Butch Jones had a checklist for his team’s first spring practice in pads.

How would the team play together in pads? How would the Vols handle the up-tempo style? Would the players stay focused?

And most importantly: Would the team be physical?

“We have a long ways to go with this football team,” Jones said. “I like their mentality, I like their approach to practice, but we must become a much more physical football team.”

The lack of physicality was most evident along the offensive and defensive lines, according to Jones. The Vols were missing ten players, but Jones wasn’t accepting injuries as an excuse.

“We have a long way to go but it’s kind of what’s expected after practice three,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to grading the film, I think we will have numerous teaching opportunities.”

Shy Tuttle: The freshman defensive lineman was the recipient of praise from Butch Jones.

“The one individual who I thought really stepped up and really made his presence felt was Shy Tuttle,” Jones said. “I thought he had a very, very productive, a very good first day.”

“He came off the football,” Jones stated. “You could see the disruptive quickness, you could see the explosiveness, you could see the use of his hands. The thing I really liked about it [was] you could see his competitive nature, you could see his competitive character and his confidence. He is very, very athletic.”

Tuttle showed off his athleticism when he picked off a pass during practice. He tipped the ball and then was able to haul it in himself.

Alvin Kamara: Kamara, a junior college transfer running back, showed his explosiveness during practice.

When asked for their first impressions of Kamara, his teammates all gave the same response: he’s fast.

Junior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin said there were several runs where he couldn’t get to Kamara.

Redshirt sophomore Josh Smith also praised Kamara for his speed.

“Alvin is a playmaker for sure,” Smith said. “I noticed that right as he came in, making plays left and right just in the offseason. See how he works, just his work ethic, you could see that it was clear, and you just knew that he has something to him. You can see it out on the practice field, so we’ll see what he can do in games.”

Kamara said it was fun to be in full pads and getting to hit a little bit. He said everyone was a little jittery and ready to hit after not being in pads the first two days. Even being a little jittery, he said he felt relaxed and just had to get the first hits out of the way.

The junior college transfer is with his third team in three years after starting out at the University of Alabama before leaving and going to Hutchinson Community College. At Tennessee, he is in his third offensive system. Kamara said he is just trying to stay focused and not over-think things.

“Here is really just the tempo, you know coach Jones, fast and furious, that’s our offense,” Kamara said. “The tempo is fast, the whole practice is fast, just getting used to that tempo is what I’ve been getting used to.”

Kamara also touched on how he and sophomore Jalen Hurd have been helping each other improve.

“We are in the room working, pushing each other every day,” Kamara said. “That’s one of the things I pride myself on. I’m pushing him and he is pushing me.”

Kamara asserted that Hurd’s size and speed, and his ability to get to the outside, will put a lot of stress on defenses.

For the spring, Kamara hopes to show the coaching staff his abilities and what he can do on the field. He wants to show that he can produce and be a weapon for the offense.

Josh Smith: Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith put the pads on for the first time in months.

Speaking on the injury he suffered against Oklahoma last year, Smith said it was a struggle and very frustrating because of all the work he had put in from his freshman to sophomore season. Smith said the situation was more painful because his injury occurred during a touchdown catch in a good game against the Sooners.

Now he said he is just focused on putting the injury behind him and moving forward.

“I’m knocking the rust off, getting my habits right,” Smith said. “Coach Z (Zach Azzanni) is coaching me up hard and I’m just trying to get right now.”

When asked about his current physical state Smith said, “Rehab was big. Now I’m close to 100 percent and I’m feeling great, so now I’m trying to get my conditioning up and stick with it.”

Smith said he put on more muscle during his rehab and is now up to 208 pounds and he feels more comfortable blocking, but will lose some of the weight during conditioning.

Coach Jones said Smith is a team player and has a workman mentality. He also said Smith continues to progress and is getting back into football shape.

Up next: Tennessee will hit the field again March 31 for its fourth practice of the spring.