Top quotes from Tennessee football's first scrimmage in fall camp

USA Today

3 days ago

Tennessee held its first scrimmage during fall training camp on Saturday. The Vols scrimmaged for two hours at Neyland Stadium after having seven practices to kick off fall camp.
Fifth-year head coach Josh Heupel said there were "a lot of good and a lot of things to learn from" following Tennessee's scrimmage.
"We got some situational football in, which is good for everybody, in particular the quarterbacks," Heupel said. "Excited to go watch the tape."
Below are top quotes from Heupel after the Vols' first scrimmage in fall camp. Tennessee will open its 2025 season Aug. 30 in the Aflac Kickoff versus Syracuse. The neutral-site matchup will be contested at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (noon EDT, ABC).
If the picture is any clearer at quarterback after scrimmage No. 1
"I'm not naming a starter today, but all three of those guys have shown some really good characteristics of doing some special things with the ball, also managing the game, eliminating negatives. There are some things that each of them and collectively as a group, we have to get better at, and that's always the nature of this point in training camp."
More: Josh Heupel details benefits of not naming a starting quarterback
Joey Aguilar's ability to run the offense after having to learn it quickly over the summer
"With what we're doing offensively in our installs from protections, to run game, controlling it and what he's seeing on the other side of the football (with) how multiple we've been here in the early part of training camp, I really like, overall, what he's done. There's still more for him within the structure and the details of it, but I like what he's done."
More: Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar ranked as No. 50 college football player in 2025
If he will adjust reps following the first scrimmage
"We haven't got a chance to go watch tape. I don't anticipate us dramatically changing the reps right now."
What he wants to see improve after two weeks
"Eight practices in, there has been good growth. Practices have been competitive, they have been physical, good fundamental and technique growth which ultimately leads you to being in position to go make plays in all phases of the game. We still have a lot left individually and collectively, by unit, to continue to be our best. Growth mindset and let's continue to push."
What he saw from the wide receivers in the scrimmage
"Overall, I thought they made a few plays. There are some plays that are there to make, but they operated relatively efficiently in the confines of what we're doing offensively, and for them there are some subtle details in how they operate that this is as close to game day as they get too, which is going to be a great learning experience from them. Overall, I like what they have done."
More: Photos of Tennessee wide receivers in 2025 fall football camp
Boo Carter and his involvement during camp
"When we started training camp and I talked to you guys, there were steps that he had to take to continue to earn his place in the scope of what we're doing as a football team. He has taken those steps and continued to grow. I like what he has been able to do here, in particular the last four days. What's going to transpire, we're taking it day to day at this point, is the best way to say it."
More: Josh Heupel details Boo Carter's status with Tennessee football
How David Sanders Jr. has looked
"I thought David has done a really good job. Eight practices in throughout training camp, thought today, he handled himself extremely well. Really good player in spring ball, continues to grow mentally and physically and then the fundamentals and technique too. Here through the early part of training camp, he has done a really good job for a young football player expecting to play at a really high level."
More: David Sanders Jr.'s 'great work habits' detailed after first spring practice
Takeaways from the defensive performance during Saturday's scrimmage
"I like how hard they are playing. We use the word attack, playing through the echo of the whistle, how they're running to the football. The ability to not go one-for-one out in space and in the core, block destruction. For us, the details in what we're doing from a shift, trade, motion, whatever it may be, all three levels communicating to be on the same page. We've been solid, but there's more growth for us on a play-in, play-out basis right now with ones, twos and threes. They've had a great mindset and continue to grow."
Jermod McCoy's recovery being on schedule after going through individual practice drills
"Cool moment for Jermod. Big moment, getting back on the field and doing some of that individual work. It was cool to see the way his brothers were excited for him in that moment and how big that was for them, too. He broke us down before practice, and he's done an elite job throughout his rehab. There's still more that he has to continue to do, but excited to get him back out with us."
More: Jermod McCoy ranked No. 23 player in college football, projected as first-round pick
Competition at the center position
"It's still a competition. Ultimately, who the starting five are, moving pieces and finding the best five that fit cohesively together. At that position, multiple guys have to be ready to go play, potentially have some moving parts, as far as guys lining up from center to guard, guard to tackle, whatever it might be. Those guys have repped extremely hard. They're playing hard. They're playing well as a group with the moving pieces. The communication has been really solid, but we're eight practices in. There's a lot more for us to continue to get to."
More: Tennessee's center position detailed in 2025 fall football camp
Star Thomas' progression from spring practices to fall camp
"He's a dramatically different player. Just his body, his movement, explosiveness, his physicality with the ball and without the ball. Some of the details and fundamentals that it takes in pass protection, special teams as well, he has done an elite job from the end of spring ball to where we are through practice eight."
More: 2025 Tennessee football season preview for running back Star Thomas
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