Vols Football Picks Back Up at Spring Practice, Turning to Leadership to Drive the Ship

As the calendar flips to spring, the Tennessee Volunteers football team once again turns its attention to the practice fields. Spring practice offers an opportunity for players to hone their skills, for coaches to evaluate talent, and for teams to lay the foundation for a successful season ahead. For Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, spring practice is more than just a time to get ready for the fall—it’s a critical moment for the team to solidify its leadership, strengthen its culture, and fine-tune its game plan. With the 2024 season just around the corner, the Vols are looking to leadership to drive the ship, ensuring they continue their upward trajectory after a successful 2023 campaign.

The Road Ahead: Building on Last Year’s Success

The 2023 season was a positive step forward for Tennessee, with the team showcasing a high-powered offense and an improving defense. Although the Vols fell short in some key matchups, including a tough loss to Alabama and an early exit from the postseason, they demonstrated resilience, poise, and growth under Heupel’s leadership. The offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton III, showed flashes of brilliance, and the defense, though still a work in progress, improved as the season went on.

Heading into 2024, the Vols are primed to take the next step. With Heupel entering his fourth year as head coach, Tennessee has become more than just a team with potential—it is a program that is expected to compete for championships in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, the road to success is rarely straightforward, and much of what will define Tennessee’s season will come down to the leadership of its players and the ability of the coaching staff to cultivate that leadership during spring practice.

Leadership in Transition: Who’s Stepping Up?

One of the most significant storylines for Tennessee during spring practice is the leadership transition. With the departure of key players from the 2023 team, including star wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and standout defensive lineman Byron Young, the Vols are looking for new voices to emerge and take charge both on and off the field. Heupel has spoken frequently about the importance of leadership in the offseason, emphasizing that success in the SEC requires more than just talent—it takes a group of players who are willing to lead by example and push their teammates to be the best version of themselves.

The leadership vacuum left by the departure of veterans like Hyatt and Young has created opportunities for younger players and returning upperclassmen to step up. Quarterback Joe Milton III, who is entering his second year as the starter, is perhaps the most obvious candidate to assume a leadership role. Milton has all the physical tools necessary to succeed at the highest level, and now, with a year of experience under his belt, he is tasked with becoming the emotional and vocal leader of the team. Heupel has already praised Milton for his growth as a leader, noting that he has embraced the responsibility of guiding Tennessee’s offense with confidence and poise.

In addition to Milton, several other key players are expected to step into leadership roles. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Aaron Beasley is poised to take on a more prominent role. Beasley was a key contributor in 2023, and with the departure of several veterans, he will be counted on to anchor the defense and provide a steadying presence. His leadership will be critical as the Vols work to develop a defense that is capable of competing against the high-powered offenses in the SEC.

Another player who is expected to take on a larger leadership role is running back Jabari Small. Small has been a steady presence in the backfield for Tennessee over the past few seasons, and with the team looking to maintain its balanced offensive attack, his leadership will be vital in setting the tone for the rushing game. As one of the most experienced players on the roster, Small’s leadership in the locker room and on the field will be crucial to Tennessee’s success.

Position Battles: The Importance of Developing Leaders Across the Depth Chart

While leadership from the top down is important, the true strength of a football team often lies in the collective leadership across every position group. Spring practice is the time for players to prove themselves, and the results of these battles will shape the team’s depth chart heading into the fall.

Quarterback is the most obvious position of interest, with Joe Milton III returning as the starter but still needing to solidify his command of the offense. Milton has all the physical attributes that NFL scouts covet—he’s big, strong, and has a cannon for an arm—but his consistency and decision-making will be tested in 2024. Spring practice will be crucial for Milton to continue developing chemistry with his wide receivers and to demonstrate that he can handle the pressure of leading a high-powered offense in the SEC.

Behind Milton, the Vols will look to develop depth at the quarterback position. Freshman Nico Iamaleava, one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, will be battling for the backup role and will likely see some playing time in blowout situations or in specific packages designed to exploit his skill set. Iamaleava’s presence creates healthy competition in the quarterback room, which can only help elevate the play of everyone involved. His development in spring practice will be closely watched, as many see him as the future of the program.

In the running back room, Tennessee has a stable of talented players competing for carries. In addition to Jabari Small, the Vols will look to Jalen Wright and Dylan Sampson to provide a dynamic and deep backfield. Small’s leadership will be important for setting the tone, but the competition for playing time between these backs will also foster a sense of accountability and urgency within the group.

The offensive line is another position group that will be scrutinized closely during spring practice. Tennessee’s offensive line had its ups and downs in 2023, and it will need to show significant improvement in 2024 to give Joe Milton the time he needs to operate efficiently. With several key players returning, including tackle Darnell Wright, the Vols will look to establish cohesion and toughness along the line. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee will play a significant role in developing not only the technical skills of his players but also their leadership qualities, as offensive lines are often the heart and soul of a team’s offensive identity.

On the defensive side, the defensive line is an area where Tennessee will be looking for major improvement. With the departure of Byron Young, the Vols will need others to step up and take control of the front seven. Linebacker Aaron Beasley, as mentioned earlier, will be crucial in this regard, but players like defensive tackle Omari Thomas and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will also need to emerge as leaders. The defensive line is expected to be the strength of the defense in 2024, and the leadership within this group will be a driving factor in Tennessee’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

In the secondary, Tennessee will have to replace some key pieces, but the leadership of senior defensive backs like Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough will help guide the younger players through the transition. Their experience in the SEC will be vital in helping the defensive backfield communicate and stay disciplined against high-powered offenses.

Spring Practice as a Crucible for Team Chemistry

While the technical aspects of football are undeniably important, one of the true benefits of spring practice is the ability it provides for team chemistry to develop. As the Vols head into 2024, the leadership on the roster will be essential in building this chemistry and establishing a culture that prioritizes hard work, discipline, and selflessness.

Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has cultivated a culture of accountability and competitive drive, but spring practice is a critical moment for that culture to take root in every player’s mindset. With so many new players coming into the program and several key departures, the team must come together and learn how to work toward a common goal. Leadership from upperclassmen, combined with the fire and enthusiasm of younger players, will be the driving force behind that process.

For Tennessee to succeed in 2024, the players need to feel that they are part of something bigger than themselves. This means not just excelling individually but also ensuring that their teammates have the support and guidance they need to improve. Leadership, both on and off the field, will be the glue that holds the team together as it faces the trials of the SEC and beyond.

A Strong Foundation for the 2024 Season

As Tennessee picks back up at spring practice, the focus on leadership is paramount. With a team that is filled with potential but still in need of development and cohesion, the leadership of key players like Joe Milton, Aaron Beasley, and Jabari Small will be vital to ensuring the Vols are ready to compete at the highest level in the 2024 season. Spring practice offers the perfect platform for players to develop their leadership skills, for coaches to fine-tune their game plans, and for the team to come together as one cohesive unit.

If Tennessee can harness its leadership and continue its development during the spring, it will be well-positioned to take the next step toward competing for an SEC championship and potentially making a run at the College Football Playoff. With Josh Heupel at the helm, Tennessee has the right coach to steer the ship, and now it’s up to the players to take control and lead the Vols to new heights.