After discussing the possibility at the beginning of spring practice, the Tennessee coaching staff decided to move rising redshirt-freshman Charles Mosley to the offensive line for Tuesday’s practice.
Head coach Butch Jones pointed out that the move was only temporary, as the staff wanted to experiment with Mosley at offensive guard, but said he was impressed with the day he had.
“It was a very very productive day,” Jones said of Mosley. “He will play defensive line in the spring game, but we wanted to get some stuff on video and continue to evaluate what is his best position. Just like Charles, every day he wants to help the team win, and play any position that he could possibly play.”
The Brighton, Tennessee native was forced to miss all of 2014 after fracturing his leg in a car accident before the beginning of the season, allowing him to redshirt.
Mosley had been working at defensive tackle for most of the spring, and his performance has drawn praise from many members of the Vols staff, but at 6-foot-5 and over 350 pounds, offensive line is a move that makes sense.
The surprising athleticism he has shown on offense, is also his biggest strength on the defensive side of the ball according to Jones.
“He has size, athleticism for a big individual and again he’s very smart and picks things up fast,” Jones said. “But just his overall size and strength. He’s not in football condition yet with his leg. He’s still only about 70 percent, but he has natural instincts when it comes to playing offensive line.”
While his teammates on the offensive line are glad to have the added depth, they’re also enjoying the fact they don’t have lineup against him for a while.
“It’s good to stop blocking him,” offensive lineman Brett Kendrick said. “He’s a big boy.”
Kendrick gaining confidence: There were admittedly times last season when offensive lineman Brett Kendrick struggled mentally on the field, especially after getting beat by his opponent.
The redshirt-sophomore has put those days behind him, however, and used a strong spring practice to propel himself into the running for the starting right tackle spot come next fall.
“I lost my confidence sometimes last year,” Kendrick said after Tuesday’s practice. “But I feel very confident right now with what I’m doing … I put the work in the weight room. Coach Lawson did a great job, and Kyler Kerbyson is always on me.”
The Knoxville native also cited an increase in success in one-on-one drills this spring for his rise in confidence, and it seems the coaching staff has a similar confidence in Kendrick.
Coleman Thomas has spent much of his young career playing right tackle but recently has made the move to center. A move that Kendrick believes shows confidence in the way he has performed this spring.
“I think that is them saying that they have confidence in me,” Kendrick said. “Which builds my confidence. Anything that can build my confidence. That really helps, and I’m glad they have confidence in me to stay out there.”
While Kendrick has begun to emerge from an individual standpoint, Jones is quick to point out the improvement of the offensive line as a unit.
“Our offensive line continues to grow and develop,” Butch said. “We have competition there. Just the overall standards and the expectations (have stood out).”
Tuttle gaining ‘invaluable’ spring reps: While kids his age are preparing for prom at this time, Shy Tuttle is preparing for the fall.
Tuttle was able enroll at UT in January to participate in the off-season workout program, as well as get a head start during spring practice, a move that has been very beneficial for the 6-foot-3 defensive tackle.
“Thank goodness he’s here,” Jones said. “He’s learning our style of play. He’s learning how to fight through mental fatigue and physical fatigue. The mental toughness and the mental conditioning that it’s about. Technique and toughness through technique (have been learning points).”
Tuttle pointed to “leverage” as the area he has improved upon the most this spring, while also acknowledging a great improvement in his conditioning level.
It’s no secret that the Vols are short several defensive linemen this spring, and while that has been struggle for the team at times, it has given Tuttle a plethora of reps each practice.
While many of the defensive linemen can’t practice, that doesn’t stop them for pointing out mistakes that a young player makes.
“It’s helped me,” Tuttle said. “Plus the players that are hurt, like the senior (Danny O’Brien). He’s been helping me out a lot, watching me and correcting me.”
