KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -
The Tennessee veterans completed their second full day of practice at Haslam Field on Saturday and head coach Derek Dooley likes what he sees so far.
"I'm really pleased with the way this team has approached these [first] two days," Dooley said. "They have a real workmanlike approach, a lot of leadership, a lot of chatter and have been really positive."
While the Vols have impressed early in camp, Dooley knows that won't mean much if they can't sustain that energy. UT will put shoulder pads on for the first time Sunday, which will be the first of many tests for the Big Orange over the next few weeks.
"I'm proud of them but, of course, the challenge is as you get deeper into camp something will be new," Dooley said. "We'll have shoulder pads on and they'll feel heavier, it will be hotter and how do we respond to that?"
He continued, "The good news is that things are good as far as how we are working and how we are approaching [practice] but the test will come each day and that's when it gets tougher on the leadership. Overall, it's been a real good start and we're looking forward to putting pads on."
The veterans aren't the only ones practicing though as Dooley and his staff got their first look at all of the newcomers Friday night.
"Last night was good," Dooley said. "It was about like most of the freshmen practices, so their heads are spinning and they have no idea what we're talking about. The ones that go out and play fast and don't worry about all of that always look a little better. It was good."
