2013 University of Tennessee spring football observations

Having observed most of Tennessee's spring football in person this year, these are some of my astute observations of how Butch Jones and his staff are molding the team.

1. The tempo of the offense and of the team in general is much faster, practices require players running from station to station. By Fall, this team should be as well conditioned as any Tennessee team in history. That said, in order for the Vols to maintain the offensive tempo that Butch Jones wants, execution on offense will have to be better. Worley and Peterman both look like solid QB's, but neither has the throwing ability of departed QB Tyler Bray, and thus their margin for error in their throws is smaller. On top of that, the Vols do not have a go-to receiver at the moment and lack depth at the position.

2. The Vols are not strong running the ball yet. As has been the case throughout his college career, rising senior running back Rajion Neal has all the physical tools to be an elite SEC running back, but to this point in his career has yet to turn his great physical attributes into anything resembling consistency. Junior Marlin Lane had been doing well this spring, but he is currently not with the team for disciplinary reasons. Redshirt freshman Alden Hill has stepped to the plate this spring and looks ready for at least a part time role in the offense in the spring.

3. The Vols offensive line is far and away the best unit on the team, but discount the D-line either. While there is a lack of proven playmaker, that group has a lot of experience and some talent to couple with that experience. If seniors like Jacques Smith and Mo Couch step up, this unit could be a strength of the team.

4, The kickers are still consistently inconsistent.

5. Don't be surprised if freshman skill players on offense who arrive in the summer, like Marquez North, Ryan Jenkins, Josh Smith, Joshua Dobbs and Jabo Lee, have an immediate role on the team.