Sophomore offensive lineman Coleman Thomas surprised his position coach Don Mahoney during Thursday’s practice.

But unlike the shock Thomas gave his position coach three weeks ago, this surprise wasn’t bad.

Mahoney was pleased with Thomas’ performance at center despite his three-week absence from the team.

“He was good.” Mahoney said of Thomas. “He was a lot further ahead than I thought he would be. He did a nice job from the center position: first and foremost his ball location, also, just taking charge with his calls, communicating and getting the play started.

“So that was really encouraging.”

Thomas was suspended from all team activities on March 26 when he was arrested for a Class E felony theft charge for stealing an Xbox One and three games and selling the stolen items to a GameStop. Last Wednesday his attorney Don Bosch announced in a press release that the charges against Thomas were dismissed after it became more apparent that Thomas did not know the items were stolen when he sold them to GameStop.

Tennessee didn’t waste any time reinstating Thomas as he was on the practice field on Thursday, the day after the charges were dropped.

Thomas may have impressed his coach, but that didn’t mean he avoided getting rusty in his lengthy departure from the team.

“Fundamentally and technically, there are things he will need to get up to speed on,” Mahoney said. “But all in all, it was a pretty productive first day for him.”

Mahoney didn’t delve into details on how Thomas can learn from the situation, saying Jones will handle the matter involving Thomas and his suspension.

Mahoney is just grateful Coleman has returned to the practice field.

“He is where he was supposed to be today,” Mahoney said. “It’s great to have him back.”

Extra Point- Cameron Sutton only had to make a couple cuts to return a punt 76 yards to the end zone in 24-17 victory over Vanderbilt on November 17.

If he hadn’t made those cuts, Tennessee might not have earned the sixth win to become bowl eligible.

It was a prime example of the return game’s impact on the outcome of a tight contest. A great kickoff returner could help a team win one or two extra games in the course of the season.

Tight Ends and special teams coordinator Mark Elder likes the kickoff return candidates in spring practice so far.

“We got a number of guys that we are excited about as far as athletically,” Elder said. “Obviously, the guys that took the majority of reps from last year are back.

“Obviously, Cam is back and he has done a great job. We ended up getting to a bowl game off of a big play that he made in a punt return against Vanderbilt.”