KNOXVILLE — When Tennessee began spring football practice late last month, Brett Kendrick wasn’t working with the first-team offensive line.
With the Volunteers one practice away from Saturday’s Orange and White Game, that’s not the case anymore.
Kendrick stepped into the vacancy at right tackle when Coleman Thomas was suspended following his arrest on a theft charge. Kendrick will leave spring penciled in as a starter there after Thomas, a five-game starter at right tackle last season, began working more at center upon his return last week after charges against him were dismissed.
“I think also they’re trying to see where Coleman can play this year, but I think that is them saying they have confidence in me, which builds my confidence,” Kendrick said after Tuesday’s practice.
“Anything that can build my confidence, that’s really helped, and I’m glad that they have confidence in me to stay out there. I’ve been focusing on a few things every practice to get better at. Just step by step, I’ve been trying to work my way and never digress and always just keep the momentum going.”