University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Camp Report: UT Inching Closer to Season Opener
August 18, 2017 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 24-ranked Tennessee football team continued to build towards its season opener against Georgia Tech with a spirited practice at Haslam Field on a hot Friday afternoon.
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Head coach Butch Jones and three student-athletes answered questions from the media after practice.
One of reoccurring themes over the past few weeks has been the early success of freshman defensive back Shawn Shamburger. The Moultrie, Ga., native had his black stripe removed after an impressive showing at the team's scrimmage on Wednesday evening.
"He's an individual who's really stepped up," Jones said. "In the last few practices he's really made his presence known at the cornerback position."
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Juinior defensive back Michah Abernathy added that he has been impressed with the work ethic on and off the field from Shamburger and fellow freshman DB Cheyenne Labruzza.
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"They're hard workers on and off the field, in the classroom, film room and anything like that," Abernathy said. "They're always trying to get ahead of the older guys, so they'll both be good."
Despite battling some injuries throughout fall camp, the Tennessee offensive line is starting to take shape and build some continuity.
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"The first scrimmage is always a huge learning (experience) for some of the freshmen," Kendrick said. "We got some numbers back and we got to see what we can do versus the defense just out there playing football in a controlled scrimmage. It was good. We had a lot of fun."
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The redshirt senior also praised the development of sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Tatum, stating that he's looked like a completely different player this fall.
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"You can see with Marcus, Coach Rock (Gullickson) has done a great job with him, put on weight," Kendrick said. "He is coming back with a mindset that he's ready to play and ready to compete at the highest level."
Jones and the Vols took the field at Neyland Stadium on Wednesday evening for their first full scrimmage of the fall, allowing the coaches and players alike to gain some important reps in game-like situations.
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"I think first of all, just from a game management standpoint, our coaches were able to go in the press box," Jones said. "The ability to communicate with our players and try to create game-like situations will expose them to many different situations that they'll face probably throughout the course of the year.
"It was great to get into Neyland Stadium and play football, and that's what this team needed was to play football."
The Vols will practice the next three days before an off day on Tuesday. Classes for UT's fall semester officially begin next Wednesday, Aug. 23.
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The season opener against Georgia Tech is also quickly approaching. The Big Orange will take on Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Labor Day (Sept. 4) at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.Â
Tickets are still available for Tennessee's home opener against Indiana State on Sept. 9. Fans can purchase tickets on AllVols.com or by calling or visiting the Thompson-Boling Arena box office (1-800-332-VOLS).
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Head coach Butch Jones and three student-athletes answered questions from the media after practice.
Freshman Shamburger Continues to Impress in Secondary
One of reoccurring themes over the past few weeks has been the early success of freshman defensive back Shawn Shamburger. The Moultrie, Ga., native had his black stripe removed after an impressive showing at the team's scrimmage on Wednesday evening."He's an individual who's really stepped up," Jones said. "In the last few practices he's really made his presence known at the cornerback position."
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Juinior defensive back Michah Abernathy added that he has been impressed with the work ethic on and off the field from Shamburger and fellow freshman DB Cheyenne Labruzza.
Â
"They're hard workers on and off the field, in the classroom, film room and anything like that," Abernathy said. "They're always trying to get ahead of the older guys, so they'll both be good."
Tatum, Offensive Line Coming Together
Despite battling some injuries throughout fall camp, the Tennessee offensive line is starting to take shape and build some continuity.Â
"The first scrimmage is always a huge learning (experience) for some of the freshmen," Kendrick said. "We got some numbers back and we got to see what we can do versus the defense just out there playing football in a controlled scrimmage. It was good. We had a lot of fun."
Â
The redshirt senior also praised the development of sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Tatum, stating that he's looked like a completely different player this fall.
Â
"You can see with Marcus, Coach Rock (Gullickson) has done a great job with him, put on weight," Kendrick said. "He is coming back with a mindset that he's ready to play and ready to compete at the highest level."
Coaches, Players Pleased with Wednesday Scrimmage
Jones and the Vols took the field at Neyland Stadium on Wednesday evening for their first full scrimmage of the fall, allowing the coaches and players alike to gain some important reps in game-like situations.Â
"I think first of all, just from a game management standpoint, our coaches were able to go in the press box," Jones said. "The ability to communicate with our players and try to create game-like situations will expose them to many different situations that they'll face probably throughout the course of the year.
"It was great to get into Neyland Stadium and play football, and that's what this team needed was to play football."
Upcoming Schedule
The Vols will practice the next three days before an off day on Tuesday. Classes for UT's fall semester officially begin next Wednesday, Aug. 23.Â
The season opener against Georgia Tech is also quickly approaching. The Big Orange will take on Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Labor Day (Sept. 4) at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.Â
Get Your Tickets for Vols' Home Opener
Tickets are still available for Tennessee's home opener against Indiana State on Sept. 9. Fans can purchase tickets on AllVols.com or by calling or visiting the Thompson-Boling Arena box office (1-800-332-VOLS).Players Mentioned
FB | Josh Heupel Press Conference (10.1.25)
Wednesday, October 01
FB | Joey Aguilar Media Availability (10.1.25)
Wednesday, October 01
FB | Caleb Herring Media Availability (10.1.25)
Wednesday, October 01
FB | Ty Redmond Media Availability (10.1.25)
Wednesday, October 01
