KNOXVILLE — Dillon Bates was one of the biggest prizes in the ballyhooed recruiting class Tennessee landed a year ago.
The linebacker also was one of the few members of the class who didn’t play a significant role as a freshman in 2014. Bates’ season was cut short by a torn labrum just four games into his promising college career.
Six months later, Bates continues to heal from the surgery, though he should be ready to go when the Volunteers open spring practice at Haslam Field this afternoon.
“Dillon continues to progress,” Tennessee coach Butch Jones said Monday. “He will be day to day, but day one, he’s full-go 100 percent. Dillon is very instinctful, but also he’s a very intelligent player. We’ll mix him around.”
After receiving a medical redshirt, Bates will get work at both inside and outside linebacker spots this spring as Tennessee looks to fill the void left by two-time All-SEC selection A.J. Johnson. Jakob Johnson and Kenny Bynum deputized the position the last three games of the 2014 season while the senior was suspended.