Today the media got to watch periods three and four of Wednesday’s practice. The defense was practicing outside and the offense was inside the indoor practice facility. The team was in practicing in shells and were going full speed.
Watch a fullscreen slideshow (opens in new tab) HERE.
These photos can be viewed, downloaded HERE.
Here are some notes from practice:
Offense:
- Senior offensive lineman Solomon Kindley (66) was missing in action again today. He was not seen during Tuesday’s media viewing period either. Kindley sustained a lower-leg injury during the first half of the Notre Dame game this past Saturday and was unable to return.
- The tight ends and offensive line were working together.
- Tight ends coach Todd Hartley had a tight end line up with a tackle, and an opposing offensive lineman lined up at defensive end. Another tight end acted as a a defensive back.
- When the whistle was blown, the tight end and offensive lineman were working on combo-blocking the defensive end, and then the tight end peeled off to block the defensive back.
- Harley was impressed with the combination of Andrew Thomas (71) and Eli Wolf (17).
- The quarterbacks were throwing to receivers on the other side of the field. Nathan Priestley was wearing No. 2 today and was acting as the scout team quarterback. Tennessee’s starting quarterback Jared Guarantano wears that number for the Volunteers.
- Jake Fromm (11) hit Lawrence Cager (15) on a great throw heading towards the sideline. Cager then missed the next pass. He bobbled the ball but couldn’t come up with the catch.
- George Pickens (11) made an athletic grab and had one foot in bounds on a pass from Stetson Bennett IV (13). It was on a comeback route, and Pickens extended his body while stretching his arms to make the grab.
- Wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton told Pickens he needs to tuck the ball in after he makes the catch. “It’ll be easy for a guy to knock that out! Come on, use your head next time”
Defense:
- During tackling drills, freshman inside linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) absolutely destroyed the guy going against him taking him to the ground.
- Defensive Coordinator Dan Lanning was yelling at Jermaine Johnson (11) for not giving enough effort. On the next rep Johnson improved his stance and looked like he gave more effort than before.
- Coach Lanning then shouted at the whole defense: “I want to hear a pop. We are getting better this week.”
- Tyrique Stevenson (7) left practice shortly, but then returned to drills a few minutes later.
- There were still no signs of cornerbacks Tyson Campbell (3) or Eric Stokes (27). Campbell sustained a lower-leg injury in the Arkansas State game on September 14th and Stokes was injured (knee) in the first quarter of the Notre Dame game.