Tennessee football Pro Day showcases Vols' revival
Before they were eligible to get drafted, the Tennessee players would sit around and discuss what their Pro Day would be like.
They had arrived at UT during a low point in the program’s history and helped rebuild the Vols into a team worthy of more national attention again.
The Vols were able to showcase the talent that elevated the program on Friday during Pro Day at the Anderson Training Facility.
A total of 20 former UT players worked out in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams as the Vols prepare to end a two-year drought of not having a player drafted.
“It’s been great. Just that work that we put in over the course of time being here, the blood, sweat and tears that some people don’t see,” defensive back Cameron Sutton said. “They only see the results on the weekends, on game day. You don’t see things leading up to that point and now they are getting the opportunity to showcase that, showcase the type of people they are and their people skills and just talking ball and doing what they love to do.”
Among the NFL personnel attending were Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert, Oakland Raiders general manager at UT grad Reggie McKenzie, Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, a UT grad, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, New York Jets offensive coordinator John Morton and Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich.
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The Vols haven’t had a player selected in the NFL Draft since 2014 when Ja’Wuan James, Zach Fulton and Daniel McCullers were picked.
UT is projected to have as many as five players drafted in the first five rounds, including two in the first round in defensive end Derek Barnett and running back Alvin Kamara.
Barnett ran 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 7.12 in the three-cone drill. The Nashville native tweaked his hamstring slightly during the running drills.
“I was most pleased with my field work. I just felt better, I had more pep in my step and a lot more energy,” said Barnett, who worked out at the NFL Scouting Combine last month despite being sick. “My 40 time wasn’t the best. ... I play fast on the field, so I am pretty confident in that.”
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs designed his own throwing plan for Pro Day as he continues trying to show NFL scouts he can operate a pro-style offense with more consistency on his throws.
Dobbs put on a quality performance, displaying nearly every throw and ending with a completed deep pass to Josh Malone.
“I had a very efficient day both showing snaps under center and in the gun,” Dobbs said. “I think I was able to show that I can make all the throws on the field, whether it’s short, intermediate balls, off-platform throws and also make the deep throws in timing and rhythm with my guys."
Dobbs worked with quarterback coaches Adam Behrends and Jeff Blake at IMG Academy in Florida. He’s noticed a difference in how NFL personnel view his abilities since taking part in the Senior Bowl and the combine.
“The buzz is definitely growing, which feels good. A lot of coaches have come in to have different workouts, different meetings and I have different future visits set up as well,” said Dobbs, who has held individual workouts with the Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. “I am excited, really excited about the process. It’s been a grind of course, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so my goal is to make the most of it.”
Kamara didn't run the 40 after posting a 4.56 at the combine. He focused on running routes and showcasing his explosiveness. Kamara has been asked by NFL representatives about his lack of carries during his two seasons at UT.
"I just tell them up until that point it was a question and then when I got the 18 carries it was a productive 18 carries," said Kamara, whose only private workout so far came with the Saints. "I tell them it's really on you to figure out. I can carry the load, so whoever wants to believe what I say."
As the Vols ran through drills, UT coach Butch Jones stood nearby providing encouragement and greeting the NFL visitors.
“It’s been a great day for the University of Tennessee football program, but really for these individuals. That is what it’s really all about. The way they competed today and the way they showcased their skills. Again, just very, very proud,” Jones said. “You could see the culture kick in in the way they finished all the drill work. It started last night in all the meetings, the way they represented themselves being on time. Again, the talk of all of college football and really the National Football League is Tennessee Pro Day today."
Kamara and Sutton were the last players off the field, returning kicks nearly five hours after Pro Day started. Although Kamara realizes the seriousness of the work they are doing, he reminded his teammates to savor the experience they've spent so much time dreaming about.
“I think sometimes we forget this is fun. We have fun playing football,” Kamara said. "It was just fun being out there. I was trying to lighten the guys up and just remember, ‘Shoot. This is the last time we are going to be together, so have some fun and lighten up.' "
