look to be improved since we saw him last fall camp and spring. Aaron Medley has the stronger leg of the two but missed a few kicks very badly on Saturday night and is behind Bullock in the competition, according to Butch Jones. Jones said following the practice that both Bullock and Medley have strong enough leg that's it's not a concern. But the accuracy must improve. It is an aspect of the game that's often overlooked, but I will be watching Bullock closely early on this season.

There is no need to worry about Josh Malone. Malone had a very solid spring and a superb spring game. He has struggled at times during camp, but he continues to impress when it counts. Malone has saved his best work for team periods throughout the fall and really looked good on Saturday night. That's not to say Malone is mailing it in during drills, but some player just play better when the lights come on. That's Malone. It's important to remember he is facing backup defensive backs, but Malone is going to be a big time player here.

Another player who looks poised for a huge freshman season is Jalen Hurd. It was hard to tell just how impressive he's been based on what you saw on Saturday night since the Vols didn't tackle to the ground, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is the game one starter at tailback. The smart money would still be on Marlin Lane getting the first carry of the season, but Hurd has eliminated any gap between the two. Hurd has done everything asked of him and more and certainly looks like the Vols' best option at the position. Assuming he can stay healthy, he could be poised for a huge season.

The offensive line is a major, major concern. The Vols are having real trouble figuring out who the tackles are going to be. Coleman Thomas, who worked with the first team at right tackle throughout spring ball and in to the early stages of camp, has been demoted to second team. Thomas is going to be a nice player here, I don't think there's any doubt about that, but his inability to lock down the job weakens the unit heading in to the season. Kyler Kerbyson, who was ticketed to be the starting right guard, is sliding outside to right tackle. Meanwhile, true freshman Jashon Robertson, who was working at defensive tackle just two weeks ago, appears to be poised to start at right guard. Left tackle could be an even bigger concern. Former walk on Jacob Gilliam continues to get most of the first team reps, although Dontavius Blair did get some work there on Saturday morning. Blair was treated for an undisclosed injury during Saturday's open practice and didn't go through the team periods. At this point it appears as though the Vols will start a former walk-on, a converted guard, and a true freshman who is new to the position at this level in 13 days against Utah State.

Projected Depth Chart




Follow me on twitter @C_Lundy1. I would be honored to have you!

How about my Braves? Sweep best team in baseball!

Christian

'A fun and eventful weekend of Knoxville sports is over and focus is now directly on the countdown to UT's opener. We'll soon see how far Butch Jones has brought the program in year two.

1. Kudos to the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball. Their doubleheader at World's Fair Park on Saturday was a unique and enjoyable event.

2. 40,000 people showed up to watch a team that has had one winning season since 2008 practice. That is loyalty defined.

3. The perimeter athleticism on UT's roster is obviously much improved. That should prevent debacles like Auburn last season from continuing to occur.

4. The lines still look shaky to me. I just don't see the combination of size and quickness that UT's quality teams have possessed across the fronts.

5. I don't think the quarterback competition is over. Justin Worley just isn't going to be able to distance himself from his backups.

6. The UT coaching staff doing the ALS Ice Bucket was entertaining. Butch Jones challenging Jon Gruden was fantastic theater.

7. I'm becoming certain I underestimated Anthony Davis. He's looking far better than the Marcus Camby clone I figured he'd become.

8. Jimmy Graham will do his image serious damage if he keeps intentionally drawing penalties with his goalpost dunks. At some point, you have to let it go and be more concerned about your team than making a statement.

9. The AL West race should be fascinating down the stretch.
Everyone thought Oakland's trades had put that one away early.

PS: Summer Slam was most satisfying last night. Best non Mania pay per view in a long time served up by WWE. Loved the Cena squash match at the end where Brock Lesner ate him for lunch.



Thanks for reading

Keith'

'Yo Tony,

In the AP Pre-Season Top 25, Utah State got 1 vote, Tennessee ZERO. There's motivation. On the other hand, Tennessee announced 40,000 attended the open practice Saturday night. Utah State held their Family Fun Day and drew 9,000 for the Aggie's scrimmage -- advantage Tennessee.

Did you know, Utah State will be replacing 4 offensive line starters and their QB, Chucky Keaton, has not played since last October? Even so, one ESPN writer declared Utah State a College Football Playoff Buster if they get by Tennessee.

Prediction: (barring any unforeseen significant injuries over the next two weeks) Tennessee's speed, quickness, and Neyland Stadium atmosphere WINS!

Mike
Oklahoma City'