Tennessee’s first spring football practice ended early on Thursday and Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt gave credit where he felt it was due.
“Offense sets the tempo for practice,” he said.
That says something for new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. Pruitt’s revamped staff also has a new defensive coordinator, Derrick Ansley. Yet Pruitt sees a lot of carryover and a “comfort zone” on defense.
Pruitt said linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. (knee rehab) and freshman running back Eric Gray (shoulder surgery) were out. Center Brandon Kennedy, meanwhile, was back on the field after suffering a knee injury in last season’s opener against West Virginia and undergoing surgery.
There will be 13 more practices before the Orange and White Game on April 13 at Neyland Stadium. Here are some story lines to follow:
Offensive line: The narrative continues to be dominated by who’s not lining up.
Pruitt announced earlier this week that Chris Akporoghene, one of two offensive line early enrollees, will miss the first few practices after undergoing knee surgery.
Tackle Trey Smith’s playing future continues to be in doubt because of blood clots. Since last season, Devante Brooks, Chance Hall and Tanner Anotonutti have retired with medical exemptions. And Drew Richmond is in the transfer portal.
At least such players as Ryan Johnson, Jahmir Johnson and Jerome Carvin return with starting experience.
Kennedy’s play is of paramount importance. Pruitt said the transfer from Alabama has been cleared but that his condition will be monitored during the spring.
Quarterback: The most important position always is compelling, even if the drama is minimal.
Redshirt junior Jarrett Guarantano is established as a starter. He improved his completion percentage to 62.2 percent last season while throwing for 1,907 yards and 12 touchdowns. He set a school record by throwing 166 consecutive passes without an interception.
Chaney will be Guarantano’s fourth offensive coordinator at UT but likely the best he’s had so far.
To date, Guarantano’s most noteworthy trait is his toughness. He took a terrible beating last season and likely will be subjected to more punishment until the offensive line improves.
Defensive line: This group will be dependent on the coaching acumen of Pruitt and his staff. It might need another recruiting cycle or two to meet SEC standards as well.
“There’s not many guys who have played a lot of ball,” Pruitt said. “I think as a group the guys have worked hard in the offseason.”
Emmitt Gooden is the only returnee with more than 13 tackles.
John Mincey, a top signee in 2018, played in five games last season before suffering an elbow injury. It would help greatly if he snagged a starting spot.
It also would help if Michigan transfer Aubrey Solomon was granted a waiver by the NCAA to be eligible immediately. He has said that he intended to apply.
What’s new: Spring is a time for first blooms and 10 signees have enrolled early. Pruitt said the newcomers have adjusted well.
“I think they’ve been prepared academically and athletically,” Pruitt said.
Freshman Quavaris Crouch previews as an early contributor. He’s starting at inside linebacker to shore up depth at the position. But he also has potential at running back.
Position changes and experimentation also are rites of spring. Jeremy Banks played both running back and linebacker last season. He’s starting the spring at running back.
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Dan Fleser is a 1980 graduate of the University of Missouri who covered University of Tennessee athletics for the Knoxville News Sentinel from 1988-2019. He can be reached at danfleser3@gmail.com