The Vols attack from the ground in 2024 with an ever-evolving roster

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — Wednesday morning marked the 11th practice of preseason training camp for the Tennessee Vols as they worked ahead of their upcoming team scrimmage inside Neyland Stadium on Thursday.

With the season set to start in just 17 days, one group that has caught the eye is the runners, a team with young and mixed talent at all levels.

For first-time running back coach De’Rail Sims, he’s noticed the ultra-competitiveness and evolution of the group since day one, which also fits in very well with how the rest of the team functions.

“I think what’s most striking is the competitive aspect of practice — the fast pace, how everyone’s flowing and moving in the same direction,” Sims said. “When it comes time to put the ball on the floor and lay it up, both teams are very competitive, which is really good. And the coaches are competitive, too, which is good. So iron sharpens iron here every day, which is phenomenal.”

It’s also a group with a broad skill set, as Sims also highlighted his understanding and ability in the passing game.

“They’ve done a good job in terms of taking advantage of opportunities that come their way on the perimeter when we can get the ball in their hands,” Sims said. “They all bring a different skill set in that regard, but they all have reliable hands that allow us to get the ball in their hands on the perimeter.”

For a team that finished as the No. 1 rushing team in the SEC a year ago, the Vols are leaning heavily on the leadership of Dylan Sampson after losing Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright to the NFL.

“You tell him, ‘Hey, you understand what’s going on. You know what to do. Coach the younger guys. We understand what you can do, let’s make sure we’re sharpening your tools in the toolbox,'” Sims added. “He’s doing a really good job of seeing and visualizing what’s about to happen. Then if he sees something from the younger guys that are out there, he’s the first one to jump on it and coach them and give them some advice on it.”