A look at some of the top headlines and storylines surrounding the Vols’ fall camp:
Off-campus experience: The Vols are currently in the midst of a six-day camp being held at Milligan College, located two hours east of Knoxville. The team is holding practices at the college and a nearby high school.
“It kind of limits ourselves from the distractions, and simulates what used to be really common as it relates to team chemistry, getting to know each other and togetherness,” coach Derek Dooley said.
The Vols held their first scrimmage on Saturday, and Dooley was pleased with the team’s approach.
"They were treating it like a game, and I think that's a sign of maturity and how important it was to them," Dooley said.
Meanwhile in Knoxville, equipment is currently being moved into the Vols’ new $45 million facility. The practices at Milligan were scheduled as a team-bonding activity and a chance to give workers time and space to make the move.
Run game steps up: After finishing No. 116 in the nation in rushing yards in 2011, the Vols showed some signs of life on the ground in Saturday’s scrimmage. They had 295 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. A lot of that production came from junior Rajion Neal, who is competing with sophomores Devrin Young and Marlin Lane for the starting RB spot.
Neal carried nine times for 134 yards, including a 68-yard run for a touchdown.
“I think I did pretty well,” Neal said after the scrimmage. “Those guys up front gave me a good opportunity to come out and have a good day. I feel the offense has a great deal of confidence in running the ball, but it still has room for improvement. It starts up front with those guys. They really gave all the backs, including myself, a chance to be successful.”
Injury update: Junior wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who was the top-rated junior college player in the nation in 2012 according to 247Sports.com, has been limited the past three days with a minor shoulder sprain. He had one catch for 26 yards in Saturday’s scrimmage while wearing a non-contact jersey.
Freshman LB Kenny Bynum has a torn meniscus, and will miss an undetermined amount of time. Redshirt freshman LB Christian Harris has been at practice doing drills on the side after tearing his ACL in April. He is expected to make a full return at some point in September.
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.