Tennessee Football Spring Game Takeaways

The Tennessee Volunteers held the first spring game of the Josh Heupel era on Saturday with the Orange team taking a 42-37 victory over the White at Neyland Stadium.

The offenses collectively put up 821 yards and tallied 39 first downs on 99 total plays during the contest — a total of 573 yards came through the air, with 79 points scored between the two squads.

Sophomore quarterback Harrison Bailey was productive with four touchdown drives and finishing 12-of-16 passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns.

He tossed three scoring passes for the Orange and another for the White during the annual spring game.

Graduate transfer Hendon Hooker rushed five times for 13 yards and a touchdown and was 10-of-14 through the air for 111 yards with a touchdown — he threw the game's lone interception.

Redshirt sophomore Brian Maurer finished the day 9-of-15 for 171 yards with one touchdown.

Knox News reports the team will add Michigan transfer Joe Milton to the quarterback room, as well. Milton started five games for the Wolverines in 2020. High-rated freshman quarterback Kaidon Salter remains suspended.


Redshirt junior wide receiver Cedric Tillman had five catches for 67 yards and a score, which ended up being the game-winner.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jack Jancek led all receivers, racking up 137 yards, including a 73-yard TD strike from Bailey.

Redshirt senior wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. snagged three catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore receiver Jalin Hyatt grabbed four passes for 58 yards.


Redshirt sophomore Fred Orr and sophomore Jabari Small had productive days on the ground. Orr led all running backs with 83 yards on 10 carries, while Small had 48 yards and two scores on 12 attempts.


Knox News reports defensive linemen LaTrell Bumphus, Greg Emerson, Darel Middleton, Elijah Simmons and Aubrey Solomon did not participate in the spring game, along with linebackers Jeremy Banks, Roman Harrison and Byron Young who were also out.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Will Brooks led the defense with six stops. Freshman defensive back Christian Charles and redshirt senior defensive back Kenneth George Jr. also accounted for five tackles each, while junior defensive back Warren Burrell came up a pick-six for the defense as well.

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