Defensive end Derek Barnett catches the football in a drill during Tennessee’s practice at Haslam Field on April 14, 2016.KNOXVILLE — With Tennessee practicing in helmets and shorts on Thursday afternoon, five of the players previously declared out for the spring were participants in the final practice before Saturday’s spring game.
The Volunteers welcomed defensive linemen Derek Barnett, Kyle Phillips and Kendal Vickers, wide receiver Josh Malone and safety Evan Berry back to Haslam Field for Thursday’s light tune-up.
All five players were among the group of Vols recovering from offseason surgeries to clean up injuries from last season.
They are not expected to participate in Saturday’s Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium.
Offensive lineman Jack Jones also returned to practice.
Surging Sapp
Two of Tennessee’s young linebackers appeared to have made progress this spring after star Jalen Reeves-Maybin hurt his shoulder the first week of practices.
Cortez McDowell had two interceptions in practice last week and played well in Tennessee’s past two scrimmages, according to defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.
Quart’e Sapp also continues to show promise and while improving.
“He may have improved as much any player from practice one to practice 13 so far,” Shoop said before Thursday’s practice. “He has the measurables that you’re looking for in the Will linebacker position. He’s tall, he’s long and he’s athletic. He needs to continue to make strides in the weight room.
“He considered himself more of an athletic linebacker than a tough guy, but he’s improved in his block disruption, he’s improved in his tackling and he’s improved in his blitzing. I think really he’s put himself in the discussion to be a backup this fall and learn from Jalen.
“I feel like he’s a guy that in a couple of years we’ll be talking about as an upper-level SEC player.”
Dormady developing
Having gone through spring practice a year ago, backup quarterback Quinten Dormady is practically a veteran player now.
With a better knowledge base of Tennessee’s offense, the sophomore now can focus on improving specific aspects of his game, which he’s done this spring.
“This time last year he was learning things, and now he knows it,” offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said. “He’s continued to work on all of his throws and his footwork and things like that and also maneuvering himself in the pocket.
That’s one thing that you never know when something may break down a little bit where you’ve got a little bit of leakage and he’s got to maybe go to his left. Next time he might have to go to his right. Next time he might have to step up.
“You’re having to make all different kinds of throws with different kinds of movements, and that’s what he’s been able to, I think, get better at.”
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.