WATCH: Tennessee returns to practice field on Wednesday
On the warmest day of spring practice to date, Tennessee was back under the sunshine Wednesday morning.
Leading the way during the running back drills is sophomore Dylan Sampson who says they are a deeper unit compared to one year ago.
“I believe this is a good thing for our running back room,” Sampson said, speaking on the depth of the tailbacks. “You don’t ever want to be short or limited on running backs. We got a healthy running back room coming into the fall and it’s going to be really dangerous. We all compliment and help each other.”
Blocking for Sampson and the backs is an offensive line trying to find their footing after some key losses to graduation. One of the players trying to take advantage is Ollie Lane.
“I definitely believe so,” Lane said. “Every year I’ve been here, I’ve come out with the mindset that there is an opportunity for me to take that starting job. Especially losing Jerome Carvin this season, I think it’s a big opportunity for me to step up in there. I’ve learned behind a lot of great offensive linemen in my five years, going on my sixth year being here. So, I’ve been able to carry over a lot of stuff. I think this year is a big year for me, especially this spring, to be able to start putting everything together, kind of step out as that leader and being able to take that position and solidify it.”
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Working the slot position during routes on air were talented wideouts Squirrel White and Dont’e Thornton who could play at the same time.
“Absolutely, you can get both of those guys at the same time,” Kelsey Pope said. “I think another thing that you have to be conscious of is having guys being able to play multiple spots because you want your best players on the field. Whether it is those two are in that group or whoever, you have to have some guys play multiple spots. It allows you to do that.”
Both Uber talented but also very different.
“Body type for one,” Pope said. “Donte’ is 6’5, 205-210 (pounds). Squirrel is 5’8, he is around 170 now. Both of those guys have the ability to run. Squirrel is more of a vertical guy. Donte’ can run, he adds a little bit more lateral, little bit more on the line of scrimmage. Both of those guys have a unique skillset that we are going to have to take advantage of this year and it will help us win.”
To see the highlights from the open media portion of practice, click the video below.
