Tennessee Volunteers Spring Game Recap: What we learned

Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) and quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers had their spring game on Saturday so do they have the look of an SEC contender or is more work needed to live up to expectations?

Butch Jones has Tennessee in position to challenge for an SEC east division title as he begins his third year with the Vols and has his best collection of talent as he attempts to fulfill the lofty expectations on his team.

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The Vols made it to a bowl game where they beat Iowa in the Taxslayer Bowl to finish 7-6 and give the team momentum heading into a crucial offseason where another big step is expected with so much young talent on the roster.

Tennessee’s starting lineup was littered with freshmen and sophomores from Jones’ highly ranked recruiting classes and their experience should pay dividends in 2015 with them expected to benefit greatly with another spring and fall camp before the season kicks off in September.

The spring game was the first chance for the fan base to see if they are on track for that big step and 63,016 showed up at Neyland Stadium to see the Orange and White Game where the Orange-shirted defense took the win, 54-44.

Forget about the score, I am interested in the performances from the players and who stood out on Saturday, so here are the biggest takeaways from the spring game.

Next: Who backs up Josh Dobbs?