Jimmy’s blog: Heupel polled players about morning workouts

Jimmy’s blog: Heupel polled players about morning workouts

By Jimmy Hyams

HOOVER,, Ala.– When Tennessee reports for its first summer practice Aug. 4, it won’t be in the afternoon.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel confirmed our earlier report that the Vols will engage in morning practices with players arriving at the complex at 7:30 a.m.

Heupel said when he arrived at UT, he had casual dialogue with the team about “things that matter most.’’

Part of the discussion involved practice times.

“Having done it both in the afternoon and morning,’’ Heupel said, “our players were interested in it. We talked about my experiences and our staff’s experiences with it and some of the benefits that come with it.’’

Those benefits outweighed the negatives and led Heupel to schedule morning workouts.

UT hasn’t had consistent morning practices in nine years.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey mentioned Monday that only six of the 14 SEC schools have reached the 80% vaccination threshold the league desires.

“We’re just below the threshold,’’ Heupel said. “It’s attainable for our football team as we go forward.’’

What is Heupel’s message to the players about vaccination?

“It’s an individual decision for everybody, right?’’ Heupel said. “It’s personal health, right?  I think you need to educate players to the benefits, right? And have a real conversation … about what the reality is.’’

Regarding Name, Image and Likeness, Heupel tells his players ‘’don’t forget why you’re here. It’s true when you’re 18 to 22 years old. It’s true when you’re 43, like I am. Don’t ever lose sight of what your priorities are.’’

Heupel said he expects his four quarterbacks to engage in heated competition this summer with some quarterbacks earning more reps and some losing some reps.

Asked about bringing in Michigan transfer quarterback Joe Milton after spring ball ended, Heupel said: “Competition is the greatest friend of any coach.’’

Heupel said Milton has a strong arm, is an accurate passer, is bright, has caught on to the system and has the mobility to beat you with his feet.

But that doesn’t’ ensure he will beat out Harrison Bailey or Hendon Hooker or Brian Maurer.

Heupel’s message to the quarterbacks?

“Go out and earn it,’’ he said. “It’s really critical your quarterback earns the right to be the starter. I think it’s important for the 114 other guys on the roster that they see the guy has earned it.’’


Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all 

Headlines

What's happening

On-Site Hoops Coverage From Detroit!

On-Site Hoops Coverage From Detroit!

Sports Animal SportsTalk co-host and Vol Network Voice Vince Ferrara hits the road north this weekend as the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team continues their March journey in the NCAA Tournament in Detroit, Michigan. Vince will be bringing on-site coverage from Detroit with interviews, practice reports, and game analysis! This incredible on-site coverage would not…

Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk- April 6th

Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk- April 6th

Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. Chalk Walk features over 300 artists and collaborative teams working on-site from 8am-5pm to complete their artwork.

Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk To Make Alzheimer’s A Memory!

Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk To Make Alzheimer’s A Memory!

Find An Upcoming Walk Near You! Foothills Walk Alcoa High School Saturday, April 6 Knoxville Walk World’s Fair Park Saturday, April 13 Middle Tennessee Walk At Franklin The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Saturday, April 20 5 County Walk Historic Downtown Clinton Saturday, April 27 Tri-Cities Walk Willow Springs Park, Johnson City Saturday, April 27

Knoxville Opera 2024

Knoxville Opera 2024

Check out all the excitement that The Knoxville Opera has to offer this season, including the Rossini Festival April 20th, and Cendrillon May 3rd, 4th & 5th!