What Josh Heupel liked about defense, QBs in Tennessee football scrimmage

If Tennessee football's first scrimmage of spring practice is any indication, coach Josh Heupel likes the progress and new direction of the Vols defense.

“I thought defensively, (they) played extremely well. They created a couple of turnovers, played assignment sound, fit the run game pretty well and didn’t give up a lot of big plays,” Heupel said on March 26.  “Through the first seven (practices), those guys really continue to grow and build and master what we’re doing on that side of the football.”

The first intrasquad scrimmage of spring practice was closed to the public and media. But Heupel provided some takeaways afterward. He praised several positions on both sides of the ball, but he was noticeably impressed with the defense.

That’s a great sign considering the process the Vols are taking to retool the defense.

New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a revamped coaching staff are installing the scheme. Returning players, 12 transfers and some freshmen are learning it.

Three UT assistants previously coached with Knowles. And four Penn State transfers played for him last season. Heupel said that familiarity has accelerated the installation of the scheme.

“Having coaches that are familiar with it and getting that in a clear concise way to our defensive players holistically as a unit and as a position group has helped with that process,” Heupel said. “Then some of those guys that have familiarity with it, absolutely (they are helping).”

Here are four more takeaways from the scrimmage.

Ty Redmond made dynamic plays in scrimmage

UT has 46 new players in spring practice, including transfers and freshmen who enrolled early. About half the starting defense is expected to be made up of transfers. Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, a Penn State transfer, is among the newcomers who have had a strong start.

But a returning young player has impressed coaches lately, and that carried over into the scrimmage. Cornerback Ty Redmond has stood out in a secondary stocked with talented transfers.

Redmond quietly earned All-SEC honors as a freshman in 2025, and he’s taken additional strides in spring practice.

Quarterbacks take competition into second half

Heupel didn’t tip his hand about early frontrunners in the three-man quarterback competition. He praised redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.

Heupel said MacIntyre is processing the offense faster, which offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said is essential for the starter. Meanwhile, Brandon made some impressive passes in the scrimmage as he learns the playbook.

“From where (MacIntyre) was at the end of the season, you can see the steps that he’s taken. So I’m really pleased with that,” Heupel said. “Faizon has done the same thing in learning the offense, and Ryan also. Those guys continue to progress.”

Heupel said he won’t name a starting quarterback in spring practice, which is approaching its midpoint. There are eight practices remaining, capped by the Orange and White spring game on April 11.

Vols searching for DeSean Bishop's running mate

All-SEC running back DeSean Bishop returns, but there’s a healthy competition to identify his backfield partners. Heupel said Bishop was limited in the scrimmage so other running backs could get more reps.

Tulane transfer Javin Gordon rushed for 516 yards and five TDs last season. Daune Morris and Justin Baker rushed for 133 yards and 43 yards, respectively, as UT freshmen.

The Vols could utilize a backfield duo or trio, but Bishop will be featured. The former Karns standout rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 TDs for UT last season.

Offensive line experience, depth are evident

Heupel doesn’t like to praise one position over others. But when asked to name a group that’s ahead of schedule, he acknowledged the progress of the offensive line.

That’s predictable because five players who started at least half the season return from the offensive line. Center Sam Pendleton and guards Sham Umarov and Wendell Moe are back, although Moe is out with an injury. Jesse Perry started at right guard and right tackle last season. David Sanders moved from right tackle to left tackle in spring.

Plus, LSU transfer Ory Williams and West Virginia transfer Donovan Haslam joined the unit.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football scrimmage features strong defense, quarterback progress