Tennessee
Tennessee Football Notes And Observations: Fall Practice No. 5 | Rocky Top Insider
With that, it’s on to the notes and observations.
Offense
Let’s start with injuries and absences which were largely the same as they were during Sunday’s practice. Running back Cam Seldon and walk on receiver Tommy Winton III remained in red non contact jerseys. Mike Matthews went through stretches but wasn’t wearing a helmet and worked off to the side the rest of practice.
Andrej Karic, John Campbell Jr. and Dont’e Thornton were all fully dressed out and went through warmups but were not active participants in practice while we were out on the field. Kaleb Webb was in the same boat on Sunday, but was back on the field going through routes on air, where he had two bad drops, during Monday’s practice.
Webb’s drops were representative of what was a largely sloppy routes on air portion of practice. In fairness, Tennessee was working on more downfield passing including double moves and off script throws from the quarterbacks, but it just wasn’t a sharp period for Nico Iamaleava or the entire offense.
Iamaleava was off on a handful of throws, he had a miscommunication on one rep with Bru McCoy and receivers and tight ends had a few bad drops. It’s only a very small portion of practice that we get to watch so I’m certainly not hitting the panic button or acting like what we’re watching is the most telling thing, but drops have been a somewhat consistent problem for Tulane transfer receiver Chris Brazzell so far this fall during routes on air.
McCoy is a player that continues to look better-and-better. It’s obvious he spent his rehab getting physically stronger in his upper body and I don’t think I’ve been him drop a pass through the first five days of practice.
Of note at the tight end spot, both Notre Dame transfer Holden Staes and Alabama transfer Miles Kitselman worked with Iamaleava during routes on air. It was the first work that Kitselman has gotten with him during that period of practice. Alec Abeln said that Tennessee is going to play three tight ends this season and Kitselman joining Staes and Ethan Davis as players getting reps with Iamaleava seems to prove it.
Over with the offensive line, it continues to be a little bit of an in-and-out rotation for the veterans. It was Campbell and Karic who didn’t get any work while we were at practice for the second straight day after Zalance Heard and Javontez Spraggins were in that boat last week.
Heard has been pretty full go in what we’ve been watching the last few days which is a good sign given he looked a little banged up last week. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee meets with the media later today so we’ll see what he has to say.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Is Recruiting The Quarterback Position At An Elie Level
Defense
Things stayed the same on the injuries and absences note on Monday. Cornerback Jalen McMurray as well as freshman linebackers linebackers Jordan Burns and Grier Short (walk on) were not in pads and worked off to the side after going through stretches.
Jourdan Thomas obviously wasn’t out there after suffering a season ending knee injury during Saturday’s practice. With Thomas out, all eyes turn to true freshman Boo Carter. The Chattanooga native is incredibly talented and already had a chance to earn the starting spot at STAR but now the opportunity is truly right in front of him to grab.
Christian Charles is another guy who could grab the starting spot but Charles versatility makes him very important in a thin secondary. He can play safety and also fill in at corner if injuries happen. I continue to like what I see what Rickey Gibson and Jermod McCoy and Jordan Matthews is certainly a capable backup. But with McMurray currently out, things are a bit grim behind them.
With Charles versatility, it feels like Carter will have to play major snaps at STAR at some point this season. The question is whether he can grab that job from the jump.
Defensive backs continue to do some basic technique work and zone coverage handoffs during practice. Little for us to glean from them but also very important, especially for the young Carter.
Much like the fourth corner spot right now, the fourth inside linebacker spot is a real question. He’s been lackluster in his first two years on campus but I continue to like what I’ve seen from Kalib Perry this camp. He looks more comfortable out there and is playing a bit bigger which should help him become more of an everyday player.
Sophomore edge rusher Caleb Herring got tripped up during a footwork drill which earned him “Coach Chop’s” ire. Still, he continues to look good and like a guy that might earn a role in pass rush packages. Josh Josephs also looks better and a sneaky pick for a potential breakout player.
I truly don’t know how Tennessee will be able to use all the playable LEOs they have on this roster. Certainly a good problem to have.
One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
Follow Our Social Media Pages and YouTube
• Follow us on X HERE
• Follow us on Facebook HERE
• Follow us on Instagram HERE
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE
Follow Our Staff:
- Follow Caleb Sisk on Twitter: @CalebSisk_
- Follow Dale Dowden on Twitter: @Dale_Dowden
- Follow Wesley Powell on Twitter: @wesleypowell_
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
Vermont high school playoff scores, results, stats for Thursday, March 5
Obama calls on voters to help Democrats’ Virginia redistricting ahead of midterm elections
Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey
Wisconsin man accused of setting fire to congressman’s office over TikTok ban gets 7 years in prison
Why is Popular Bracketologist Still Considering West Virginia for NCAA Tournament?
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Map: 4.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Louisiana
Paxton vows he’s ‘staying in this race’ even if Trump backs Cornyn in Texas GOP clash
Which Kurdish groups is the US rallying to fight Iran?
Man accused of plot to assassinate Trump testifies Iran pressured him, says Biden and Haley were other possible targets
DHS defends McLaughlin against allegations husband’s company profited millions from ad contracts: ‘Baseless’
-
World1 week agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Wisconsin4 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Maryland4 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida4 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Denver, CO1 week ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Massachusetts2 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Oregon6 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling