Check out the following key notes out of Wednesday's post-practice media session:
- Defensive end Tevin Beanum has moved over to the strongside end spot (5-technique known as the 'E'), where he is listed as a starter but is splitting reps with JaMichael Winston. He said it took some time to get used to it being a more physical position with fewer passing game responsibilities, but he feels he's up to it.
- Defensive line coach Rory Segrest said Beanum and Jeremiah Ledbetter have been their two most productive ends, so they get the starts though they will continue with the rotation. Also, they'll use more of the true defensive tackles in this one. Against A&M with their zone scheme and heavier pass attack, it made sense to use the taller, longer ends. Segrest said the UT offensive line, which is light on experience, is very well-coached and is a team strength despite any preseason ideas of how good they would be (not that he pays any attention to that, he said).
- Vernon Hargreaves said Josh Williams is coming along well and could play a bigger role this week. He had a lot of positive things to say about UT sophomore running back Jalen Hurd, who is listed at 6-4, 240.
- Free safety Santos Ramirez said he just started working as the 'DOLLAR' in their dime package last week. He also found out at the start of last week that he would move into the starting role at free safety. He said he feels he can do it all and loves playing closer to the line-of-scrimmage in the dollar package.
- Secondary coach Clay Jennings said Tennessee's receivers are big and physical. He also said he hasn't been to Knoxville. Rory Segrest played at Alabama and has obviously made the trip to Neyland Stadium. He was also a graduate assistant at Auburn and Alabama and coached in the stadium, also.
- More to come with video and the complete practice report.
