What Josh Heupel said after Thursday night’s scrimmage at Neyland Stadium

Everything Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel said during his press conference Thursday night, after the Vols held a primetime scrimmage at Neyland Stadium for their second scrimmage of spring practice:

Opening Statement

“It was a lot of fun tonight. Just the way the schedule unfolded, decided to do a night scrimmage. Great to be under the lights inside of Neyland. Guys had a ton of energy and a lot of really good work. And defensively I thought they started extremely fast, violent, disruptive. Got off the field on third downs. Did a great job offensively, settled in in the second half of the scrimmage. So a lot of good work here for just being over the midpoint of spring ball. And obviously got a huge week next week before we get a chance to see Vol Nation out here in the spring game.”

On what he likes about Tennessee’s defense so far and if it starts with the veterans up front…

“Yeah, some of it, absolutely. Our defensive line has brought great energy and consistency every single day that we’ve been on the practice field. Veteran group, especially on the interior, that has kind of led the way. Our edge group continues to get better and the young guys and new guys have really grown inside of it really quickly and they’re playing with great pad level. They’re using their hands better than they ever have and I’m not just talking in pass rushing, in the run game too. So really like what that group’s done.”