Vols T logoKNOXVILLE - The program's unofficial deejay, Sterling Henton, had the music blaring, and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez was sporting one of those visors with the fake hair coming out of the top.
Tennessee's first bowl practice, indoors at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex on a rainy Saturday morning in Knoxville, was equal parts relaxed and energetic.
It was bound to be, given it was the first postseason practice for the Volunteers since 2010.
"When you're able to come out here and get more practice and more reps, you're able to improve offensively, defensively and on special teams," quarterback Josh Dobbs said after practice. "We'll definitely take advantage of these 15 practices and get ready for the bowl game. There was a lot of (energy).
"I know the guys were ready. We felt caged up with just being able to come in and lift and going to study (for final exams). The guys were ready to get rid of some energy and come out and practice and get back to football."
With their destination and opponent both revealed later today, it was almost like a spring practice for the Vols, who broke from their stretching period into some one-on-ones between receivers and defensive backs and offensive and defensive linemen before splitting into individual drill periods.
The Vols will practice today and gather to see where they end up and whom they'll face later this month.
"I'm just excited to be playing in the postseason," second-year coach Butch Jones said. "I think our fans feel the same way. Dave (Hart's) been great. We've been in constant contact and dialogue regarding that and that (bowl selection) process. You put your (top-three) list together, but at the end of the day it comes down to the SEC and where they place us."
Jones led his teams to bowl games five of his six years before arriving at Tennessee two years ago today, but the postseason will be a new experience for nearly his entire roster.
He said he's received "a lot of questions" from his "very naive" players about the whole experience.
"He told us it'd be something you'd never forget (because) it's a great time to be with your teammates," safety Brian Randolph said. "You don't have class, so all we have to do is worry about football. It just gives us a lot to look forward to and a lot of team bonding.
"He definitely said we're going to have some fun times."
Jones said the Vols may make a trip to Gatlinburg, have a bowling night and a team movie night once final exams for the fall semester conclude this week.
Tennessee certainly should benefit from the extra practice and could use a bowl win to register the program's first winning season since 2009 and as a springboard into next season.
"We don't really like to look toward next season, and I'm sure everybody does know that we have a lot of guys returning," freshman tight end Ethan Wolf said, "but right now, we're focused on the bowl game and getting as many reps and perfecting our techinique and our brand and our style of play to go out there and win."
Contract chatter
Jones said his new contract with Tennessee was "work in progress" and hinted that its finalization was near.
"Our athletic administration and everyone here has been extremely supportive of everything in terms of resources and support," he said. "I would anticipate something coming here very shortly."
Jones's original six-year deal was worth $2.95 million, but it's likely he will get both a raise and extension, as will Tennessee's assistant coaches.
Reports resurfaced this week linking Jones, who is 11-13 in two seasons in Knoxville, to the head coaching vacancy at Michigan, and one suggested the Wolverines reached out to Tennessee for permission to speak with Jones.
"I'm not going to get into any speculation or anything like that," Jones said. "I'm excited of what's going on here. We're working to get things done here."
Status updates
Defensive end Curt Maggitt sat out practice for what Jones called a "precautionary measure."
Center Mack Crowder (ankle, knee), tailback Jalen Hurd (concussion), guard Austin Sanders (ankle), defensive tackle Trevarris Saulsberry (knee) and receiver Jason Croom (leg) all practiced.
Tailback Devrin Young (ribs) returned to practice for the first time since mid-October and, like Hurd, wore a noncontact jersey, and he's also expected to be available for Tennessee's bowl game.
Freshman tailback Derrell Scott and freshman defensive end Dewayne Hendrix were not present at practice, but no reason was given for their absence.
Freshman defensive end Joe Henderson will not return to Tennessee next semester, Jones confirmed to the Times Free Press, due to an NCAA eligibility issue.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com