Skip to main content
Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

Eli Wolf continues impressing Tennessee’s new staff

Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf, with ball, stretches toward the end zone as defensive back Micah Abernathy, bottom, and linebacker Quart'e Sapp try to stop him during the Orange and White spring game on April 21 at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf, with ball, stretches toward the end zone as defensive back Micah Abernathy, bottom, and linebacker Quart'e Sapp try to stop him during the Orange and White spring game on April 21 at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf, with ball, stretches toward the end zone as defensive back Micah Abernathy, bottom, and linebacker Quart'e Sapp try to stop him during the Orange and White spring game on April 21 at Neyland Stadium.

By David Cobb 4 min read

KNOXVILLE – Through the transition to a new coaching staff, there have been at least two constants for Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf.

Just like the old staff, the new coaches want Wolf to pack on pounds to a frame more naturally suited for wide receiver. And just as the old staff respected Wolf’s attitude enough to award him a scholarship before last season, the new coaches are coming to appreciate the way the redshirt junior handles himself.

“Eli is very competitive,” first-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt said after Saturday’s Orange and White spring game at Neyland Stadium. “He needs to put on weight, and he’s probably had to play out of position based on what we’ve asked him to do. But he again has went out there and strained and competed and fought every day.”

Wolf was named the program’s most improved offensive player of the spring on Saturday, when he backed up the award with his performance. He capped the Orange team’s 34-7 victory with an impressive 29-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. The juggling catch came against coverage from first-team defenders Micah Abernathy and Quart’e Sapp.

photo Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf takes off after making a catch during a home game against Indiana State last September. Wolf was injured on the play and was unable to contribute as much as he hoped to last season, finishing with three catches for 48 yards.

It was one of a team-high five receptions totaling 63 yards for Wolf, who made a catch each time Guarantano targeted him. Wolf’s receiving skills are a reflection of the fact he graduated from Minster (Ohio) High School holding most of the program’s receiving records as a wide receiver.