Tenessee Football Spring Checklist: Three Areas for Improvement for the Vols
As the Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 spring football season, the team finds itself in a state of transition and opportunity. Coming off an impressive season, the Vols are looking to take the next step in their development and reclaim their spot as one of the elite teams in college football. With a new season approaching, spring practices serve as a crucial period for players and coaches to refine their skills, evaluate talent, and address areas for improvement.
For Tennessee, there are several areas that need attention if they are to continue their rise under head coach Josh Heupel. While the Vols have shown promise in recent years, certain aspects of their game require fine-tuning and growth to ensure long-term success. This article outlines three key areas for improvement that Tennessee will need to focus on during spring practices. By honing in on these areas, the Vols can better prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season and make a push toward an SEC Championship and beyond.
Area 1: Offensive Line Play
The offensive line is often considered the heartbeat of any football team. For Tennessee, improving the offensive line should be a top priority in the spring. While the Vols have had success in recent seasons under head coach Josh Heupel’s fast-paced, high-powered offense, the offensive line’s performance has been inconsistent at times. To reach their full potential, Tennessee needs better protection for their quarterback and improved run-blocking capabilities to create more dynamic offensive plays.
- Quarterback Protection
Tennessee’s high-tempo offense, known for its quick passing game and downfield attacks, relies heavily on the offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback. Last season, the Vols saw flashes of brilliance from their quarterback, whether it was Joe Milton or another signal caller, but at times they also struggled with pass protection, particularly against more aggressive SEC defenses. The spring season provides the perfect opportunity for the offensive line to build chemistry and improve in this critical area.
The key here is for Tennessee’s offensive line to become more consistent in keeping the quarterback clean in the pocket. A top-tier offensive line should be able to keep its quarterback protected against the opposing pass rush and give him the time needed to make quick decisions. This would allow Tennessee’s playmakers to exploit mismatches downfield, which is a hallmark of Heupel’s offense.
- Run Blocking
Another area of concern for Tennessee is their ability to consistently run the football. Despite having talented running backs like Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson, the Vols’ running game has been somewhat inconsistent. Good offensive line play is critical for creating running lanes and allowing these backs to flourish. Last season, Tennessee’s offensive line showed promise but often struggled to get a push on running plays against elite SEC defenses.
Spring practice should focus on improving the offensive line’s ability to create push at the line of scrimmage, especially on inside runs. Tennessee has the talent in the backfield, but if they can’t establish the run, they won’t be able to set up their passing game in the same dynamic way. By strengthening their run-blocking abilities, Tennessee can take more control of the game and keep opposing defenses on their toes.
- Depth and Development
Another area for improvement in the offensive line is depth. Tennessee has a solid starting group, but the team must develop younger players and create a more reliable backup rotation. Injuries can take a toll during a long season, and having capable backups ready to step in is crucial. Spring practices are an ideal time for younger players to get valuable reps and develop into reliable contributors who can step up when needed. The Vols need to have a deep offensive line that can withstand the physicality of SEC football over the course of an entire season.
Area 2: Defensive Backfield Depth and Consistency
Tennessee’s defense made strides last season, but one area where they still need to improve is in the defensive backfield. Despite having some talented players, the secondary showed lapses in coverage and allowed big plays at inopportune times. For Tennessee to truly compete with the elite teams in the SEC and nationally, the defensive backfield needs to show more consistency, particularly in coverage and tackling.
- Pass Coverage
While Tennessee’s defensive front has been stout, the secondary has struggled at times against high-powered passing attacks. The Vols allowed 7.1 yards per pass attempt last season, which is an area that needs to improve. For Tennessee to take the next step, their cornerbacks and safeties must be able to lock down opposing receivers and prevent big plays. Tennessee’s defense thrives when they can make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable and force them into mistakes. However, if the secondary continues to allow big gains in the passing game, it can undo all of the good work done up front.
During spring practices, the Vols need to focus on developing tighter coverage skills, improving communication in the defensive backfield, and enhancing the understanding of opposing offensive schemes. While Tennessee has some talented corners and safeties, a few players need to show they can consistently cover elite receivers. This is especially important with the passing offenses in the SEC, where teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently pose major challenges.
- Tackling and Missed Opportunities
Tackling has been an issue for Tennessee’s secondary in recent years. As the defense shifts toward a more aggressive, attacking style, the Vols need their defensive backs to wrap up and finish tackles, especially in open-field situations. Missed tackles by corners and safeties can result in huge yardage gains and are detrimental to the overall success of the defense.
Spring practice is the time to hone these fundamental skills. The Vols need to focus on form tackling and ensuring that their defensive backs can come up and make plays in the run game as well as in pass coverage. Improved tackling in space will not only prevent long touchdowns but also reduce the yards after catch (YAC) that have plagued Tennessee’s defense in the past.
- Depth and Rotation
One of the challenges Tennessee faces in the defensive backfield is a lack of depth. The Vols are relatively thin at cornerback and safety, which puts additional pressure on the starters. Injuries or poor play from backups can quickly become a liability. As the season progresses, fatigue can set in, especially against the speed and precision of SEC offenses.
Developing young players in the secondary during spring practice is key for Tennessee. The Vols need to build depth at both cornerback and safety to ensure that they can rotate players in and out while maintaining a high level of play. With good depth, Tennessee will be able to handle the grueling SEC schedule without worrying about a drop-off in play when substitutes enter the game.
Area 3: Special Teams and Kicking Game
Tennessee’s special teams have generally been solid in recent years, but as with any program, there is always room for improvement. Special teams can be the difference between winning and losing games, particularly in close contests where every possession matters. For the Vols to compete at the highest level in 2025, they need to solidify their special teams units, particularly the kicking game.
- Place Kicking and Field Goals
Place kicking has been an area of concern for Tennessee over the past few seasons. While the Vols have had a few reliable kickers in the past, there have been missed opportunities in key moments, such as in close games against ranked opponents. A lack of consistency in the kicking game can make it difficult to rely on special teams in critical situations.
During spring practice, Tennessee must evaluate their kickers and ensure they have someone who can step up and hit clutch field goals when needed. The mental aspect of place kicking is just as important as the physical ability to strike the ball. Ensuring that the Vols’ kicker is confident and reliable, particularly in tight games, is crucial for a successful season.
- Punt and Kick Return Units
In addition to place kicking, the Vols need to improve their return units. Special teams can create significant momentum swings, and Tennessee has the potential to capitalize on this aspect of the game with the right players in place. A dynamic punt returner or kick returner can shift the field position and even change the outcome of a game. The Vols should focus on identifying players who can make explosive plays in the return game during the spring season.
While Tennessee has seen flashes of brilliance in the return game, consistency is key. Having a reliable returner who can make good decisions, avoid turnovers, and put the team in favorable field positions will be critical to the Vols’ success in 2025.
- Coverage Units
Another aspect of special teams that needs attention is the coverage units. The Vols cannot afford to allow long returns on kickoffs or punts, as this often leads to easy scoring opportunities for the opposition. Tennessee needs to focus on coverage discipline, ensuring that they are able to limit the return game and keep the opposing team’s offense on a long field.
