Buzz Around Tennessee's Team Ahead of Spring Practice

Josh Heupel's team will take the field for the start of spring practice on Thursday. The Vols will have 15 practices before the scheduled Orange and White game on April 24th. This spring will prove pivotal for Heupel in terms of offensive and defensive installs, but it will also be his first real look at what his players can do. VR2 on SI takes a look at some of the buzz around the team before they take to the field.

Recent shutdown

Tennessee has dealt with COVID-19 as much as anyone, and it forced the Vols to pause their activity last week. Personnel should start coming back into the building today. Tennessee's staff and medical staff met with players and parents virtually to discuss the vaccine, which the Vols will take in the coming weeks. There is no timeline in place at this point, from what we have been told, but it is progressing towards the players being able to take the one dose Johnson & Johnson shot soon.

Henry To'o To'o

The California linebacker is back in Knoxville, according to multiple sources. To'o To'o was hot, cold, then hot with the possibility of returning to Knoxville. He weighed out multiple options, but last week around Thursday, there started to be a lot more smoke about him returning than at any point since he returned to California. He reached out to several teammates, and they, of course, wanted him back. He will have to hit the ground running as everything will be new to him, and Spring practice is ready to start rolling. Either way, getting To'o To'o back is huge for the Vols for now if everything works out. Since arriving back in Knoxville over the weekend, there have been mixed signals from To’o To’o over the last 24 hours. His name does remain in the transfer portal as of late Monday night. We will see what comes of this as Tennessee has pushed spring practice back three days. There is nothing new to report on Quavaris Crouch at this time.

Omari Thomas

In talking with several people close to the situation, expect Omari Thomas to be a hot topic this spring. One source indicated he was the most naturally gifted defensive lineman on the team last season, but he could not get enough game plan reps to make a serious push to play upfront because of COVID and contact tracing. He should really benefit from developing under Rodney Garner, who recruited him during his time at Auburn.

Players Not Present

Tennessee suspended three players for their involvement in a Stokely Hall incident. Aaron Willis, Martavius French, and Isaac Washington were all suspended indefinitely pending more investigation into the incident. From all accounts, they are not expected to be there for the start of spring. It will not be a shock if there is one more newcomer not present after talking with multiple sources, but there is nothing concrete on that front. Shawn Shamburger could never get on track last season, and after talking with multiple people, it does not sound like he will be ready to go for spring, as he has not been around the team much at this point. Ramel Keyton opted out for part of the season, but he is back with the team and will be a full go moving forward, according to one source close to the situation.

Different Culture

Numerous sources at this point have only confirmed the "tremendous buy-in" Josh Heupel said he has seen from his team this off-season. Guys love the culture he is building, which should allow Tennessee to hit the ground running tomorrow for the first practice. Newcomers like Tiyon Evans and Walker Merrill have already turned heads with their work ethic. Tyler Baron has emerged as a vocal leader for the Vols, and we are expecting a big spring from him. With an abundance of opportunities, one common theme is competition, obviously, but it is something the returning players are embracing, as many did not get a chance to do so last fall.

QB Competition

This is likely not going to be decided until closer to week one for Josh Heupel, but we wanted to pass along what we have heard. Hendon Hooker and Harrison Bailey have both been putting in extra work and will look to make their mark on the position this spring. One source has indicated Bailey can thrive in this offense as it will look to get the ball out of his hands quickly and utilize his accuracy. It is important to remember that he complete Hooker's mobility adds a new dynamic to the room and will make him a valuable asset to Tennessee in the red area and short-yardage situations. Grasping the install quickly will be key. Nowhere close to a prediction at this time, but this battle should be fun to watch unfold.