Big Orange Report April 24, 2025

 

Spring Wrap

Tennessee completed spring drills and despite the commotion surrounding the transfer of the starting quarterback, several younger players served notice that they intended to become significant contributors to the team this fall. The wide receiver room and the defensive backfield were two positions that were attracting attention during spring training.

A pair of true freshmen who enrolled early and joined the team in December turned some heads in March and early April. Travis Smith (6-3, 207, 4.45) displayed speed, route running ability and good hands as he attempted to live up to his lofty recruiting rankings. Classmate Radarius Jackson (6-2, 206, 4.5) is starting to look like one of the real gems of the incoming class. Jackson had the most spectacular catch in the spring practice finale when he went up high in the endzone, pulled down a pass with one hand and scored while a defensive back was in contact with him on the play. Both these freshman have premium size and athletic ability and they should see action early in the season along with sophomores Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley.

With projected starter Jermod McCoy rehabbing from ACL surgery and Ricky Gibson III, another returning starter at cornerback, limited during practice sessions, eager youngsters stepped up and did some good things. Edrees Farooq (6-0, 200, 4.55), a sophomore, and freshman Ty Redmond (6-2, 190, 4.5) got a big dose of repetitions at the corners. Another second-year player, Kaleb Beasley (6-1, 200, 4.55) practiced at both cornerback and the safety positions for secondary coach Willie Martinez. Beasley is also in the mix to be the primary backup for all star candidate Boo Carter at the Star (rover) position.

There are two position battles in this year's offensive line. Red shirt freshman William Satterwhite (6-3, 305) is working to hold off challengers in the pivot at center. Projected starting guard Sam Pendleton (6-4,310). a red shirt sophomore who transferred from Notre Dame, has also worked some at center. Two other youngsters, Jesse Perry (6-6, 314) and Shamurad Umarov (6-7, 330) might also get auditions but both are in the mix for key reserve roles on the blocking front. Perry is a red shirt freshman and Umarov is a red shirt sophomore.

At right tackle, true freshman David Sanders (6-6, 295) is now almost a lock to start after veteran Larry Johnson entered the transfer portal over the weekend. Sanders was ranked the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in the nation by two services and was a five star on three. However, there are a couple of sophomores or a red shirt freshman that still will challenge Sanders for playing time.

In addition, the 2023-24 recruiting classes featured some excellent prospects in the trenches. Bennett Warren (6-7, 325) is challenging Satterwhite at center. Gage Ginter (6-6, 290) and Max Anderson (6-5, 300) were both four star rated recruits and Ginter was named the No. 1 prospect in Colorado by Rivals.

The defensive line or front four is all but set right now. A couple of younger players have attracted some attention during practice sessions. One guy to keep an eye on is Isaiah Campbell (6-4, 285), a freshman who is contending for a primary role at the three technique tackle or the inside defensive end.

The staff is also still looking for veteran depth in the transfer portal. Mason Nelson (6-3, 300) had 62 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks over the past two seasons at Western Michigan. Maraad Watson (6-3, 315) is leaving Syracuse where he totaled 31 tackles as a true freshman last fall. Both these guys should be impressed by the credentials and philosophy of veteran defensive line coach Rodney Garner. Over the years, almost two dozen of his former players have been by NFL teams. 

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