Tennessee pauses football activity due to COVID

Just one week before spring practice begins, Tennessee has paused all football activities due to a COVID outbreak within the program. Per Jimmy Hyams, positive tests and contract tracing are the official reasons for the shutdown, with both players and coaches affected.

Tennessee is set to open the spring period on March 23rd.

Also per Hyams, the offensive line group was shut down last week due to contact tracing. If all goes well over the next few days and through the weekend, Tennessee can still begin spring practice on the 23rd.

“Upon learning of the positive results, the staff members and student-athletes immediately self-isolated and are taking the appropriate safety measures in accordance with university, CDC and local health department guidelines,” Tennessee said in a statement.

Spring practice was canceled by the NCAA after just a couple of practices last season. Obviously with Josh Heupel taking over, this year’s spring period will be a vital time as the new coaching staff installs entirely new systems.