KNOXVILLE — With Tennessee nearing the start of spring practice in less than a week, the Times Free Press is taking a position-by-position look at the Volunteers as they return to the practice field to continue preparations for the 2015 season, Butch Jones’s third as coach. After beginning with the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, the preview continues today with the tight ends and Thursday with the offensive line.
WHO’S BACK
* Ethan Wolf (So.): The first true freshman to start the season opener at tight end in Tennessee history, Wolf played through a knee injury he suffered in the second game, caught at least one pass in 10 of the 12 games he played and finished with 23 receptions for 212 yards.
More spring practice previews
* Wide receivers* Running backs* Quarterbacks
* Alex Ellis (R-Sr.): Finally healthy after missing 2013 with an injury, the former high school quarterback and lacrosse player from Delaware developed into a nice piece last season and earned a scholarship for his fifth year. His six catches came in four straight games midway through the season, one being the fake-field-goal touchdown against Missouri.