Jon Hefney runs through a tackling drill during UT's practice on Saturday.

In the last 10 days, I've been about to get out and view all three Bedford County high school football teams practice as well as UT on Saturday and various NFL teams on the television.

What I've noticed is that some drills are commonplace no matter the level of competition or experience. But, the pace and the amount of intensity varies greatly.

Often times high schools seem to hit slow motion in comparison. Of course the college and pro teams have a bevy of coaches, trainers and personnel to help with all of this. Not to mention, they have several video cameras rolling high above the playing field so coaches can review DVDs later that night of how things went when they weren't looking.

You can't expect small rural towns to come close to matching the attention to detail due to a lack of resources. But, you can match the amount of hustle.

After Vols like Dennis Rogan or Austin Rogers field a punt and give the coverage team a good look at how to stay in their lanes, they don't walk off to the side, take off their helmets, grab a sip of water or exchange jokes. Those guys know their jobs are on the line. Competition makes everybody better.

It will be interesting to watch Central, Cascade and Community strap up this fall when I make my rounds again. Shelbyville is trying to regain their legacy and get coach Jason Hardy his first victory. The Champions hope to take that next step after a nine-win season. And, the Vikings enter their first season with a full varsity schedule. All three had problems keeping quality teams out of the end zone late last season.

Some coaches share different theories on hitting, especially during the season. Most are worried about numbers and depth charts. The college and pro squads carry a seemingly endless supply of athletes. But, the art of tackling has to be taught, practiced and practiced again. Those lessons show up in November when high school teams' seasons are on the line. That fourth string tailback didn't bust his tail all summer to just stand and watch all fall. Line him up and let the defense bring him down and perfect a technique.

Pop in a DVD of Rudy and you can see that even in the movies football is a full contact sport and you have to practice it that way.