After a long winter full of controversy, the Volunteers are finally on the practice field and getting to hit each other.

For head coach Butch Jones, the expectations are the same as every year: win the SEC East. There is good reason to think the Vols could pull it off this season.

Returning are the tandem of quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd. For Dobbs, the development of an inexperienced wide receiver corps will be key after the loss of Von Pearson and Marquez North. Josh Malone and Josh Smith could be the ones to fill those roles. Junior tight end Ethan Wolf will also factor into new offensive coordinator Mike DeBord’s offensive scheme.

Star senior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is out until June with an injury, but will be counted on to lead the defense. A player to watch this spring is sophomore linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., who started 10 games as a freshman.

In the secondary, Rashaan Gaulden returns after missing all of last season with an injury, and will looked to to fill a void at the safety position.