KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With 30 days remaining until Tennessee football’s 2024 season opener, position battles are beginning to take shape as the Vols progress through fall training camp. A pair of new transfers and young, budding talent in the tight end room make that competition particularly intriguing as UT’s Aug. 31 matchup with Chattanooga draws closer.
 
Second-year tight ends coach Alec Abeln met with the media after Thursday’s practice at Haslam Field and fielded questions on the depth, chemistry and versatility of his group through two practices of preseason camp.
 
“Their chemistry is great,” Abeln said. “They all obviously want to play. They all obviously want to be the starter. That’s still up for grabs, it’s open competition this camp. That’s the stock coach answer, but that’s the reality of it.
 
“They each have different skill sets, which allows you to do different things with each guy. It gives us flexibility as a staff as far as what we can get into and what we can call for certain guys. The offense is still the offense, but it definitely gives us the ability to use guys really intentionally.”
 
With the departure of veteran tight ends Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles to the NFL, Abeln has seen his players improve their leadership skills over the course of the offseason. He acknowledged Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes, who both transferred into the program this past spring, and redshirt freshman Ethan Davis as standouts early in camp.
 
“Honestly, every guy in our room has a leadership quality that’s been really good,” Abeln explained. (Miles Kitselman) comes to work every day and attacks stuff. He’s a little bit more vocal, little bit more blue collar if you will. (Holden Staes) shows up with great energy and great attention to detail every day. He’s a positive influence. E (Ethan Davis), man, when his energy is the right way, there’s nobody that’s got a better personality, better energy for our group. When he shows up with that type of energy it’s contagious for all of us, but really all of those guys have stepped up in a big way.”
 
Full comments from Abeln’s Thursday press conference can be viewed below, along with select quotes from freshman running back Peyton Lewis, freshman wide receiver Braylon Staley and freshman offensive lineman Bennett Warren.