University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Camp Report: Situational Football
August 21, 2017 | Football
Tennessee focused on situational football on Monday at Neyland Stadium
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee held Monday morning's fall football camp practice at Neyland Stadium as head coach Butch Jones and the Vols focused on situational football.
"Right now, we have to have the discipline to execute," Jones said. "Football is too hard of a game as it is from the technical aspect of things, from fundamentals, effort techniques and winning your one-on-one matchups let alone being a team that jumps offsides or a team that doesn't take care of the football. All those things come down to discipline, execution and having that ability.
"I thought there were many great teaching lessons and opportunities today. We had four-straight days of intense football and I liked our approach and the way we came out, but there are way too many mental mistakes right now with this football team."
Jones, senior cornerback Justin Martin and sophomore receiver Brandon Johnson spoke to reporters after practice.
Earning Their Stripes
Freshman defensive back Cheyenne Labruzza earned the removal of his black helmet stripe over the weekend and freshman running back Tim Jordan earned his on Monday.
Martin praised Labruzza, saying "Cheyenne gives his all in everything. Whatever we ask Cheyenne to do, Cheyenne does it first-hand."
Jones added that Labruzza is an unselfish player who is willing to contribute in any role asked of him.
"He plays corner, but he's been doing a lot of other things on scout team," Jones said. "He's on scout team running offenses and running different looks whether it's punt, punt return, kickoff or kickoff return and he does it at a high level."
Jordan and his fellow freshman running backs Ty Chandler and Trey Coleman have been rock solid in a physical training camp. Jones said that Jordan has demonstrated toughness and has earned respect.
"I think Tim has a unique personality," Jones said. "He always smiles. He brings levity to the situation but he's also intense as well. It's just a respect by his peers."
Martin, Johnson Discuss Personal Growth
Martin made great strides in the spring, emerging as a leader on defense. At the Orange and White Game, he received the Andy Spiva Award, which is given to UT's most-improved defensive player in the spring.
Martin, who has been vocal on the practice fields while helping his teammates, said that his biggest lesson has been knowing when to restrain his opinions on the field."
"I just control what I can control," he said. "I don't let one particular play hold over me for the rest of practice or the rest of the game. That's the biggest thing."
Johnson saw action in nine games as a freshman in 2016, collecting seven catches for 93 yards. He was limited in the spring due to injury, but that did not stop him from improving his film study habits. He has enjoyed a strong fall camp.
"I would say my biggest growth comes in my knowledge of the game," Johnson said. "I took a long time and I studied all offseason all the time I was hurt. While everybody was out there on the field, I couldn't play with my brothers, so all I could do is really study. I'd honestly say I've become more intelligent with the game, reading defenses and coverages and knowing what should be happening with the offense."
