Vols Hold First Scrimmage

By Josh Kendall
InsideTennessee.com
August 10, 2010

Tennessee held its first scrimmage of the preseason inside Neyland stadium today, and head coach Derek Dooley saw about what he expected.
�
�It was a typical first scrimmage,� said Dooley. �I think if there is one lesson coming out of this, it�s that if you aren�t mentally ready to play you are going to get your tail whipped.�
�
That was an apparent reference to defenders who were dominant in spring practice but struggled early against a surprisingly effective offense on Tuesday.
�
Dooley was encouraged by the play of his quarterbacks, junior Matt Simms and freshman Tyler Bray.
�
�I was really pleased with the progress the quarterbacks are making,� said the coach. �They are both really doing well and they are both different.�
�
Simms completed 9 of 21 attempts for 80 yards and one touchdown with a long of 30 yards.
Bray completed 11 of 22 attempts for 153 yards and a touchdown with a long of 49 yards.
�
Running back Tauren Poole continues to perform well, breaking a 49-yard gallop only to be caught just short of the end zone by safety Prentiss Waggner.� Poole finished with two carries for 62 yards and a touchdown.
�
Once known as Wide Receiver U, Tennessee is trying to become punter U.� The Volunteer punters averaged more than 44 yards per punt Tuesday. Senior Chad Cunningham is battling freshmen Matt Darr and Michael Palardy for the starting job.
�
�We punted three guys, and every one of them averaged over 44,� Dooley said. �We�ve got some talented punters."
�
Injury Notes: Starting safety Janzen Jackson was withheld from the scrimmage with a strained hamstring. He should be available when practice resumes Thursday.
�
Practice Notes: Tennessee will be off Wednesday, then hold its first two-a-day session on Thursday. The next scrimmage will be Saturday night.