Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel had high praise for offensive tackle Lance Heard after the first spring practice of the season.

LSU Tigers transfer offensive tackle Lance Heard made an impression on everyone in Knoxville, Tennessee, before he put on the pads. Heard is the most high-profile transfer Tennessee has landed under head coach Josh Heupel, and he carries sky-high expectations into his first season with the program.

The Vols opened spring practice on Monday morning, and Heupel took the podium to talk about is team. He made a point to shout out Heard's effort to get up-to-speed in the program. There's still development left before Heard is ready to assume the starting tackle snaps, which he likely will do this year. However, early returns look quite promising after a few months.

"Really young player that played snaps down there and played well. He’s been awesome in our building. He’s handled himself with maturity. As a young player, he’s just beginning his journey. I expect him to grow a bunch this spring." - Josh Heupel on Tennessee Volunteers OT Lance Heard

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