Vols take on spring practice while 15 former players prepare for Pro Day

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — The dream towards a hopeful leap from college to the pros takes a big stage Wednesday for many former Tennessee Volunteers - who will take part in the Vols Pro Day.

NFL scouts and personnel will be on hand in Knoxville when Tennessee football VFLs showcase their skills.

Tennessee's three NFL Combine invitees – quarterback Joe Milton III, cornerback Kamal Hadden and running back Jaylen Wright – will be on hand Wednesday in addition to 12 other Vols. They include linebacker Aaron Beasley, place kicker Charles Campbell, tight end McCallan Castles, offensive lineman Jeremiah Crawford, defensive lineman Kurott Garland, defensive back Gabe Jeudy-Lally, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, offensive lineman Ollie Lane, defensive back Jaylen McCollough, running back Jabari Small, tight end Jacob Warren and return specialist Dee Williams.

The Vols have produced a combined 10 picks in the last two drafts combined, which is top-eight nationally. The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan as this 2023 group seeks to take their place among Tennessee's draft legacy.

Meanwhile, as the program hopes to see some of their former players off the NFL, they are getting to work in spring ball. The pads came out this past weekend as the Vols continue to work towards the fall.

Sullivan East grad Dayne Davis took the podium this week as he enters his redshirt senior season - and he's excited about the incoming group of players.

"As those guys gain more weight, they're going to be even better players. We've been harping on them for that," said Davis. "Those guys care. That's the biggest thing as a freshman. Just coming in and wanting to learn. Being a constant sponge with all the knowledge that's swinging around. It's hard, but just telling them to stay the course and they'll be good players."