University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Remain Focused as Spring Camp Nears Close
April 14, 2009 | Football
April 14, 2009
Any college football player will tell you that spring practice is a grind. It is multiple full-contact workouts each week for more than a month without the payoff of a game day.
That's why the always-energetic Tennessee coaching staff was pleased to see the Vols' heightened intensity during a nearly three-hour session on Tuesday. The workout signaled the beginning of the end. It was the first practice of the last week of spring camp and the 13th of 15 gatherings allowed by the NCAA, and Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin's initial critique was glowing.
"We had a really physical practice today," Kiffin said. "Our big focus was for guys not to think about Saturday. We needed to have two more great practices and that started with today. Practice was very good, very physical."
"They really responded to what we needed, and that was one great practice."
One great practice by itself isn't anything to hold in high regard. But one great practice when the finish line is in sight is another story.
"I think that's pretty special. It's not normal for guys to respond to the way the coaches bring it at them every day. These are long days for these guys. We maximize every minute that we can."
The final minutes tick away Thursday as the Vols hold their last workout at Haslam Field. The finish line is painted on the grass at Neyland Stadium, the site of the Dish Network Orange and White Game, set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
