KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Football held its second spring scrimmage on Thursday night at Neyland Stadium ahead of the team's Orange and White Game on April 13.
The scrimmage was closed to the public and the media, but head coach Josh Heupel met with the media after and said he was glad his team had the chance to scrimmage under the lights at Neyland Stadium.
"It's an opportunity to get out and play in an environment that we're going to be in at some point next year," Heupel said. "They guys had a lot of energy and enjoyed being out there."
Heupel said freshman wide receiver Mike Matthews and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell made some big plays on offense, as well as Dont'e Thornton, who came over last season from Oregon.
The head coach also praised the way Nico Iamaleava continues to grow as he gets ready for his first full season as the Vols' starting quarterback.
"His competitive composure was really big, and his demeanor in general," Heupel said. "I'm really pleased with what he's done tonight and through the first part of spring ball."
On defense, Heupel said the veteran defensive line has been key as the rest of the defense continues to develop, and it's an asset to be able to rely on the interior defenders to be consistent.
"They have kind of led the way, our edge group continues to get better, and the young guys and new guys have really grown inside of it really quickly," Heupel said. "They're playing with great pad level, they're using their hands better than they ever have. I'm not just talking about pass rushing, it's in the run game too."
Tennessee will play its annual Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. The event will be held at a limited capacity of 10,000 fans due to construction.
