The Tennessee Volunteers looked like a top-tier Southeastern Conference football program in capping last season’s 11-2 record with a 31-14 downing of Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
That remains the case less than three months later, as the Vols appear to be reloading more than rebuilding under third-year coach Josh Heupel.
“You can see the difference in depth at every position,” Heupel said Monday in a news conference that followed Tennessee’s first of 15 allotted spring practices. “The young guys have added length, athleticism and size on the offensive and defensive lines. We’re much deeper than we have been, and it’s the same thing with the skill spots. This spring, we’re truly going to be able to get reps for a roster of guys.
“In year one, we were a shell in terms of numbers and sheer athletes on the grass compared to today, and this allows you to increase the number of reps you’re going to get in the spring, and it also creates a ton of competition.”
The Vols practiced in helmets and shorts inside the Anderson Training Center. They will work again Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of this week.