Skip to main content

Notes From Tennessee's Saturday Scrimmage in Neyland Stadium, Week 4 Recap

Please sign in or register to see the full article. It is free. Just use your email. 

Tennessee was back in Neyland Stadium on Saturday for more scrimmage, situational work. The Vols spent time in a similar setting on Wednesday, and Jeremy Pruitt was not pleased with the performance, as he described it as "pretty sloppy."

Pruitt's team is still hampered with absences related to COVID-19 contact tracing, but more players return to the practice field, allowing the Vols to compete in the scrimmage-setting more, as they get ready for South Carolina.

Everyone wants to know about the quarterback situation, and rightfully so. From what we have gathered, Jarrett Guarantano continued to receive the majority of the first-team reps. Guarantano has looked much improved throughout the pre-season, but during the last two scrimmages, has flashed some periods of inconsistency, before finishing strong down the stretch.

JT Shrout has continued to come on strong, and it appears he is trying to put a stronghold on the number two spot on the depth chart for Tennessee. A ‘comfort level’ in the offense has allowed him to flash his natural arm talent, and he continues to take strides mentally. He had another solid outing last night from what we are told, as he will attempt to hold off Harrison Bailey and Brian Maurer with a few practices remaining before South Carolina. Shrout continues to split reps with Bailey, but given the limited number of opportunities for Bailey, so far, it appears Shrout could be the second guy in Week 1.

Tennessee has had to use walk-ons and experimental options at running back during the week, and they continued that trend on Saturday. Tennessee continues to work different options here, as it is a spot that could easily be decimated with contact tracing. Ty Chandler continues to flash his speed and ability more consistently from what we are told. Tennessee should get more depth back here this week

Dee Beckwith is a guy that has been moved all over for Tennessee. Finding his niche is taking some time, but the Vols can experiment with him plenty as he will not lose any eligibility. He is an explosive athlete by all accounts.

We've talked about Key Lawrence on multiple occasions, and he continues to impress. He may not start Week 1, but he is a utility guy, who can and likely will play multiple positions for the Vols. As he has worked multiple spots in the secondary so far. Not a lot of talk about the cornerbacks from last night. Alontae Taylor has had his hand's full holding off Kenneth George so far.

The offensive line is continuing to give the defensive line a fit, as one might expect. It is tough to judge if there is a cause for concern with the DL, or if the OL is just progressing as expecting.

Everything we have gathered suggests that Tennessee's WR group had another solid outing. Malachi Wideman received plenty of praise. Jalin Hyatt was limited, but it is no cause for concern, as he continues to thrive in Jim Chaney's offensive, and he appears poised to make a run at a starting spot for Week 1.

Jahmir Johnson has been a pleasant surprise for Tennessee, as he has continued to make strides at the left tackle position. Will he be there Week 1? He has certainly made a case for it, but only time will tell. Tennessee continues to have the luxury of rotating guys all over the offensive front. We continue to hear great things about Jerome Carvin.

This article will continue to be updated, as more information becomes available.