Tennessee Football: 5 biggest takeaways from Volunteers’ spring 2018

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Jarrett Guarantano
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Jarrett Guarantano
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt walks on the field during warm ups prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Pruitt was named the new head coach for the Tennessee Volunteers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt walks on the field during warm ups prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Pruitt was named the new head coach for the Tennessee Volunteers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1. Jeremy Pruitt is the exact opposite of Butch Jones

Hey, Tennessee fans, are you looking for some good news? Well, here it is: Jeremy Pruitt is the exact opposite of Butch Jones.

Yes, you can breathe easier knowing that Jones’ coaching style is no longer in town and Knoxville is home to a new tough-minded, hard-nosed coach who is dedicated to winning. He’s a disciplinarian who has already voiced his displeasure with some of his players’ performances and mindsets this spring. He’s basically telling his guys, if you don’t want to be tough and give it your all, Tennessee is no longer the place for you.

The Volunteers have been the laughing stock of the SEC for the past couple of seasons, regressing under Jones. That won’t be the case as Pruitt knows how to win and already has the right plan in place.

No longer will players be given a pass and no more excuses will be made for mediocre play. Pruitt is here to stay and he’s going to tell it like it is.

Next: Way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft

There’s a reason he was one of Nick Saban’s most valuable assistant coaches and Tennessee fans will soon see the difference between Pruitt and Jones — if they haven’t already.