Dylan Wiesman, right, walks next to fellow offensive lineman Jashon Robertson during Tennessee's practice Saturday afternoon in Knoxville. Although most of the starters seem fairly set for the position group, its depth is pushing the No. 1 linemen to continue to work hard.KNOXVILLE - Tennessee offensive lineman Dylan Wiesman started at guard all 13 games last season, playing well enough to garner second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as the Volunteers finished second in the conference in rushing.
Yet the senior knows he can't take a week, practice or snap off this month with sophomore Jack Jones and Tennessee's other younger offensive linemen pushing him for playing time.
"I feel comfortable with him behind me," Wiesman said of Jones after Saturday's practice in the searing heat. "Well, actually, not really comfortable because of the way he's playing. He's playing well and his play is pushing me, which is a great thing."
Tennessee realistically could go nine deep on its offensive line, and with so many capable players, the competition is fierce even if it appears four of the five starting jobs are nailed down.
"You look at all the programs that have consistency and depth across the board, you have to bring it every day, especially in our offensive line blocking some of our defensive linemen," Vols coach Butch Jones said. "You better be game-ready mentally, or you'll be exposed."
The Vols haven't rotated much up front during games under the current coaching staff, but the group hasn't had this kind of depth during that time.
Chance Hall, Brett Kendrick and Drew Richmond are competing for the two tackle jobs. It's hard to see Wiesman, Jashon Robertson or Coleman Thomas being supplanted as starters, but Jack Jones, Venzell Boulware and even Charles Mosley aren't making the preseason easy for the No. 1 linemen.
"I've been really proud of Jack Jones," Coach Jones said. "I think Jack Jones has stepped up. He can play center and he can play guard. Jack is one of those individuals who doesn't say a whole lot, embraces the competition and brings it every day. I think he's asserting himself and competing, and I've been excited about that."
Wiesman is confident the younger linemen can get the job done if given the chance - not that he wants any of them intruding on his playing time.
"I still have things to work on, but I feel like my overall understanding's pretty good," he said. "I feel like I can explain all five positions, and I know what's going on behind me. I feel that helps me to know, and knowing the whole concept of the play and understanding what we're doing is what's helping me a lot. But I still have tons of things to work on."
Stressing situations
With fatigue mounting in the afternoon heat, Tennessee scrimmaged at the end of practice with plenty of situational football and an emphasis on closing games.
Jones continues to insist his team isn't ready for a game and pointed to penalties before the snap and dropped passes toward the end of practice.
"I think there was a lot of learning experiences," he said. "You can't assume anything, even with veteran players, when it gets a little rough. When it gets a little bit tough, what's your football conditioning? What's your football stamina?"
The Vols will practice behind closed doors today and take Monday off before entering a camp-like week during which the team will stay on campus and focus on football with the summer semester completed.
Practice report
Tennessee went into competitive one-on-one reps after stretching to open practice.
Offensive lineman Richmond showed his strength continues to be pass blocking as he stymied Kyle Phillips and Corey Vereen. The offensive line held up well with Robertson, Thomas and Hall winning their reps. Dimarya Mixon had the best rep for the defensive line when he raced around Kendrick.
Receivers and defensive backs faced off in goal-line routes.
Malik Foreman boxed out Jeff George on a fade route for the defense, and Marquez Callaway caught a back-shoulder touchdown against Justin Martin. Jason Croom made an acrobatic catch against Emmanuel Moseley, who bounced back to break up a jump ball. Josh Malone caught a touchdown against Cameron Sutton on a fade.
Status updates
Running back Jalen Hurd, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, defensive end Austin Smith and wide receiver Jauan Jennings remain in noncontact jerseys, while safety Micah Abernathy and cornerback D.J. Henderson were also in green Saturday. Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle remains limited as he recovers from a leg injury that required surgery last season, though he was at practice in shoulder pads and shorts.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.