Vols Freshmen David Sanders Jr and Jack Van Dorselaer Could See More Action After Bye Week

(utsports.com)– Following its thrilling, hard-fought overtime win on the road at Mississippi State last week, No. 15/15 Tennessee is using its first of two open dates this season to continue growing and improving while getting some much-needed rest and recovery.

For the second consecutive year, the Vols will take on Arkansas coming off an open week and are motivated to ensure they are as prepared as possible for their lone home game in the month of October.

“You can point to last year and the way that we played coming off a bye week,” Heupel said when asked about keeping the team motivated during practice this week. “You look at last week, excited and happy about the way we competed. The way we went and played the next play, the next series, the way that we finished the game, but there are a lot of things that we can do a lot better.

“That’s in every phase of the game, but certainly offensively and on special teams. Whether you win or lose, it’s dealing with what the reality is, and how you get better.”

Tennessee is also using this week to get its younger players ready for increased roles throughout the remainder of the season as the Vols look to continue building depth across all of their position groups.

True freshmen David Sanders Jr. and Jack Van Dorselaer are two names to keep an eye on as they look to take on larger roles as the calendar turns to October. Both Sanders Jr. and Van Dorselaer saw action in key moments down the stretch during UT’s win against the Bulldogs last Saturday.

“I thought he went in and handled himself extremely well,” Heupel said when asked about Sanders Jr.’s debut. “First action of the season, seven minutes and some change to go in the ball game on a drive where you have to go down and score to tie it up.

“It was something that I pointed out to everyone in our team room. I just used the word prepared, right? He was prepared for that moment. Went in, executed and handled himself the way that you need to, to go score on a drive. We’re going to need them all as the season continues, so fight, strain, compete and take what you want individually, and ultimately, us as a football team too.”

Heupel was quick to sing the praises of Van Dorselaer’s, as well, when asked about his development at the tight end position.

“Another guy that I pointed out being prepared for his opportunity. He played great on special teams. His reps on offense, did a great job in the core. He was a big part of the overtime play where we spring a run. Played with violence, speed and technique and created space there for DeSean (Bishop) to score at the end of the game.

“He’s a young guy who has handled himself with great maturity and continues to get better but is prepared. Love the growth that we’ve seen from him.”