'That guy loves football' - Josh Heupel praises Vols player that stepped up in a big way in Tennessee's win against Syracuse

The Tennessee Vols had to deal with an unexpected lineup change on Saturday due to an injury to true freshman right tackle David Sanders.

Sanders was unable to play in the Vols' season-opening win against Syracuse after getting banged up during practice last week.

With Sanders sidelined, the Vols moved right guard Jesse Perry to right tackle. Arizona transfer Wendell Moe moved from left guard to right guard. Redshirt sophomore Sham Umarov started at left guard (his first career start).

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was asked on Monday what he's liked about Umarov's development over the last couple of seasons.

Heupel was quick to point out that Umarov is a guy that "loves" football.

“Sham from the time he's got here, he’s done a great job continuing to grow," said Heupel. "I’m just saying on the physical side of it -- in the best shape [and his] ability to move since he’s gotten here. Did a great job during the course of our winter, spring, and summer. A guy that continues to invest mentally, understanding the game. Fundamentally, [he] continues to get better.

"He’s performed at a really high level through spring ball and during training camp where we had great trust and belief in him. I’m not sure there’s anybody that’s more excited when they come out to the practice field than Sham. That guy loves football, loves his teammates, gives everything that he’s got every single day. That’s been a huge factor in his growth from the time that he got here.”

Umarov played all 70 snaps in the win against Syracuse (he earned a 64.8 grade from Pro Football Focus).

The Vols are hoping to get Sanders back soon, which means Umarov will return to a backup role. The development of Umarov, though, is a big positive for Tennessee as it gives the Vols some extremely important interior offensive line depth.