Heupel Talks Opening Day of Spring Ball

The Tennessee Volunteers held their first spring practice on Monday. Head coach Josh Heupel tackled a few topics in his presser.

Spring is one of the most exciting times for college football programs nationwide. Following a long off-season of weights, class, and other things, the players can compete on the gridiron once spring begins. For the Vols, their first day on the field was Monday. As head coach Josh Heupel noted, it feels longer than 80 days since the 2022 season concluded—a conclusion of an Orange Bowl victory.

Following the first day of spring practice, Heupel addressed the media and covered various Tennessee football-related topics. First, Heupel recognized the success of Tennessee Athletics as a whole, citing both Tennessee basketball squads remaining in their respective tournaments, as well as a Top-5, ranked softball team. 

Josh Heupel, Tennessee HC

Heupel was then asked about the difference between his team entering year three and his previous two squads. He pointed to the depth the program now has and said year one was a shell of where they are now. Heupel noted that this creates more competition and urgency in everyone, from the meeting room to the practice field. 

He later spoke about two newcomers, quarterback Nico Iamaleava and wide receiver Dont'e Thornton. Heupel remarked on Iamaleava's coachability from the moment he stepped on campus in December for bowl prep. 

"Great urgency and cares a lot to learn his craft. Good at resetting and moving on to the next play." What sticks out about Thornton to Heupel is his combination of length, speed, and experience. The biggest factor for the Oregon transfer is grasping the scheme.

For Heupel, constant improvement is the most important thing for the team these next few weeks. Heupel says everyone should have an "I need to be the starter" mindset. The keys, according to him, are not to make the same mistake twice, reset every play, and grow every meeting, practice, or opportunity.

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