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Posted on 8/2/16 at 5:23 am to Serraneaux
Jiggity. Simply jiggity.
Posted on 8/2/16 at 9:40 am to KoachKletus
Posted on 8/2/16 at 6:46 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
Day 2 update from Brice
quote:
We are posting a short new front-page story, and my one-on-one Q-A with Bob Shoop also is coming tonight.
But I wanted to hop in here with some Day 2 observations.
will start with, again, this is a vastly more talented Tennessee football team. Talked with a longtime person close to the program today who said easily most talented since 2006-07, if not likely 2001, Vols' roster. We see that more and more with each day, even in just five periods.
The rookies shined big-time in early one-on-one battles, with a trio of touchdown catches. Jarrett Guarantano drove a beautiful pass into the corner of the end zone to Brandon Johnson on the very first one-on-one battle.
Jeff George and Tyler Byrd likewise had touchdown grabs from Quinten Dormady and Josh Dobbs, respectively.
Jauan Jennings adjusted well to a ball during drills for a nice catch, made more impressive with his ongoing rehab from the knee surgery. Josh Malone was praised for his strong adjustment on a sideline route as well. Preston Williams is, well, Preston Williams. When the kid is dialed in, man is he good.
The Vols' defensive line is really deep and largely healthy. Seeing Jonathan Kongbo still isn't any less impressive; I'm told he has among one of the best body-fat ratios they've seen --- especially for someone his size. His burst is real.
Loved seeing what the Vols did in kickoff return and special teams work. Why? Because it showcased their retention and investment.
Also, don't sleep on Austin Pope. The former CAK standout is already turning heads early in camp and has a tough approach the coaches are loving. Plus, Pope is up to about 238 pounds and seeking to be 240 by season.
Posted on 8/2/16 at 6:49 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
Fortenberry
quote:
I spent a lot of time watching the defensive line and the first thing that stands out is just how much the defensive ends look like an upper echelon unit.
The group that includes Derek Barnett, Kongbo, Phillips, Mixon, Lewis, Vereen, Taylor and Austin Smith just looks great. They are big and athletic and seem very hungry out there.
Kongbo takes the drills very seriously and seems to practice the way you want a newcomer to practice. Very intense for sure.
Kahlil and Quay Picou looked good. McKenzie moves a lot better this year.
Daniel Bituli, physically, looks really impressive.
Brandon Johnson and Tyler Byrd are both living up to being able to play in this receiver rotation. And Callaway looks to be coming on as well. But, I think the additions of those guys are going to pay off.
And in those one-on-ones, Guarantano made a really nice throw to Johnson. A nice back shoulder fade.
This post was edited on 8/2/16 at 6:50 pm
Posted on 8/2/16 at 7:01 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
quote:
Preston Williams again showed out early going and getting some deep throws and the timing of the passing game seems to be a bit better. I did see more overthrows than normal and that's not a bad thing when it comes to the deep throws.
On the defensive side, early on it appeared to be some maintenance work for Shy Tuttle. There's no question that they are going to be cautious and not over do it with him as he continues his rehab.
Of the young receivers, Callaway had a really good day yesterday catching the ball according to some. He has terrific hands.
quote:
Brandon Johnson made a great back shoulder catch that ended up being low. There were a few drops but nothing earth shattering with Jauan Jennings and Preston Williams doing a nice job of high-pointing the football.
Rashaan Gaulden, Micah Abernathy and Nigel Warrior, were all working the strong safety position. Tennessee appears to be in really good shape there with three very capable players.
Kendrick continues to impress through the first two days and it's apparent that Drew Richmond is going to need to bring it and win the job outright if he wants to start at left tackle.
VQ
Posted on 8/2/16 at 7:17 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
Those day 2 practice highlights though 
Honest question, when was the last time that we had a DL this talented/deep? We're going to be able to send a constantly changing barrage of elite DE's from start to finish to keep guys legs fresh. I can't even remember the last time that happened. That's sad
Picou has surprised me man. He looks like he's made some big strides with his physique. Rob Lewis is making it sound like he could be called upon more in the DT rotation than people are giving him credit for. That would be big
Honest question, when was the last time that we had a DL this talented/deep? We're going to be able to send a constantly changing barrage of elite DE's from start to finish to keep guys legs fresh. I can't even remember the last time that happened. That's sad
Picou has surprised me man. He looks like he's made some big strides with his physique. Rob Lewis is making it sound like he could be called upon more in the DT rotation than people are giving him credit for. That would be big
This post was edited on 8/2/16 at 7:26 pm
Posted on 8/2/16 at 7:35 pm to TRUERockyTop
Yeah it would be huge if Picou could crack the rotation because I'm honestly not sure Tuttle is going to make much of an impact until maybe midseason. He looks out of shape but that's to be expected when you can't run for 9 months. fricking Kublanow 
That DE rotation has me in a froth tho
That DE rotation has me in a froth tho
Posted on 8/2/16 at 7:41 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
Posted on 8/2/16 at 7:54 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
RL said that if he Picou can become your 4th-5th guy in the rotation you're doing pretty well.
Kublanow -- It was legal, but it was dirty.
Dude is a POS for that
DE's: Barnett, Vereen, Lewis, Phillips, Kongbo, Mixon, Taylor, Smith and Butcher whenever he recovers from his injury. Penn St/Shoop defense ended 2015 year with 46 sacks(3rd in the Nation). I'd be happy as hell to hit 40 (10 more than last year) in year 1 and go from there. The sky is the limit with the talent that he has now.
Kublanow -- It was legal, but it was dirty.
Dude is a POS for that DE's: Barnett, Vereen, Lewis, Phillips, Kongbo, Mixon, Taylor, Smith and Butcher whenever he recovers from his injury. Penn St/Shoop defense ended 2015 year with 46 sacks(3rd in the Nation). I'd be happy as hell to hit 40 (10 more than last year) in year 1 and go from there. The sky is the limit with the talent that he has now.
This post was edited on 8/2/16 at 7:55 pm
Posted on 8/2/16 at 8:10 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
quote:
Best hype video I've seen thus far
That video needs a disclaimer in the worst way
"The following video has been known to make viewers get extremely hype and want to knock a mf out"
Posted on 8/2/16 at 8:19 pm to TRUERockyTop
I keep forgetting about Justin Martin. Kongo looks great.
Posted on 8/2/16 at 8:25 pm to TRUERockyTop
Our DEs should be able to go all out every single play and not have much drop off when backups come in. My God.
Posted on 8/2/16 at 10:36 pm to Serraneaux
I'd love to see Barnett have a huge year and break some records. I think he needs some where between 10-12 to break or tie Reggie's all time record.
Robb Lewis
Robb Lewis
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I continue to be a big Jarrett Guarantano fan. Anxious to see him in live action. Best looking freshman QB that's been here in awhile IMO
This post was edited on 8/2/16 at 10:41 pm
Posted on 8/3/16 at 8:35 am to TRUERockyTop
Posted on 8/3/16 at 10:03 am to TheDarrell McSteal
Can it be sept. 1 already. Sheesh
Posted on 8/3/16 at 10:41 am to TheDarrell McSteal
Holy shite.
Posted on 8/3/16 at 1:43 pm to TRUERockyTop
Shoop says Barnett has volunteered to play inside some on passing downs.
That could make for some very interesting packages
That could make for some very interesting packages
Posted on 8/3/16 at 3:26 pm to TheDarrell McSteal
Weren't Bama fans saying that saying that Saban thought Kongbo was too small to play defensive end 
Posted on 8/3/16 at 3:32 pm to Vols&Shaft83
I forgot all about that. Who was the dumbass on the recruiting board that kept saying that?This post was edited on 8/3/16 at 3:37 pm
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