Dillon Bates (17) takes Logan Fetzner (87) to the turf. The annual Spring Orange and White Football game was held at Neyland Stadium on April 22, 2017.KNOXVILLE - Fans began lining up early in the morning to get autographs from Tennessee players and football coach Butch Jones before Saturday's Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium.
Dozens of players wore their uniforms and sat at tables on the stadium's concourse, interacting with the fans as they trickled through the line with pieces of Tennessee memorabilia.
Jones sat at the end of the line, and children flashed big smiles as they reached him toting signature-filled footballs and other items.
"I got to meet Butch Jones," said Makenlee Rule, 9, of Seymour, Tenn. "I didn't say anything. I was too nervous."
Makenlee came to the game with her parents and a friend. She said she was sad quarterback Joshua Dobbs is no longer on the team. Her dad, Patrick, said he was looking forward to watching potential successors Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano play Saturday.
Most fans stayed in their seats through the first publicly announced weather warning to watch the conclusion of a quarterback challenge. The second half of the event was canceled due to rain.
"I'd really like to thank the fans," Jones said. "There were 35,000 people, despite the conditions. Autograph session, we had people waiting in line since 5:30 in the morning. I want to say thank you to them."
Fetzner converts
Redshirt junior receiver Logan Fetzner, a Bradley Central graduate, hauled in a fourth-down reception from Dormady to keep a scoring drive alive. Fetzner was lined up on the outside and ran a slant route. Dormady hit him for a gain of 10 yards. The offense scored on the next play.
Fetzner, a walk-on, has appeared in four games at Tennessee. He played running back and soccer and ran track at Bradley.
Depleted defense
The Volunteers suited up just enough defensive players to have full first and second teams available. Several walk-ons played, including redshirt sophomore Landon Knoll, who led with five tackles.
Key defensive linemen such as Jonathan Kongbo, Kyle Phillips and others did not play. But redshirt sophomore defensive end Darrell Taylor impressed by recording two sacks.
Taylor is expected to replace some of the production left by departed defensive ends Derek Barnett, Corey Vereen and LaTroy Lewis. Barnett, who could be a first-round selection in the NFL draft Thursday, received a framed No. 9 jersey after the first quarter.
Awards aplenty
Taylor received the Al Wilson Teammate Award at halftime. He was one of many Vols given honors.
Peyton Manning Teammate Award: junior running back John Kelly.
Harvey Robinson Award, given to the spring's most improved offensive player: senior tight end Jakob Johnson.
Andy Spiva Award, given to the spring's most improved defensive player: senior cornerback Justin Martin.
The John Stucky Award, given to the players who demonstrate the best physical and mental condition during the offseason program: redshirt freshman receiver Latrell Williams and junior defensive tackle Quay Picou.
Tennessee Football Spring 63 Award: Marquez Callaway.
My All Award, in recognition of nonscholarship athletes for their contributions and effort throughout spring practice: senior offensive lineman Thomas Edwards, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Brandon Benedict, redshirt freshman running back Chip Omer and redshirt junior defensive lineman Paul Bain.
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.