Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) runs the football during a practice session in Knoxville. The ninth-ranked Vols host Appalachian State on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Neyland Stadium.
photo by Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Preparations for Thursday's season opener against Appalachian State continued on Sunday afternoon as Tennessee put in two hours of work on Haslam Field.
UT is now just four days away from the start of its 120th season and the first Thursday night home opener in Knoxville since 1896.
The Vols and Mountaineers kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network with Brent Musberger, Jesse Palmer, and Laura Rutledge calling the action.
Prior to Sunday's practice, senior captains Joshua Dobbs and Cameron Sutton met with the media to discuss the conclusion of fall camp and early assessments of Appy State.
Joshua Dobbs | Quarterback
Throughout the spring and summer, and now into the preseason, Dobbs has had a firsthand look at the development of the Vols’ defense under first-year defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. With Shoop introducing new and exotic blitz packages, Dobbs and the offensive line have been challenged in unique ways to recognize and repel the Orange Swarm onrush.
"It's been a great opportunity for our offensive line to go up against the best defensive line in the nation in my opinion. You've got guys across the board that are solidified pass-rushers and solidified run-stoppers as well. It's been great for the youth of our offensive line to progress and grow and obviously for our older offensive lineman to continue to hone their skills. It's a constant battle every day and it's very competitive. That's definitely what we need to push each other to be successful."
Cameron Sutton | Defensive Back
With less than a week until the Vols take the field against the Mountaineers in Neyland Stadium, the Vols are wrapping up the final days of fall camp and tuning up the fine details. Tennessee boasts its most experienced roster in years, which has resulted in the best camp that Sutton, a senior cornerback, has been a part of. Sutton summed up how camp went for the Volunteers.
"Guys are flying around on both sides of the ball and special teams. A lot of people have accepted the role that they've been put in. We have brought the same mentality each and every every day. We come to work and prepare ourselves in film room and weight room and all the other things that go into it. Our approach and mindset has been consistent day in and day out. That is going to help us throughout the season."
(Contact Larry Fleming at larryfleming44@gmail.com and on Twitter @larryfleming44)