Quotes: Defensive Front Sets Tone In Vols’ First Preseason Camp Scrimmage

Quotes: Defensive Front Sets Tone In Vols’ First Preseason Camp Scrimmage

Posted on August 12, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s defensive front set the tone in the Volunteers’ first scrimmage of preseason camp on a soggy Thursday in Neyland Stadium. 

“The run game part of it, the defensive line, interior and guys on the edge, but I thought our backers did a great job fitting gaps and our safeties were involved in it too,” said head coach Josh Heupel. “For a first scrimmage, I thought there was a positive sign of just our tackling in space.”

Multiple newcomer offensive skill players saw significant action with the first-team unit. Senior center Cooper Mays was sidelined after undergoing what Heupel said was a minor procedure on Wednesday. Redshirt senior Ollie Lane and redshirt freshman Addison Nichols stepped up in his absence with both taking snaps with the first team. 

“Ollie is really smart. He’s played a lot of football and has played multiple positions. He’s repped at the three interior spots since the time that we’ve gotten here. He’s been really good. The communication, mechanics and us being able to play with tempo the way that we want to when it presents itself, it’s been really easy for him to transition inside.”

The offense found its rhythm late in the scrimmage with running backs Jaylen Wright, Dylan Sampson and Jabari Small establishing their presence. The Vols also worked two-minute offense and goal line situations late in the scrimmage.

Tennessee is off on Friday before holding back-to-back padded practices on Saturday and Sunday at Haslam Field. 

The Vols open the season on Sept. 2 against Virginia at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The game is being presented by Nissan. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on ABC. 

Tickets for the Nashville opener are on sale now through the Nashville Sports Council and Nissan Stadium via Ticketmaster.com.

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel
Aug. 10, 2023 

Opening Statement
“Really good day out there, great energy. We got some special teams work, some live work for those guys, which I think is really important at this point in training camp. I really liked what our specialists have done up until this point, but it was really good for the guys who are covering or blocking to get some live work. Offensively and defensively, really good day. I think we got out relatively clean today too, which is important. I thought defensively, great energy and great effort, in particular really early in the scrimmage. They did a great job against the run early too and got off the field on some third downs. Offensively, we created some plays on the back half of the scrimmage within the run game, and we had a couple plays in the pass game too. All in all, it was a really good day. We have a lot ahead of us. We have to grow. That starts this afternoon when they come back to us. All in all, really excited about what happened today.” 

On what he saw from the center position and an update on Cooper Mays… 
“Cooper had a minor procedure late yesterday, and he’ll be back and healthy as we get closer to kickoff. I anticipate that being a couple-week deal. Today, we rotated through a bunch of guys like Ollie (Lane) Parker Ball, Vysen (Lang) and Addison Nichols. Those guys are all competing for those spots. All of those guys have taken some reps, even when Cooper was here too, as we continue to look for that backup center spot.” 

On Ollie Lane’s performance at center after being accustomed to playing guard… 
“Ollie is really smart. He’s played a lot of football and has played multiple positions. He’s repped at the three interior spots since the time that we’ve gotten here. He’s been really good. The communication, mechanics and us being able to play with tempo the way that we want to when it presents itself, it’s been really easy for him to transition inside.” 

On Joe Milton III operating the offense during the scrimmage… 
“Joe, I thought operationally was really good. There was some situational stuff that we can be better, coming out in situation. We did some four-minute things at the end as well. It’s a great opportunity. Coaches are completely off the sidelines, coaches are up in the box. Guys have to learn how to operate between the white lines. There’s growth in that way for Joe. All in all, I was really pleased with his decision making and what he did with the football all day long.” 

On the status of defensive backs Wesley Walker and Tamarion McDonald… 
“Those guys are in a good spot. We’ve held them (out) here in the last couple of days, but nothing long term. It’s just based on loads and what they’ve been doing. I wanted to protect them today. Those guys will be with us here as we move forward. Those guys have played really well in the secondary, and I anticipate them playing at a really high level as we keep pushing forward.” 

On if he is close to narrowing down the rotation of the wide receivers… 
“I think the rotation piece is going to be fluid with all of those guys. Some of our young guys continue to grow and make some real strides too, Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb. The four older guys continue to push and compete. I like what they’ve been doing. They’ve operated really efficiently in what we’re doing offensively and within the scheme of what we’re doing. I think they’re playing with great fundamentals and technique. All in all, I like what they’re doing, and the back half of training camp—we’re essentially at the halfway point as far as pure training camp before we get into school—back half of it will be really important too.” 

On Dont’e Thornton playing slot or outside receiver… 
“Dont’e has the ability to play both. For us this year, we probably have a little bit more mobility, guys who can do multiple things within the offense than probably how we’ve played them the first couple of years that I’ve been here.” 

On the defensive front’s development and depth…
“The run game part of it, the defensive line, interior and guys on the edge, but I thought our backers did a great job fitting gaps and our safeties were involved in it too. For a first scrimmage, I thought there was a positive sign of just our tackling in space. I thought that was a real positive. Defensively as a whole, you guys have heard me say it before, when we got here a lot of the kids that had left the program, not all of them, but a lot of them were on the defensive side of the football. We’ve been thin the first couple of years. We added some depth last year that helped us take a step, in particular in the run defense. Feel like we’re continuing to add some real depth and competition and that leads itself to real competition in practice. Who’s going to be the first one running out, how many snaps each guy is going to play? The competition on the practice field and the meeting rooms are a coach’s best friend and we have that. That’s in the interior, it’s out on the edges too. The athleticism, the ability to rush the passer and not just defend the run, it’s also showing up here in training camp, too. I like some of the strides that we’ve taken.”

On where he wants Joe Milton III to develop in terms of handling different situations…
“Processing the offense, he’s operating and handling at a really high level right now. Decision making, understanding protections, how to get himself protected or throw hot, his eyes as far as what he’s seeing from the second level pre-snap and on the snap. He’s been really good at that part of it. Situational football for the quarterback, continuing to grow just in understanding four-minute situation – which we did from a backed-up situation today – clock management. All those things are a continued part of all of those guys’ growth, from Joe all the way to Gaston Moore and everybody that is in the room.”

On how much the offensive line is going to benefit from going against the defensive front…
“I think having to move some pieces around a little bit, guys working at guard, at center – it’s tough because you’re in multiple situations. It’s not like you’re just going into a day. Depending on the period, we kind of cycle through so they get a little bit of that throughout the course of every single practice. You want practice to be more difficult than it is on gameday, and so as we try and put the pieces together and how guys are going to play, in the long run it’s going to make us a lot stronger unit. There’s times you’re really fortunate at every position or on the o-line and d-line where you stay healthy for most of the season, but a lot of times it isn’t that way. You go back to year one, two or three plays in a game we lose a tackle and the next guy has got to be ready to play. We’ve gotten a lot of work where I feel like they’ll be cohesive when you have your five starters. At the same time, we’ve got some rotational stuff that I think will pay dividends as the year unfolds.”

On how Jabari Small is developing coming off of injury and the strides Dylan Sampson has made…
“I talked about the defensive line. I thought as the scrimmage went on the running back group did a really nice job. Jaylen Wright had some really nice runs, reading what’s happening up front with our blocking schemes, doing a great job of pressing it and having a nice big run. I thought Jabari played really well, it was important for him to get some live work too, missing the spring. Dylan Sampson did a nice job in the run game, pass game too. The young guys inside of our program, all three young guys have been really promising. Excited about that group. Coach (Jerry) Mack has done a great job with them.”

On what he’s doing at the star position after injuries…
“There’s multiple guys that have been rotating. From Warren Burrell, Jourdan Thomas, there’s been multiple guys that have played that position and we’re trying to find the right fit as you find the right five to be out on the field. You want your best five out there and how you put the pieces together is how you rotate those guys as well.”

On if Warren Burrell’s experience allows him to rotate positions easily…
“I think he’s extremely bright. Being able to handle playing on the edge at corner, which he has a lot of experience at. His total understanding of the principles and schemes and responsibilities and where your eyes need be allow him to transition and take some snaps at that. His ability to understand your gap fits off of that too are really important. He’s an intelligent player that’s been here for a while and that’s a part of why we’ve been able to play him at that spot.”

On what he’s seen from Ethan Davis and McCallan Castles and what they’ve brought to the tight end room…
“Both of those guys have played a ton of football. At this point, really believe that both of them will play at really high level when they’re out there on the field. McCallan and really both of them are so much further ahead than they were when they finished spring ball. Both of them are seasoned in what we’re doing offensively. McCallan has been really good out on the perimeter, Ethan Davis is too. It’s really natural for both guys to be playmakers out in space. That’s true today, it’s been true through the first seven practices before we got out here too. (They) have the ability to be dynamic in the pass game. Both of them have gotten really comfortable and continue to grow inside the core too. McCallan, I thought yesterday was his best day inside the core. Really pleased with what those guys are doing.”

On the value of offensive tackles being able to play on the left and right side…
“We’ve rotated our tackles a bunch. Guys that have played on the left side and right side, (not only) their understanding of what we’re doing, but their experience in general and the ability to flip everything, from fundamentals and technique to scheme, gives us flexibility that you don’t always have. From JJ (Jeremiah Crawford) to John (Campbell Jr.) and the rest of the crew, been excited about where we’re at, but how we’re trending too at those positions. They compete really hard every single day. They compete with each other, but they do it in a really positive way. That o-line group is extremely tight, and I think you guys have seen that here the three years that Coach (Glen) Elarbee has been here.” 

On Javontez Spraggins’ performance in Thursday’s scrimmage and throughout fall camp… 
“First of all, he has great energy every single day. He’s the same competitor. That’s a part of why he’s climbed personally. He has great influence on the offensive line unit, the offense in general and really our football team. He’s a huge part of the energy that we have at practice every single day. He’s been hyper focused on how he can grow to be the best player that he can be. You guys know he’s going to play with great effort and be extremely physical. In the offseason, he continued to change his body. Fundamentally, I think he’s continuing to grow. In particular, I think that pays dividends in pass pro situations.” 

On balancing patience with wanting to push freshman QB Nico Iamaleava… 
“When you have to grow, you have to grow. You have to be pushed. When we install it, he’s running everything. You’ve heard me say that when they finish spring ball, when they come back at the beginning of training camp, they should be a different player. He’s a different player. He has great command and understanding of what we’re doing. He understands protections. He understands how he has to get us out of run-run checks, pass-run checks or whatever it might be. He hasn’t been perfect, but he’s grown. One of the things that we’ve talked about is not making the same mistake twice. He doesn’t make the same mistake twice. He learns from it. There was a rep yesterday as he was going through his reading progression. There was a tight window on the inside, he throws the ball and while he’s standing in the pocket, you can see him visually be like, ‘Hey man, I should’ve gotten to the next one outside.’ He’s intentional and has great work habits.” 

-UT Athletics

Vols defense / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Veteran Wideouts Leading the Way In Preseason Camp

Quotes: Veteran Wideouts Leading the Way In Preseason Camp

Posted on August 12, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With Practice No. 6 in the books and Tennessee football’s first scrimmage of the fall set for Thursday morning, the Big Orange wide receivers are generating plenty of buzz and excitement in preseason training camp.
 
After the departures of Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the NFL, current veterans Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton have stood out to second-year wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope as leaders of the room. The senior duo was productive last fall, combining for 83 catches, 1,229 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. McCoy was key in Tennessee’s final drive against Alabama with a 27-yard reception to set up the game-winning field goal, while Keyton’s 43-yard diving grab against Florida late in the first half will be remembered as one of most spectacular catches in program history.

In his Wednesday post-practice media session, Pope discussed McCoy’s natural transition into a leadership role over the course of the offseason. The California native enters his second year at Tennessee this fall and has received preseason All-SEC recognition from multiple media outlets.
 
“The special thing about Bru is he’s always carried himself that way, right?” Pope said. “When you had Cedric (Tillman), Jalin (Hyatt) and those guys in that room, Bru still carried himself that way … The guys in the room have always respected him. When guys leave, and they go to the next level, it’s an easy transition for a kid like that.
 
“He’s a great leader. He’s truly an alpha. He is going to come to work every single day, and when he’s not going, he’s the biggest cheerleader on the sideline. He’s everything you want in that group, but him and some of those older guys that are leading, they do a great job of helping our young guys come along and learn how we do things.”
 
Entering his fifth year with the program, Keyton has intentionally worked to develop his leadership skills over the past six months with a team-first mindset. Since head coach Josh Heupel‘s arrival in 2021, the Vols’ receiver room has built its reputation on work ethic, and Keyton is doing his part to maintain that standard.
 
“At some point guys start to make it about the group,” Pope said. “You see Ramel, and he’s naturally a quiet kid, but you see him going to coach other guys on the side, even when he’s tired. He just came off the field, but he wants to go coach other guys when they come off to the sideline. He’s willing to stay after with the younger guys and help them get transitioned and things like that with the playbook. You just see selfless acts like that. You see him serve others. I think for a while now he’s come on for us. Again, I think that started off the field and I think that translated to Saturdays. Now, you guys see what you see out of him.”
 
After six practices on Haslam Field and inside the Anderson Training Center, the Vols will head to Neyland Stadium for the first scrimmage of fall camp Thursday morning. The scrimmage is closed to the public and to media, with head coach Josh Heupel‘s press conference scheduled for approximately 11 a.m.
 
Full comments from Pope’s Wednesday media session and select quotes from redshirt senior tight end McCallan Castles, Keyton and junior wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. can be found below.

Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 9, 2023
 
Wide Receivers Coach Kelsey Pope

On if Dont’e Thornton is specifically working in the slot or on the outside too and where he has improved since the spring…
“Yeah, we are working him in different spots. We are doing a good job of trying to use his skill set to put him in some different situations. Just his growth the most was getting in here and learning what we do, learning how we operate on the field and in the building. There is a work ethic. I think that has been brought on by the players. It is expected here now. So, with him learning to play ball, with him getting in here and creating habits, he’s fit right in with these guys and has done a great job so far.”
 
On if Ramel Keyton was a guy that stepped up last year when he needed him and how he has grown…
“Honestly, Ramel (Keyton), he has become a great person. He’s become a more mature kid. He’s become more accountable, and he cares about football. He’s become a way better teammate. I think that’s translated to him being able to take advantage of some opportunities on the field. He does a great job down the field just to catch it for us. This offseason, he’s done a good job of homing in on technique and more of the intermediate underneath game. He’s done a great job for us, and we look forward to him continuing to lead our group.”
 
On how Bru McCoy has stepped up with Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman gone…
“Yeah, I think that’s been a natural transition for him. The special thing about Bru (McCoy) is he’s always carried himself that way, right? When you had Cedric (Tillman), when you had Jalin (Hyatt) and those guys in that room, Bru still carried himself that way. Now those guys were on the outside, they had been here, but the guys in the room have always respected him. So, when those guys leave, and they go to the next level, it’s an easy transition for a kid like that. He’s a great leader. He’s truly an alpha. He is going to come to work every single day, and when he’s not going, he’s the biggest cheerleader on the sideline. He’s everything you want in that group, but him and some of those older guys that are leading, they do a great job of helping our young guys come along and learn how we do things.”
 
On how he would assess Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb…
“Those two have been very impressive, both though in their own separate ways. Kaleb (Webb) is a bigger body, big catch radius, strong, powerful kid. Chas (Nimrod) is more agile and very twitchy, but both of those guys have been exceptional. My job for those two, they haven’t seen this thing before on our level, so I have to get those guys consistent. Right now, you see flashes all over the place from both of them. Right now, it’s my job to get those guys more consistent so they are making plays consistently. You see it more on a first-second-third down basis, it is not just showing one series to the next.”
 
On Dont’e Thornton valuing family and how it has been shown in the wide receivers’ room…
“I think that’s a huge reason why we got the kid, I really do. I think when recruiting, you find things about kids that are important to them. I think you have to sell those points. One of the reasons we got him is our relatability as coaches and the players. He came here and he fit right in with the players. To me, that’s a seamless transition because when you’re working hard at a common goal, when that environment is comfortable for you to work hard in, it’s easier for me to give it everything I’ve got. When I’m worried about who’s around or I’m uncomfortable with the people around me, it’s going to be that much harder for me to really strain. So, Dont’e has come in, and he’s like gel, and he’s been a glue guy for our group. They all crack jokes and they’re on social media together. It’s like he’s been here the whole time almost.”
 
On Bru McCoy controlling his in-game emotions…
“He’s a California guy on the outside, but on the inside, he’s one of the most fierce competitors I’ve been around. I think some of that came naturally with Bru. He came here wanting to prove himself. You have to fight a fine line when you’re that type of player. There’s a duality, right? I want to be aggressive, and I want to be urgent, but I can’t press, right? When he got some of those situations last year, he’s like a bull in a china shop. I think this year he’s able to take some of that load off to still be accountable, but you see him play a lot more smoothly. He isn’t as tense because he’s seen a year in, he’s got an expectation and what we do and what this league is, and he’s been awesome for us.”
 
On becoming a dad soon and how he will balance that from a coaching perspective…
“That’s a great point. I think I’m still learning man, I could probably get some pointers from you guys, the dads in the room. For me, I treat these kids just like I would treat my own. I want to make sure I’m giving everything I can to these guys, and then when I’m at home, I’m giving everything I can to my wife and my family. The special thing about that is, these guys are just as involved with my family as I am with theirs. I had three or four guys drop off their favorite kids’ books like The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss series. For me, that’s heartwarming, because it lets you know the guys that you invested in are willing to invest back in you. So that kind of gives me some pride. I take a lot of pride in that. It speaks back to that family feeling we were just talking about. When they see the time and effort that I put into them, they are that much more willing to do that with my son and my kids in the future. That gives you a good feeling. That lets you know you’re going in the right direction. You’ve got a good coach.”
 
On how much pride he has for former players he coached that are now in the NFL…
“I think it’s awesome to see but quite frankly that’s the expectation, right? You hear a lot of people say a lot about the offense and this and that and people make up what they want to in recruiting. This offense helps guys win in one-on-one matchups. That league is all about one-on-one matchups. So, the things that those guys are doing there is an expectation by everybody in this building, that they’re going to win situations like that. We look forward to seeing those guys. Texting back and forth with those guys between games and between practices is awesome. It’s also good to share with your current guys because they saw those guys, where they started. Jalin (Hyatt) and Cedric (Tillman) started their career here and where they are now, I think those experiences you can use as learning tools for the guys you got in your room. So, it’s been awesome.”
 
On how he has seen Squirrel White mature and grown in the offseason…
“Yeah, he’s awesome. He’s turned into a little bit of a comedian. He and Joe Milton were a new duo this summer. That was new to me but seeing him open up and be more talkative and his personality come out, that’s only better for the rest of the room. Squirrel (White) is a vibrant light on and off the field. When he’s around the guys, everybody lights up. When he’s on the field, it’s contagious. Everybody’s willing to play hard. Seeing that personality, (him) showing the room has been awesome, man really good.”
 
On receivers building a relationship off the field with Joe Milton…
“I think that’s always a good thing, when wide receivers and quarterbacks are clicked up like that. I think that helps them build camaraderie off the field. Obviously, when you’re in my foxhole, and I know who you are, I know what you’ve been through, that just makes us in the fourth quarter a lot more deadly, because guys are willing to go to battle for those that they know. They’re right next to him. It’s been cool to see. It’s been cool to see Joe’s (Milton) maturation. When he got here and where he is now, it’s like two completely different people. He’s matured a ton. It’s fun to see him on the practice field. Outside of the physical gifts, you see him interacting with guys in between drives, coaching them up, talking about what they see. He’s not always talking, he’s listening too, which to me shows us a good leader. He’s willing to listen and apply on his end as well. So, seeing all those guys mature has been phenomenal for us and we look forward to continuing to take the jump this training camp.”
 
On how much he battles misconceptions of the offense preparing guys for the NFL…
“A hundred percent. I think what people don’t understand, they try to just kind of make up, but it’s my job as a coach to answer questions in the recruiting process. Our offense puts guys in situations to win one-on-one matchups. Defenses are supposed to stop guys and those one-on-one situations. It doesn’t matter at the end of the day what the scheme is, what the play call is. I’m given a technique to beat a defensive player. He’s given a technique to beat me. If I’m beating him 10 out of 10 times, I can translate that on any level and that’s what it comes down to. Now guys have different skill sets. You show those in recruiting. Guys are put in different spots, you show those in recruiting. At the end of the day, you got to win your matchup, and that’s what it is. That’s what those guys have learned to do and that’s what they showed on Saturday. That’s why they’re successful in the league. It’s no rhyme or reason to why they’re doing it besides a transition from what they did in college.”
 
On Ramel Keyton changing his number to No. 9…
“Yeah, it probably happened the first couple of days. I think sometimes guys need new numbers. I’m all about looking good, feeling good, but at the end of the day, we got to get results. If you are wearing 99, and you’re the best player in the country, you’re probably going to be 99. So, Ramel (Keyton) has been awesome with that transition. He hadn’t missed a beat. He looks just like the old number 80 there. He’s improved in some areas. So, I look forward to seeing more from nine on the field.”
 
On what point he realized the type of player Ramel Keyton could be…
“I think it was last spring. I think we had a guy go down and Ramel kind of transitioned into more of a starter’s role last spring. I think it was at that point when you started to see him play and show what he can really do. The funny thing about that is that life comes full circle, we get to the season, and the exact same thing happened, the guy in front of him went down. He was a reserve. He came in and made a bunch of plays for us in critical situations. I think that’s why it’s so important in practice to push these guys to their limit. When guys go down, or you have a guy out for a day or two, you have to treat the next guy like he is a starter. That way during the season when those things happen, you don’t skip a beat, guys don’t flinch. They just continue to go and roll. We can truly create a unit that way. I think we’re getting to that point to where our unit is becoming more holistic, where we can plug and play guys wherever.”
 
On what he has seen from Nate Spillman and Nathan Leacock…
“Both of those guys have been great in the classroom. Both of those guys still have some work to do on the field, but they both have traits. They’re both physically gifted. They’re both determined and want to be good and that’s really all you need. We’ve seen a lot of guys in our room get developed. If guys are competitive and determined, we can develop you and you can be as good as you want to be. They have shown every tool in the world to be successful in what we do and in this league.”
 
On when he realized Ramel Keyton was more out of his shell and a better person in the locker room…
“You see their interactions, right? At some point guys start to make it about the group. You see Ramel and he’s naturally a quiet kid, but you see him going to coach other guys on the side, even when he’s tired. He just came off the field, but he wants to go coach other guys when they come off to the sideline. He’s willing to stay after with the younger guys and help them get transitioned and things like that with the playbook. You just see selfless acts like that. You see him serve others. I think for a while now he’s come on for us. Again, I think that started off the field and I think that translated to Saturdays. Now, you guys see what you see out of him.”
 
On some examples where Dont’e Thornton has shown his potential as a wide receiver in this offense…
“So, from Donte, what you get is you get a big, big, targeted receiver. A guy that can run, a guy that can bend that is agile. We had a couple of days early in camp, where it’s just helmets and shorts, and he’s coming across the middle and it’s a big target for the quarterback coming across the middle field with speed. He’s able to catch that thing and continue to run. For me, having guys like that with that ability with that length, being able to run the way he can, is awesome to see. It is a completely different product than what we had last year in Jalin (Hyatt) and sometimes Cedric (Tillman). He’s kind of a mixture of both of those guys in some ways. There have been a bunch of times this camp where you see him and your eyes get big. Maybe I look at coach Heupel and he looks at me. He’s a good addition to us. Him and all of the other guys have been awesome this camp. We just look forward to those guys continuing to push the envelope, continuing to work. Hopefully that process is where it needs to be when we start.”

RS-Senior TE McCallan Castles

On how complicated the offense is given the pace they play at…
“Honestly, the offense itself, once you get it down, is not super hard to do. It’s that pace that you have to be able to look at the sideline to know what you have to do right then and there. Once it clicks, it’s definitely a lot easier. You see Jacob (Warren), he’s been doing it for years. He’s locked in, ready to go. You see the young guys that are kind of still thinking about it. Ethan, you can tell, I think me and Ethan (Davis) have had almost the same transition. You’ve kind of gone through that awkward phase where you’re trying to figure out what you have to do. Now, he’s lined up and he’s ready to go, I’m lined up. You can tell on the practice field we play a lot faster and more efficient in the plays.”
 
On what excites him about this year’s offense…
“I think it’s just everybody is ready to reload. We’ve got guys at every position coming in that can play. You can just see it on the practice field, every day we’re getting better and more explosive against our own defense. Once we get against Virginia or somebody, it’s going to come to fruition. I think we’re just going to keep going one week at a time and just steamrolling through.”
 
On defensive players that have impressed him…
“I have to shout out Arion Carter. That dude fills holes fast and he is going to lace you in the hole. I’ve never seen a dude come in so ready to play from a young guy standpoint. The other guys, Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili, that’s as veteran as you can get at linebacker. They don’t do anything wrong, they’re always there to make plays, super solid. Jaylen McCollough, he is so solid. Special teams and everything he does, super sound technique. He’s always high energy, ready to coach everybody up.”

Senior WR Ramel Keyton

On the difference of the type of balls coming from Hendon Hooker’s hands and Joe Milton’s hands…
“You have to really be sharp with your eyes, and you have to know it’s going to come with a little more pace with Joe. There’s going to be more zip to it. You’re going to see the ball, but it’s more like having stronger hands to be able to catch it. But once you catch it consistently, it’ll come natural.”
 
On the work ethic in the Wide Receiver’s room since the departure of key players from last year…
“I feel like as a group, we all have the work ethic that it takes to succeed, and we push each other to the standard that we set. It’s like organic, the whole room. It’s not just one person like me, or Bru, not just (Nathan Leacock), it’s everyone in the room. Everybody is striving to be better, everybody is trying to be great. I feel like as a room, we keep pushing each other. We’re going to be great.”
 
On if this season brings a sense of this is his time to shine and how he plans to capitalize on it…
“I wouldn’t say it is necessarily my time to shine. I feel like it’s our time to really go out there and prove what we worked on and what we did all summer, and really what we did from January to this point. Now just I feel like every time we go out to practice, we feel like we’re playing in a game and we take that approach like we’re playing Alabama, Georgia, Florida, in practice so I feel like if we keep that consistently we’ll reach the goal that we set.”

Junior WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.

On if the receiver production is a reason he came to Tennessee and how the offense is so receiver friendly…
“That is definitely a big reason for why I came here. The biggest part about this offense is that Coach Heupel wants to throw the ball. If you look back and see it, he threw the ball a lot of the time throughout his first two years. It was the most any head coach or offensive minded coach, threw the ball with success in their first two seasons. If you’re a receiver, this will be the best place for you to be.”
 
On his relationship with Kelsey Pope…
“I’d say I have a great relationship with Coach Pope. With me being away from home, he’s like that dad that you have, that can coach you on the field and also be there for you off the field. I definitely depend on Coach Pope a lot. He’s always there for me.”
 
On how he has built a relationship with Joe Milton III…
“Me and Joe have a great relationship. From the moment I got here, me and Joe have been clicking and getting together. Even on nights where I feel like I don’t understand the play, I can call Joe or go over to his house, he’ll walk me through it and then we’ll be good to go. I’d definitely say we have a great relationship.”

-UT Athletics

Vols WR Ramel Keyton / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Veteran Wideouts Leading the Way In Preseason Camp

Quotes: Veteran Wideouts Leading the Way In Preseason Camp

Posted on August 12, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With Practice No. 6 in the books and Tennessee football’s first scrimmage of the fall set for Thursday morning, the Big Orange wide receivers are generating plenty of buzz and excitement in preseason training camp.
 
After the departures of Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the NFL, current veterans Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton have stood out to second-year wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope as leaders of the room. The senior duo was productive last fall, combining for 83 catches, 1,229 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. McCoy was key in Tennessee’s final drive against Alabama with a 27-yard reception to set up the game-winning field goal, while Keyton’s 43-yard diving grab against Florida late in the first half will be remembered as one of most spectacular catches in program history.

In his Wednesday post-practice media session, Pope discussed McCoy’s natural transition into a leadership role over the course of the offseason. The California native enters his second year at Tennessee this fall and has received preseason All-SEC recognition from multiple media outlets.
 
“The special thing about Bru is he’s always carried himself that way, right?” Pope said. “When you had Cedric (Tillman), Jalin (Hyatt) and those guys in that room, Bru still carried himself that way … The guys in the room have always respected him. When guys leave, and they go to the next level, it’s an easy transition for a kid like that.
 
“He’s a great leader. He’s truly an alpha. He is going to come to work every single day, and when he’s not going, he’s the biggest cheerleader on the sideline. He’s everything you want in that group, but him and some of those older guys that are leading, they do a great job of helping our young guys come along and learn how we do things.”
 
Entering his fifth year with the program, Keyton has intentionally worked to develop his leadership skills over the past six months with a team-first mindset. Since head coach Josh Heupel‘s arrival in 2021, the Vols’ receiver room has built its reputation on work ethic, and Keyton is doing his part to maintain that standard.
 
“At some point guys start to make it about the group,” Pope said. “You see Ramel, and he’s naturally a quiet kid, but you see him going to coach other guys on the side, even when he’s tired. He just came off the field, but he wants to go coach other guys when they come off to the sideline. He’s willing to stay after with the younger guys and help them get transitioned and things like that with the playbook. You just see selfless acts like that. You see him serve others. I think for a while now he’s come on for us. Again, I think that started off the field and I think that translated to Saturdays. Now, you guys see what you see out of him.”
 
After six practices on Haslam Field and inside the Anderson Training Center, the Vols will head to Neyland Stadium for the first scrimmage of fall camp Thursday morning. The scrimmage is closed to the public and to media, with head coach Josh Heupel‘s press conference scheduled for approximately 11 a.m.
 
Full comments from Pope’s Wednesday media session and select quotes from redshirt senior tight end McCallan Castles, Keyton and junior wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. can be found below.

Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 9, 2023
 
Wide Receivers Coach Kelsey Pope

On if Dont’e Thornton is specifically working in the slot or on the outside too and where he has improved since the spring…
“Yeah, we are working him in different spots. We are doing a good job of trying to use his skill set to put him in some different situations. Just his growth the most was getting in here and learning what we do, learning how we operate on the field and in the building. There is a work ethic. I think that has been brought on by the players. It is expected here now. So, with him learning to play ball, with him getting in here and creating habits, he’s fit right in with these guys and has done a great job so far.”
 
On if Ramel Keyton was a guy that stepped up last year when he needed him and how he has grown…
“Honestly, Ramel (Keyton), he has become a great person. He’s become a more mature kid. He’s become more accountable, and he cares about football. He’s become a way better teammate. I think that’s translated to him being able to take advantage of some opportunities on the field. He does a great job down the field just to catch it for us. This offseason, he’s done a good job of homing in on technique and more of the intermediate underneath game. He’s done a great job for us, and we look forward to him continuing to lead our group.”
 
On how Bru McCoy has stepped up with Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman gone…
“Yeah, I think that’s been a natural transition for him. The special thing about Bru (McCoy) is he’s always carried himself that way, right? When you had Cedric (Tillman), when you had Jalin (Hyatt) and those guys in that room, Bru still carried himself that way. Now those guys were on the outside, they had been here, but the guys in the room have always respected him. So, when those guys leave, and they go to the next level, it’s an easy transition for a kid like that. He’s a great leader. He’s truly an alpha. He is going to come to work every single day, and when he’s not going, he’s the biggest cheerleader on the sideline. He’s everything you want in that group, but him and some of those older guys that are leading, they do a great job of helping our young guys come along and learn how we do things.”
 
On how he would assess Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb…
“Those two have been very impressive, both though in their own separate ways. Kaleb (Webb) is a bigger body, big catch radius, strong, powerful kid. Chas (Nimrod) is more agile and very twitchy, but both of those guys have been exceptional. My job for those two, they haven’t seen this thing before on our level, so I have to get those guys consistent. Right now, you see flashes all over the place from both of them. Right now, it’s my job to get those guys more consistent so they are making plays consistently. You see it more on a first-second-third down basis, it is not just showing one series to the next.”
 
On Dont’e Thornton valuing family and how it has been shown in the wide receivers’ room…
“I think that’s a huge reason why we got the kid, I really do. I think when recruiting, you find things about kids that are important to them. I think you have to sell those points. One of the reasons we got him is our relatability as coaches and the players. He came here and he fit right in with the players. To me, that’s a seamless transition because when you’re working hard at a common goal, when that environment is comfortable for you to work hard in, it’s easier for me to give it everything I’ve got. When I’m worried about who’s around or I’m uncomfortable with the people around me, it’s going to be that much harder for me to really strain. So, Dont’e has come in, and he’s like gel, and he’s been a glue guy for our group. They all crack jokes and they’re on social media together. It’s like he’s been here the whole time almost.”
 
On Bru McCoy controlling his in-game emotions…
“He’s a California guy on the outside, but on the inside, he’s one of the most fierce competitors I’ve been around. I think some of that came naturally with Bru. He came here wanting to prove himself. You have to fight a fine line when you’re that type of player. There’s a duality, right? I want to be aggressive, and I want to be urgent, but I can’t press, right? When he got some of those situations last year, he’s like a bull in a china shop. I think this year he’s able to take some of that load off to still be accountable, but you see him play a lot more smoothly. He isn’t as tense because he’s seen a year in, he’s got an expectation and what we do and what this league is, and he’s been awesome for us.”
 
On becoming a dad soon and how he will balance that from a coaching perspective…
“That’s a great point. I think I’m still learning man, I could probably get some pointers from you guys, the dads in the room. For me, I treat these kids just like I would treat my own. I want to make sure I’m giving everything I can to these guys, and then when I’m at home, I’m giving everything I can to my wife and my family. The special thing about that is, these guys are just as involved with my family as I am with theirs. I had three or four guys drop off their favorite kids’ books like The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss series. For me, that’s heartwarming, because it lets you know the guys that you invested in are willing to invest back in you. So that kind of gives me some pride. I take a lot of pride in that. It speaks back to that family feeling we were just talking about. When they see the time and effort that I put into them, they are that much more willing to do that with my son and my kids in the future. That gives you a good feeling. That lets you know you’re going in the right direction. You’ve got a good coach.”
 
On how much pride he has for former players he coached that are now in the NFL…
“I think it’s awesome to see but quite frankly that’s the expectation, right? You hear a lot of people say a lot about the offense and this and that and people make up what they want to in recruiting. This offense helps guys win in one-on-one matchups. That league is all about one-on-one matchups. So, the things that those guys are doing there is an expectation by everybody in this building, that they’re going to win situations like that. We look forward to seeing those guys. Texting back and forth with those guys between games and between practices is awesome. It’s also good to share with your current guys because they saw those guys, where they started. Jalin (Hyatt) and Cedric (Tillman) started their career here and where they are now, I think those experiences you can use as learning tools for the guys you got in your room. So, it’s been awesome.”
 
On how he has seen Squirrel White mature and grown in the offseason…
“Yeah, he’s awesome. He’s turned into a little bit of a comedian. He and Joe Milton were a new duo this summer. That was new to me but seeing him open up and be more talkative and his personality come out, that’s only better for the rest of the room. Squirrel (White) is a vibrant light on and off the field. When he’s around the guys, everybody lights up. When he’s on the field, it’s contagious. Everybody’s willing to play hard. Seeing that personality, (him) showing the room has been awesome, man really good.”
 
On receivers building a relationship off the field with Joe Milton…
“I think that’s always a good thing, when wide receivers and quarterbacks are clicked up like that. I think that helps them build camaraderie off the field. Obviously, when you’re in my foxhole, and I know who you are, I know what you’ve been through, that just makes us in the fourth quarter a lot more deadly, because guys are willing to go to battle for those that they know. They’re right next to him. It’s been cool to see. It’s been cool to see Joe’s (Milton) maturation. When he got here and where he is now, it’s like two completely different people. He’s matured a ton. It’s fun to see him on the practice field. Outside of the physical gifts, you see him interacting with guys in between drives, coaching them up, talking about what they see. He’s not always talking, he’s listening too, which to me shows us a good leader. He’s willing to listen and apply on his end as well. So, seeing all those guys mature has been phenomenal for us and we look forward to continuing to take the jump this training camp.”
 
On how much he battles misconceptions of the offense preparing guys for the NFL…
“A hundred percent. I think what people don’t understand, they try to just kind of make up, but it’s my job as a coach to answer questions in the recruiting process. Our offense puts guys in situations to win one-on-one matchups. Defenses are supposed to stop guys and those one-on-one situations. It doesn’t matter at the end of the day what the scheme is, what the play call is. I’m given a technique to beat a defensive player. He’s given a technique to beat me. If I’m beating him 10 out of 10 times, I can translate that on any level and that’s what it comes down to. Now guys have different skill sets. You show those in recruiting. Guys are put in different spots, you show those in recruiting. At the end of the day, you got to win your matchup, and that’s what it is. That’s what those guys have learned to do and that’s what they showed on Saturday. That’s why they’re successful in the league. It’s no rhyme or reason to why they’re doing it besides a transition from what they did in college.”
 
On Ramel Keyton changing his number to No. 9…
“Yeah, it probably happened the first couple of days. I think sometimes guys need new numbers. I’m all about looking good, feeling good, but at the end of the day, we got to get results. If you are wearing 99, and you’re the best player in the country, you’re probably going to be 99. So, Ramel (Keyton) has been awesome with that transition. He hadn’t missed a beat. He looks just like the old number 80 there. He’s improved in some areas. So, I look forward to seeing more from nine on the field.”
 
On what point he realized the type of player Ramel Keyton could be…
“I think it was last spring. I think we had a guy go down and Ramel kind of transitioned into more of a starter’s role last spring. I think it was at that point when you started to see him play and show what he can really do. The funny thing about that is that life comes full circle, we get to the season, and the exact same thing happened, the guy in front of him went down. He was a reserve. He came in and made a bunch of plays for us in critical situations. I think that’s why it’s so important in practice to push these guys to their limit. When guys go down, or you have a guy out for a day or two, you have to treat the next guy like he is a starter. That way during the season when those things happen, you don’t skip a beat, guys don’t flinch. They just continue to go and roll. We can truly create a unit that way. I think we’re getting to that point to where our unit is becoming more holistic, where we can plug and play guys wherever.”
 
On what he has seen from Nate Spillman and Nathan Leacock…
“Both of those guys have been great in the classroom. Both of those guys still have some work to do on the field, but they both have traits. They’re both physically gifted. They’re both determined and want to be good and that’s really all you need. We’ve seen a lot of guys in our room get developed. If guys are competitive and determined, we can develop you and you can be as good as you want to be. They have shown every tool in the world to be successful in what we do and in this league.”
 
On when he realized Ramel Keyton was more out of his shell and a better person in the locker room…
“You see their interactions, right? At some point guys start to make it about the group. You see Ramel and he’s naturally a quiet kid, but you see him going to coach other guys on the side, even when he’s tired. He just came off the field, but he wants to go coach other guys when they come off to the sideline. He’s willing to stay after with the younger guys and help them get transitioned and things like that with the playbook. You just see selfless acts like that. You see him serve others. I think for a while now he’s come on for us. Again, I think that started off the field and I think that translated to Saturdays. Now, you guys see what you see out of him.”
 
On some examples where Dont’e Thornton has shown his potential as a wide receiver in this offense…
“So, from Donte, what you get is you get a big, big, targeted receiver. A guy that can run, a guy that can bend that is agile. We had a couple of days early in camp, where it’s just helmets and shorts, and he’s coming across the middle and it’s a big target for the quarterback coming across the middle field with speed. He’s able to catch that thing and continue to run. For me, having guys like that with that ability with that length, being able to run the way he can, is awesome to see. It is a completely different product than what we had last year in Jalin (Hyatt) and sometimes Cedric (Tillman). He’s kind of a mixture of both of those guys in some ways. There have been a bunch of times this camp where you see him and your eyes get big. Maybe I look at coach Heupel and he looks at me. He’s a good addition to us. Him and all of the other guys have been awesome this camp. We just look forward to those guys continuing to push the envelope, continuing to work. Hopefully that process is where it needs to be when we start.”

RS-Senior TE McCallan Castles

On how complicated the offense is given the pace they play at…
“Honestly, the offense itself, once you get it down, is not super hard to do. It’s that pace that you have to be able to look at the sideline to know what you have to do right then and there. Once it clicks, it’s definitely a lot easier. You see Jacob (Warren), he’s been doing it for years. He’s locked in, ready to go. You see the young guys that are kind of still thinking about it. Ethan, you can tell, I think me and Ethan (Davis) have had almost the same transition. You’ve kind of gone through that awkward phase where you’re trying to figure out what you have to do. Now, he’s lined up and he’s ready to go, I’m lined up. You can tell on the practice field we play a lot faster and more efficient in the plays.”
 
On what excites him about this year’s offense…
“I think it’s just everybody is ready to reload. We’ve got guys at every position coming in that can play. You can just see it on the practice field, every day we’re getting better and more explosive against our own defense. Once we get against Virginia or somebody, it’s going to come to fruition. I think we’re just going to keep going one week at a time and just steamrolling through.”
 
On defensive players that have impressed him…
“I have to shout out Arion Carter. That dude fills holes fast and he is going to lace you in the hole. I’ve never seen a dude come in so ready to play from a young guy standpoint. The other guys, Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili, that’s as veteran as you can get at linebacker. They don’t do anything wrong, they’re always there to make plays, super solid. Jaylen McCollough, he is so solid. Special teams and everything he does, super sound technique. He’s always high energy, ready to coach everybody up.”

Senior WR Ramel Keyton

On the difference of the type of balls coming from Hendon Hooker’s hands and Joe Milton’s hands…
“You have to really be sharp with your eyes, and you have to know it’s going to come with a little more pace with Joe. There’s going to be more zip to it. You’re going to see the ball, but it’s more like having stronger hands to be able to catch it. But once you catch it consistently, it’ll come natural.”
 
On the work ethic in the Wide Receiver’s room since the departure of key players from last year…
“I feel like as a group, we all have the work ethic that it takes to succeed, and we push each other to the standard that we set. It’s like organic, the whole room. It’s not just one person like me, or Bru, not just (Nathan Leacock), it’s everyone in the room. Everybody is striving to be better, everybody is trying to be great. I feel like as a room, we keep pushing each other. We’re going to be great.”
 
On if this season brings a sense of this is his time to shine and how he plans to capitalize on it…
“I wouldn’t say it is necessarily my time to shine. I feel like it’s our time to really go out there and prove what we worked on and what we did all summer, and really what we did from January to this point. Now just I feel like every time we go out to practice, we feel like we’re playing in a game and we take that approach like we’re playing Alabama, Georgia, Florida, in practice so I feel like if we keep that consistently we’ll reach the goal that we set.”

Junior WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.

On if the receiver production is a reason he came to Tennessee and how the offense is so receiver friendly…
“That is definitely a big reason for why I came here. The biggest part about this offense is that Coach Heupel wants to throw the ball. If you look back and see it, he threw the ball a lot of the time throughout his first two years. It was the most any head coach or offensive minded coach, threw the ball with success in their first two seasons. If you’re a receiver, this will be the best place for you to be.”
 
On his relationship with Kelsey Pope…
“I’d say I have a great relationship with Coach Pope. With me being away from home, he’s like that dad that you have, that can coach you on the field and also be there for you off the field. I definitely depend on Coach Pope a lot. He’s always there for me.”
 
On how he has built a relationship with Joe Milton III…
“Me and Joe have a great relationship. From the moment I got here, me and Joe have been clicking and getting together. Even on nights where I feel like I don’t understand the play, I can call Joe or go over to his house, he’ll walk me through it and then we’ll be good to go. I’d definitely say we have a great relationship.”

-UT Athletics

Vols WR Ramel Keyton / Credit: UT Athletics
Backfield Duo of Small and Wright Named Doak Walker Preseason Candidates

Backfield Duo of Small and Wright Named Doak Walker Preseason Candidates

Posted on August 12, 2023

DALLAS – Tennessee running backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright were named preseason candidates for the 2023 Doak Walker Award, as announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum on Wednesday.

The award is presented annually to the top running back in college football and is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

Tennessee was one of 11 schools with multiple players named to the preseason candidates list.

Small finds himself on the award’s preseason list for the second straight year while Wright is making his first appearance on the list. The duo ranked first and second on the team in rushing yards last season, combining for 1,609 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground.

Small led the team and finished second in the Southeastern Conference with 13 rushing scores a year ago, which was tied for sixth in single-season school history and marked the most by a Vol since Montario Hardesty had 13 in 2009.

Wright led the Big Orange in rushing with a career-high 875 yards to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns, tied for fourth most in the SEC. The Durham, North Carolina, native frequently showcased his big-play ability in 2022, ranking fifth in the conference with five runs of 30-plus yards and third in the league with three rushes of 50 or more yards.  

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November, as well. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2023 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.
 

2023 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Sr. DE Tyler Baron
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. LB Aaron Beasley
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon)

Sr. OL Cooper Mays
Rimington Trophy Watch List
All-SEC Third Team (Media)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Sr. WR Bru McCoy
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. QB Joe Milton III
Davey O’Brien Award Watch List
Maxwell Award Watch List
All-SEC Third Team (Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. RB Jabari Small
Doak Walker Award Preseason Candidate List

Sr. OL Javontez Spraggins
All-SEC Third Team (Media)

R-Sr. TE Jacob Warren
Mackey Award Watch List
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee

So. WR Squirrel White 
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. RS Dee Williams
All-American Fourth Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Jr. RB Jaylen Wright
Doak Walker Award Preseason Candidate List
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

-UT Athletics

Vols RBs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Experienced, Physical Defensive Line A Strength For Vols

Quotes: Experienced, Physical Defensive Line A Strength For Vols

Posted on August 12, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Three years into his current tenure, Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner has molded his unit into a strength of the Volunteeers, combining a mix of veterans and talented newcomers. Garner’s group and Tennessee went full pads for the first time this preseason camp with a 21-period practice on Tuesday at Haslam Field. 

Garner and a trio of defensive linemen — Roman Harrison, Elijah Simmons and Bryson Eason — met with the media following practice. 

“Along the lines of changing the culture of the room, I do feel like we are moving the room in the right direction,” Garner said. “Now, we have peers holding each other accountable. That’s what you want. If you’re ever going to have a championship caliber program, you have to have the leadership coming from within. Now, you’re seeing guys starting to hold each other more accountable. It’s not just the coaches where they’re sitting there saying, ‘That’s not our standard. That’s not how we do things.’ I think if we can keep moving in that direction, then we’ll be able to achieve better results.” 

Despite the departure of 2023 NFL Draft third round pick Byron Young, the Vols return Omari Thomas, Tyler Baron, Harrison, Simmons and Eason, while adding Arizona State transfer Omarr Norman-Lott and multiple talented true freshmen from a recruiting class that ranked among the best in the country. In addition, true sophomores Joshua Josephs and James Pearce Jr. bring speed off the edge. 

“I definitely think Omarr is an upgrade for us,” Garner said. “He’s a young man that has a body of work, even though it was in a different conference. He has a little bit more maturity to him. He has power, initial quickness. He knows how to maneuver his body, slip and naturally make some plays. He can really run. As he continues to really get himself into better shape, I think we will see a much better product than what he’s shown thus far.” 

Garner likes what he sees in the endurance and strength from Simmons, who enters his fifth year with the program and will wear No. 10 this fall after making the switch from No. 51. 

“Elijah is a powerful big man,” Garner said. “He does have initial quickness and short-area quickness. He has built-in pad level and leverage. Everybody knows that he switched his number to 10, and if you’re a defensive lineman wearing number 10, you need to be elite.”

The Vols will practice full pads on Wednesday before going through their first scrimmage of preseason camp on Thursday morning in Neyland Stadium. The scrimmage is closed to the public. 

Defensive Line Coach Rodney Garner 

On the physicality of the defensive line group in the first day of pads… 
“I thought with today being the sixth day, that they looked like it was the sixth day. Early on, I really like the energy and the way the guys have approached practice. Today, it started wearing on them a little bit. We have to continue to push the needle, continue to get mentally and physically tougher and be able to fight through those situations. Overall, I thought it was good. We did have a couple of guys get banged up, so some guys got more reps. When we started to limit some guys with reps, then other guys can increase their reps. That’s a game situation, so they have to learn how to fight through and be able to push themselves when they think they can.” 

On Omarr Norman-Lott’s development since the spring… 
“I definitely think Omarr is an upgrade for us. He’s a young man that has a body of work, even though it was in a different conference. He has a little bit more maturity to him. When you sit there and look at this kid, he has a skillset. He has power, initial quickness. He knows how to maneuver his body, slip and naturally make some plays. He can really run. Initially coming into camp, I thought he was just a tad bit too heavy. I think that now, he’s starting to trim down, and his athleticism is starting to show even more. As he continues to really get himself into better shape, I think we will see a much better product than what he’s shown thus far.” 

On the growth of the defensive line group since he’s arrived at Tennessee… 
“Along the lines of changing the culture of the room, I do feel like we are moving the room in the right direction. Now, we have peers holding each other accountable. That’s what you want. If you’re ever going to have a championship caliber program, you have to have the leadership coming from within. Now, you’re seeing guys starting to hold each other more accountable. It’s not just the coaches where they’re sitting there saying, ‘That’s not our standard. That’s not how we do things.’ I think if we can keep moving in that direction, then we’ll be able to achieve better results.” 

On how unique it is to have players that enjoys his coaching style… 
“I really don’t like yelling. I wish I didn’t have to yell at them. I’d like for them to just do a better job, be more physical, take the coaching and not try and kiss up to the teacher.” 

On the players are that are holding each other accountable within the defensive line room… 
“Omari Thomas is a good leader. I think his leadership is continuing to grow. I think Tyler Baron has had the best offseason he’s had since we’ve been here. I’ve seen maturity come from him. I think Elijah Simmons and Dominic Bailey are growing. You’re starting to see some growth from multiple people. Roman Harrison has had a good camp and is starting to do things the Tennessee way, and not so much things his way. I think it’s becoming contagious. They’re not being afraid to call one another out. That’s what real leadership is, it’s just being willing to be different, be out front and be able to take a stand. A lot of times, some guys don’t want to go the wrong way, but they just want somebody to be willing to step out and go the right way so they can follow that guy. I think we are seeing a lot more of that. Obviously, we need to see more. You don’t have to be an older guy to be a leader. It’s about how you are doing it every day. Talk is cheap, and you have to be able to walk the walk. Nobody wants to hear you talk about it when you’re not doing it. Being able to lead by example, being that pace setter, getting there early, staying late, attention to detail, those are the things that it’s going to take for us to reach the goals that we’re setting for ourselves.” 

On the growth of the LEO position from spring to now… 
“I think you have length and athleticism. I think we’re starting to look like how a championship caliber room is supposed to look. We all have to continue to get stronger, we all have to continue to get more explosive, we all have to be more conscientious of our fundamentals and technique. I do like the athleticism. I like the guys being willing to buy in, and the guys to this point not showing selfishness, to where they’re starting to think about their teammates, the program and putting others first. If we can do that, then I think we can achieve a lot of good things. There are going to be a lot more awards for everybody to go around if we put the team first.” 

On if run-stopping and pass-rushing skills are very different from each other… 
“Coming out of last season, one of the things that we said when self-scouting was that we have to become a better four-man pass rushing team. We can’t always rely on bringing five or six guys. We have to be able to affect the quarterback with a four-man rush, and we also have to be able to finish the rush. A couple of times, we had some good rushes, but then we did a poor job of knocking the quarterback down. We didn’t maintain our rush integrity, our lanes, and we didn’t do a good job of keeping them in the pocket. I understand the conference that we are in, there are some elite guys that can really run, but that’s part of the job description. We have to be able to affect the guy, get him off the spot, and then we have to be able to finish the rush. We did a really good job as far as TFLs, but we have to do a better job as far as being a four-man pass-rushing team.” 

On a defensive lineman that was very good at getting tackles for losses but could improve at rushing the passer… 
“I think they all have to be better pass rushers. We as a team need to be better at the four-man rush. That means all the way across the board. We lost a lot of production with losing Byron Young, so somebody has to be willing to step up and be that bell cow. When you sit there and look at LaTrell Bumphus, he had a really good year. I don’t think he got nearly the credit or the recognition for some of the things that he was able to do. When you look at the cutups, he was a guy that was very effective and just did things the right way. We have to get everybody to elevate their game. I’m talking man-for-man and coach-for-coach. It’s not just player-driven, it’s coach-driven too. We have to do a better job at teaching them, demanding it and getting that end result.” 

On how the athleticism of Elijah Simmons makes him valuable to the defensive line room… 
“Elijah is a powerful big man. He does have initial quickness and short-area quickness. He has built-in pad level and leverage. His biggest enemy is when fatigue sets in. Everybody knows that he switched his number to 10, and if you’re a defensive lineman wearing number 10, you need to be elite. My challenge to him — sometimes No. 10 shows up to practice, other times No. 51 shows up. He just has to figure out who he Is and what he wants to be. No. 10 and No. 51 are different guys, so if he’s going to be 10, then he has to get himself in really good shape and be able to play out the whole game like 10.” 

On what he has seen from Tyler Baron and how he has gotten better this offseason… 
“I think he’s matured a lot. He has grown as a young man, and I think he’s bought in more into the team concept. I think he is being more of a team guy—more of a Tennessee guy than a Tyler guy. I think he is starting to see that if Tennessee does well, then Tyler Baron is going to do well, you know what I’m saying? But if Tennessee does poorly, odds are Tyler Baron is not going to do as well. That’s everybody, that’s not just Tyler. That is everybody, just getting them to understand this is a team sport. It is the greatest team sport out there. Just them understanding how blessed they are to have an opportunity to play at a program like this, to play in this conference, to play with the type of young men that they are playing with. We are all truly blessed, and we just need to understand that these are once in a lifetime opportunities. We need to bond together. You know we work extremely hard, but we need to bond together and make it special. If we are all pulling the rope in the same direction, then we definitely have an opportunity to do some special things.”  

On how beneficial it is to have a staff that has been together for almost three years now… 
“I think it is a blessing for us to be together for three years. I think that shows even in the team. I think we are so much farther ahead being three years into the program. Our kids are so much farther ahead with the system as far as making the checks, making adjustments, understanding the defense, being able to fix things and know when they are not quite right. So, that’s really comforting. Obviously, I think Coach Heupel does a really good job with being a great leader in the fact that he doesn’t let you become stale or stagnant, so you don’t have to worry about that. I do think guys knowing each other, pulling the rope in the same direction, there are no hidden agendas. Coach Heupel has done a really good job of setting the compass of where we are going, and everybody is following that direction.”  

On what the key has been for Elijah Simmons becoming more consistent… 
“Well, I think obviously just getting into better shape, growing, maturing, maybe even feeling somewhat unfulfilled just because he is a guy that will sit there and tell you. When I came and first met him and got around him, I was like man, you remind me so much of Geno Atkins. I thought he was going to be like that. It was just that initial quickness, the short-ended quickness, that explosiveness. He just reminded me of Geno (Atkins) who I had at Georgia. For whatever reason, he would start out always with a bang but some got away. He was hit with adversity, he would always fade away. He had a really good spring, and like I told him in the evaluation after spring ball, the challenge was going to be, is he going to pick up where he left off in spring, or were we going to start all the way back over again? So, I can tell you thus far through camp, he is having a really good start in camp. I think he sees that. So hopefully he is gaining a bit more confidence. Hopefully he likes the direction he is headed in, and we all just have to keep encouraging, pushing, prodding and all that. It’s just like I told the guys the other day, obviously if you can’t push yourself, then you need to be man enough to allow others to push you. Because there are some guys who can’t push themselves, but then they have to allow their teammates to push them, allow their coaches to push them. If you can’t push yourself and won’t allow others to push you, then we have a problem. We are not going to be able to get where we want to get to. I think now, he is allowing his teammates to push him when he hits that wall. He is allowing the coaching to push him in the right direction and not let it be all a negativity thing. So, hopefully he is growing and maturing in that area right there.” 

Redshirt Junior DL Bryson Eason

On the benefit of working with the same defensive assistant coaches for a third straight year…
“I feel like it’s a positive for me because I know what they’re looking for. I know what they want. I’m just trying to go out there and execute those details and intangibles in order to play the D-line position for Coach (Tim) Banks and Coach (Rodney) Garner. I feel like it’s a positive. It helps me and gives me a lot of encouragement to know that I’m working with the same guys from previous years.”

On how players have held each other accountable this fall…
“Tyler [Baron] has been a great leader. Big O [Omari Thomas] has been a great leader for us inside the room, just holding everybody in that room accountable and making sure that we’re all doing what we’re supposed to do where we’re supposed to be. It’s the little things like that. Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a mean, tough guy. They’re leaders, but they show love. They lead the way. Their energy and their positivity just makes everybody else follow their lead and do what they ask us to do. I feel like the guys inside the room that have been asked to take that leader role are doing a great job and are bringing a lot of positive energy.”

On how much progress he has made at the defensive line position…
“It’s just about being able to be comfortable at the position, know what I’m doing, know my assignment and just learning different details to help me be better at the position. It’s just a great feeling to finally be somewhere where I know I can play, stay and my position won’t change. It’s a great feeling. I’ve been enjoying it. Having a lot of helpful guys around like O [Omari Thomas], Tyler [Baron], Dom [Dominic Bailey] and Omarr [Norman-Lott], they’ve been helping out, teaching me things, showing me things and it’s always positive. It comes out as a form of love. I’ve been enjoying it, embracing it and trying to be a great player for the team and help those guys.”

Senior DL Roman Harrison

On how much of pass rushing is natural ability compared to understanding of the defense…
“In this league, everybody is fast and everybody is strong. I would say it’s your will, obviously it’s your strain. Are you going to strain? If you get beat on this block, are you going try and beat it or are you just going to stay there. It’s just about, are you willing to finish? Are you willing? At this level, everybody is already physical, everybody is already fast, everybody is already strong. I feel like that’s what separates it.”

On what he feels like he has done well in fall camp…
“I would say my overall game and just my approach to the game as well. I’d say I’ve tried to work on my technique. I feel like I was already fast and strong and all that good stuff, but my technique in how I use my hands was the big thing that Coach Garner is always on me about. I worked on that this fall and just trying to make sure I know the playbook like the back of my hand. I already do because I’ve been here for a couple of years, but there is always going to be new plays. Just making sure I’m prepared for anything like that.”

On the confidence that the team has now compared to when he got here…
“I can’t talk about too much in the beginning, but Tennessee became what I wanted it to be without me having to say a word. That’s a big up to Coach Heupel. Obviously, with the last staff I would just sit back and watch everything. This staff, they bring you in more. It’s more of a family type of environment. We pull each other along and we bring the best out of each other because we expect the most from each other, because we ourselves are giving that. We expect to win games, we expect to win championships, but it’s going to come day-by-day. We know it’s going to come with the hard days, we’re going to have to work every day for it. Our technique, our plays, knowing what you have to do it all ties into it. We all know that as a group, under Coach Heupel we just expect to win.”

Redshirt Senior DL Elijah Simmons

On what changed for him mentally over the offseason…
“Just basically, it’s time now to change who I want to be in the future. I want to go to the next level, so I need to buy in. I feel like I need to buy in and just take the coaching just how it needs to be. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.”

On the difference in mindset of being the guy wearing No. 10 compared to being No. 51 last season…
“Obviously 51, he was a guy that he strained sometimes, he took off some plays, but he always wanted to finish. No. 10 continuously fights, strains and competes every day. Come out every day ready to play, ready to fight the next opponent. Each and every day, get better. That’s the main difference to me.”

On the guys who are pushing him in the defensive line room are…
“We all push each other every day. We all want to compete for positions. Each and every person is just trying to get better and better every day as we go along in this camp. Everybody pushes each other. It’s not just anybody singled out or anything like that, we’re all just trying to compete and get better.”

-UT Athletics

Vols DT Elijah Simmons / Credit: UT Athletics
Joe Milton III Earns Spot on Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Joe Milton III Earns Spot on Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Posted on August 12, 2023

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Davey O’Brien foundation revealed Tuesday that redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton III is one of 35 quarterbacks named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list.

The award is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award and is presented to the nation’s best college quarterback each year. 

The strong-armed signal caller from Pahokee, Florida, was one of five SEC quarterbacks tabbed to the watch list. 

Milton enters his sixth collegiate season and third at Tennessee in 2023. After serving as Tennessee’s backup quarterback last fall, Milton was thrust into action as the starter in the final two games of the 2022 campaign. He engineered the Tennessee offense to a 56-0 victory at Vanderbilt to close out the regular season before capping the year with an MVP performance in the Capital One Orange Bowl as the Vols took down No. 7 Clemson, 31-14.

Milton was marvelous in Miami Gardens, firing 19-of-28 passes for 251 yards and a career-high tying three touchdowns to lead UT to its first New Year’s Six bowl victory during the College Football Playoff era (2014-present). The win punctuated Tennessee’s first 11-win season since 2001 and first win in the Orange Bowl since defeating Oklahoma in 1939.

The veteran quarterback has made 17 appearances for Tennessee with four starts over the past two seasons, and he finished the 2022 campaign completing 53-of-82 (.650) passes for 971 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions. Of the 114 FBS quarterbacks to throw 10 or more touchdowns last year, Milton was the only one to have zero picks.

On Oct. 17, the official Davey O’Brien Midseason watch list will be released and will include all active quarterbacks from the preseason watch list.

The 35-man Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2023 will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Fan voting will occur through social media and will play a heavy part in the semifinalist, finalist and winner voting totals when combined with the national selection committee’s ballots. Voting will begin on Oct. 24.

The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 21). The 2023 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.

2023 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Sr. DE Tyler Baron

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. LB Aaron Beasley

All-SEC Third Team (Athlon)

Sr. OL Cooper Mays

Rimington Trophy Watch List

All-SEC Third Team (Media)

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Sr. WR Bru McCoy

All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. QB Joe Milton III

Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Maxwell Award Watch List

All-SEC Third Team (Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. OL Javontez Spraggins

All-SEC Third Team (Media)

R-Sr. TE Jacob Warren

Mackey Award Watch List

Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee

So. WR Squirrel White 

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. RS Dee Williams

All-American Fourth Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Jr. RB Jaylen Wright

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

-UT Athletics

Vols QB Joe Milton / Credit: UT Athletics
Joe Milton III Earns Spot on Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Joe Milton III Earns Spot on Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Posted on August 12, 2023

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Davey O’Brien foundation revealed Tuesday that redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton III is one of 35 quarterbacks named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list.

The award is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award and is presented to the nation’s best college quarterback each year. 

The strong-armed signal caller from Pahokee, Florida, was one of five SEC quarterbacks tabbed to the watch list. 

Milton enters his sixth collegiate season and third at Tennessee in 2023. After serving as Tennessee’s backup quarterback last fall, Milton was thrust into action as the starter in the final two games of the 2022 campaign. He engineered the Tennessee offense to a 56-0 victory at Vanderbilt to close out the regular season before capping the year with an MVP performance in the Capital One Orange Bowl as the Vols took down No. 7 Clemson, 31-14.

Milton was marvelous in Miami Gardens, firing 19-of-28 passes for 251 yards and a career-high tying three touchdowns to lead UT to its first New Year’s Six bowl victory during the College Football Playoff era (2014-present). The win punctuated Tennessee’s first 11-win season since 2001 and first win in the Orange Bowl since defeating Oklahoma in 1939.

The veteran quarterback has made 17 appearances for Tennessee with four starts over the past two seasons, and he finished the 2022 campaign completing 53-of-82 (.650) passes for 971 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions. Of the 114 FBS quarterbacks to throw 10 or more touchdowns last year, Milton was the only one to have zero picks.

On Oct. 17, the official Davey O’Brien Midseason watch list will be released and will include all active quarterbacks from the preseason watch list.

The 35-man Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2023 will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Fan voting will occur through social media and will play a heavy part in the semifinalist, finalist and winner voting totals when combined with the national selection committee’s ballots. Voting will begin on Oct. 24.

The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 21). The 2023 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.

2023 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Sr. DE Tyler Baron

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. LB Aaron Beasley

All-SEC Third Team (Athlon)

Sr. OL Cooper Mays

Rimington Trophy Watch List

All-SEC Third Team (Media)

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Sr. WR Bru McCoy

All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. QB Joe Milton III

Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Maxwell Award Watch List

All-SEC Third Team (Media, Phil Steele)

Sr. OL Javontez Spraggins

All-SEC Third Team (Media)

R-Sr. TE Jacob Warren

Mackey Award Watch List

Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee

So. WR Squirrel White 

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. RS Dee Williams

All-American Fourth Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Jr. RB Jaylen Wright

All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

-UT Athletics

Vols QB Joe Milton / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Experienced UT Offensive Line Group Eager to Fill Shoes of Key Departures

Quotes: Experienced UT Offensive Line Group Eager to Fill Shoes of Key Departures

Posted on August 11, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a day off on Sunday, the Tennessee football team was back on the practice field Monday morning to kick off week two of preseason camp.

Following Monday’s session at Haslam Field, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and select offensive linemen spoke to the media about the group’s performance so far this camp.

Despite losing top-10 draft pick Darnell Wright and multi-year starter Jerome Carvin from last year’s unit, the o-line room brings back plenty of experience across the board with players ready to step in and fill those spots.

That depth has created some exciting position battles, particular at tackle and left guard, that continue to play out each day.

“We have more depth right now than we’ve had in years,” redshirt senior Jackson Lampley said. “There are a lot of guys who can fill out both spots … They all have a lot of playing time and experience here.”

With intense position battles taking place, UT’s line is leaning on the leadership from returning starters Javontez Spraggins and Cooper Mays, who enter the season with 49 combined starts between them.

“The energy, that guy is non-stop. Every day, he gets it going,” Elarbee said of Spraggins’ leadership. “There’s not a more energetic, juicy guy on the field play-in and play-out, and I think guys thrive off that.

“It’s energy, but also, when he goes on the field, he backs it up. It’s physicality. It’s not a fake ‘rah-rah’ energy, he’s out there competing, and he wants the best. Couldn’t be prouder of the way he’s playing, but the leadership he’s showing and demanding from his teammates, it’s awesome.” 

While Spraggins brings unmatched energy and enthusiasm, Mays has been a rock in the middle of the offensive line at center, a position that is key in setting the pace for Tennessee’s high-tempo attack.

“This offense, as fast as it goes, making those calls and not having to double call stuff (is huge),” Elarbee said about Mays. “The way he sees the game, he sees all 11, understands it, provides leadership, knows the technical aspects too, can coach young guys, complete package. That guy is awesome. He gets it on every single level, from football to meeting room to leadership, all sides of it.” 

A full transcript of Elarbee’s post-practice media availability along with select player quotes can be found below.

Offensive Line Coach Glen Elarbee

On the experience that Andrej Karic and John Campbell Jr. bring… 
“At this time of year – spring, summer, fall – everybody is out there competing. Even guys who are returning starters or not, you never live completely in the past. Some guys who are a little older maybe catch a break here or there, but this early in camp, everybody is trying to go out there and compete and start. The competition makes everyone better.” 

On if their (Karic and Campbell) practices reflect what they have seen on film… 
“For sure, no doubt in that. I think both of those guys are even better. They’ve grown since last year. That’s the great part about it. They’re both really good. Glad they are here.” 

On Addison Nichols’ development at the center position… 
“He’s doing good. He had a better day today. He’s still roaming between center and left guard. I think all of our centers have to do a better job snapping the football right now, but that’s kind of the start of camp and spring any time, but we’re working to correct that as we speak.” 

On how Nichols is balancing the two positions… 
“That’s the same thing that Jerome [Carvin] had to do last year, Ollie [Lane] has to do, Vysen [Lang] is having to do. There are some guys that just have to be able to do multiple positions and it’s part of it. We script every single rep of practice, so we make sure you’re getting enough of left guard, you’re getting enough at center and balancing it out. (We) try to rotate the sections in which you get to play left guard or center, whether it’s inside, team-run or team. (You) try to give them the best shot to do it, but that’s part of it. You have to be ready to go if you’re going to be the left guard, and if you’re going to do center, you have to be able to do what Jerome did last year.” 

On John Campbell Jr.’s improved conditioning… 
“I think two things with John. I think he’s a little bit healthier. He played all of last year and had the injury, and I think he’s just moving better, but also, for sure in shape. Then it’s just the confidence of knowing the offense a little better. The more you know what you’re doing, and have confidence in it, the faster you’re going to play as well.” 

On when first-team guys will begin to get more reps… 
“You have to get through the first scrimmage, then it starts to solidify itself. We’re rotating, everything is scripted, so whatever the combination ends up being, they’re getting a portion, where it’s a half or a third or three-quarters of practice next to the guy that’ll end up potentially being the starter just because of the way it all rotates through. So, you try to get as much of that core unity, but also, if you don’t have competition, you don’t give guys a chance to go and earn a spot, you get stale real fast.” 

On Gerald Mincey’s summer… 
“(He’s) done a really good job. Probably had his best day today. You never know until you go back and watch the tape, but him and JJ [Jeremiah Crawford] both being able to flip and play both sides, they’ve done a good job with it. It’s not easy, trying to flip the plays in your head and play fast. That is a tough ask. He’s done a really good job. There are still some technical things here and there he has to clean up, and we all have to get in shape to play the speed we want to with the physicality we want to, but he’s had a really good start to this camp.” 

On the relationship Joe Milton III is developing with the offensive line… 
“I think Joe has been awesome. You feel him at practice every day, just his energy, his leadership, his vocality, and honestly, his play, too. All those things to be a leader count but being able to put it on the field and guys seeing you make throws and make the offense go builds confidence in him. They kind of just gravitate to him, it’s built in. If you are an o-lineman and you don’t love your quarterback and don’t protect with everything in your life and think he’s the world, then you’re in the wrong position.” 

On the energy Javontez Spraggins is bringing… 
“I think if anyone will have the biggest jump in their tape, I’m hoping it’s going to be Spraggs because he’s been just unbelievable this spring, summer and fall. From his protection to the knowledge of the game, to the leadership, just such a growth out of him. The energy, that guy is non-stop. Every day, he gets it going. There’s not a more energetic, juicy guy on the field play-in and play-out, and I think guys thrive off that. It’s energy, but also, when he goes on the field, he backs it up. It’s physicality. It’s not a fake ‘rah-rah’ energy, he’s out there competing, and he wants the best. Couldn’t be prouder of the way he’s playing, but the leadership he’s showing and demanding from his teammates, it’s awesome.” 

On the value Cooper Mays brings as a veteran… 
“It makes it a lot easier. This offense, as fast as it goes, making those calls and not having to double call stuff (is huge). The way he sees the game, he sees all 11, understands it, provides leadership, knows the technical aspects too, can coach young guys, complete package. That guy is awesome. He gets it on every single level, from football to meeting room to leadership, all sides of it.” 

On having to manage egos for tackles fighting for starting spots… 
“I think that’s part of it. I do think Danger [Dayne Davis], that guy has started some games too and has continued to improve. I feel like we have four tackles. Ego plays a part in it. You try to stress in the meeting room every day, if you are an offensive lineman, you have to love the guy next to you more than you love yourself. If his successes are better than yours, you have to be cheering him on just as much as you would cheer yourself on. You try to put that mentality into it, but at the end of the day, you have got a room full of 21 guys, and there are only five that can start. Everyone is here to start and go play, and they’re trying. All we can do is continue to stress the core values of who we want to be as a team, and right now, they’ve done a great job of pushing each other and not letting ego play a role.” 

On Brian Grant’s development… 
“(He’s been) really good. He had a challenge. He was a right tackle his first year and kind of bounced over and played left. His body has changed so much. He’s like a freaking computer. Smart young man and gets it strain-wise. Does everything right; there’s never a question. You tell Brian to do this, Brian is going to go do it. Obviously, the year after this year, we have a few guys that may graduate and move on, so it’s important for his development to continue, because there are going to be some of those young guys that are going to have to step up real fast.” 

On if Spraggins leadership has developed in recent years… 
“I think Spraggs has always had energy, juice (and) effort. He would try to lead, and it was just like a missile with a fin missing, (it) was not always just right on the mark. But now, that guy has pinpoint accuracy. Every word that comes out of his mouth, he’s on it. He knows what the pulse of the situation is, what needs to be fixed, what direction – as an offensive line, as a team – we need to go, young guys, everything. Super, super proud of him.” 

Redshirt Senior OL Dayne Davis

On the competition at the offensive tackle position so far throughout fall camp…
“It’s been great. Everybody is working hard to better themselves. We are feeding off each other, giving each other pointers where we see fit and helping each other out. Overall, it’s been a battle with those guys. I’ve been competing hard with those guys, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it comes out at the end.”

On how much more comfortable he is now compared to his first few seasons at Tennessee…
“It’s night and day. I catch myself a lot in meetings. There will be stuff that I forget here and there. It’s little stuff that you really have to be solid with to know the offense. More times now I’m helping the younger guys figure stuff out. That’s the part that comes with being an older guy with experience is you get to help those younger guys come along and learn the playbook.”

On how he would describe this senior group on the offensive line…
“We have a lot of experience and a lot of old guys. We’re all going to be ready to play at the end of the day. The guys that came in like me, Ollie (Lane), Gerald (Mincey), Jeremiah (Crawford) and Cooper (Mays) are trying to lead these younger guys to come along. We are trying to let them know that when we’re gone that they are going to have to keep up the reputation of the T and the power of the T. It’s going to have to come back with those guys, so we are trying to bring them along quickly.”

Senior OL Javontez Spraggins

On if being a big presence in the offensive line room throughout his time at UT has affected him…
“I’m the same guy as I was last year. As far as the football standpoint, I’m pushing even further every day because I know those guys are gone (Darnell Wright and Jerome Carvin). Our road isn’t bumpy as far as the o-linemen, we can have guys plug-in, and it would be the exact same offensive line or even better than you’ve seen in the past. It’s not really a big panic for us, now we got guys who can fit into those spots and can get this National Championship for us. We are basically working every day just to get to that point. To get to that point of maximizing our abilities so we can go ahead and go out there and play. Really just show everybody what type of team we are this year.”

On what it means to have the mentality of loving the guys next to you more than you love yourself in the offensive line room…
“It means everything to me. Without having love for the guy next to you or anybody on your team, you’re not going to play to the best of your ability for that person. It’s all up to the individual himself, whether it’s our offensive linemen, defensive linemen, big skill person, whatever position it is, if we’re a team we’re all working together to fulfill each other’s goals. We all have one goal, which is a National Championship.”

On what he liked from what he did last season and what he wanted to improve on…
“As far as me, I have a great a time with what I’m doing now. Really pass sets and getting to run sets and a lot of stuff, but the main thing I really wanted to focus on was me being able to change directions really good. Really just stay on guys for longer than what I’m supposed to. Being able to hold on an extra four or five seconds when it gets rough, when it gets to those deep balls needing to be thrown. Just being able to finish and complete my job but not only be able to help other guys around me. No matter what we’re doing, wherever we’re taking the ball, whether I’m helping my right tackle, helping my center, I just want to be able to move the ball and just really be playing. What I saw from last year is I can do all the things but it’s just tiny things that might interrupt. Just getting those tiny things fixed will be the key for me to finishing.”

Redshirt Senior OL John Campbell Jr.

On his relationship with Joe Milton III…
“I knew Joe for a long time, (we were) high school rivals. We used to go on bus tours together. It’s just a great plan for having someone you know from high school, that’s one thing I didn’t have at the U, any of my guys there. Just seeing other guys, having high school teammates and friends that they knew, it was just really good to play for those guys, it really builds chemistry. I just think it’s a good thing to play with someone you know. It just probably makes someone just want to go harder and the extra mile for that person, just have their back.”

On his confidence from spring practice compared to now…
“I’m not going to lie, my confidence skyrocketed. Throughout the spring, I was figuring it out. It’s just schemes, football is schemes. We kind of run the same plays, but here probably splits are wider, fast tempo. I had tempo with Coach (Rhett) Lashlee, so I’m used to it. It’s been smooth, though. I feel like I’m going the right direction. I feel very, very confident. I feel like I got my high school senior year confidence.”

On what he brings to the table in terms of skillset that he feels the most confident about…
“I just feel like I bring a lot to the table. I can pass block, I can run block, I can get in space, I’m fast, I can run. I feel like this is a system to show what I can really do. This system, they’re putting me in space, they’re giving me opportunities to make plays, big plays for the team. I’m just going to make plays, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Redshirt Senior OL Jackson Lampley

On how the left guard and right tackle position have looked so far throughout fall camp…
“We have more depth right now than we’ve had in years. There are a lot of guys who can fill out both spots. Me, Addison Nichols, Ollie Lane and Andrej Karic are the guys that you would see at left guard. At right tackle, we’ve had a lot of guys like Gerald Mincey, Jeremiah Crawford and Dayne Davis. They all have a lot of playing time and experience here. It’s really good to look at them in that spot.”

On areas that his game has improved in…
“For me, one of the biggest things that I’ve improved on heading in to fall camp is my punch in pass pro, pass blocking and also leadership in general. I think those have been the biggest things that have really helped me out so far.”

On what John Campbell Jr. brings to the table…
“John is really sound in the pass game. He’s as quick as a cat and big. He’s a really athletic player, and it’s really good to have him at left tackle, especially considering we got him from his previous school last year.”

-UT Athletics

Vols OL Javontez Spraggins / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Improved Tennessee Linebacker Room Looking to Lead Defense to the Next Level

Quotes: Improved Tennessee Linebacker Room Looking to Lead Defense to the Next Level

Posted on August 11, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Week one of preseason camp continued to roll along on Friday morning as Tennessee had its first practice of the fall in shoulder pads after two days in just helmets.

The Vols’ linebackers were at the top of the list of position groups that were most excited for the first day in pads. With veterans Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili, along with a group of talented young returners and freshmen, UT’s linebacker room has as much depth and potential as any on this year’s team.

Linebacker’s coach Brian Jean-Mary met with the media following Friday’s practice at Haslam Field to talk about his group’s growth from last season.

“Every coach, I think if you asked them what their number one goal is would say quality depth,” Jean-Mary said when asked about what feels different about this year’s group. “When you don’t even have the bodies to go out there and compete, it’s hard.

“I say it all the time that the best coach in the world is competition. You’re going to get the most out of guys if they know that guy behind them is nipping at their heels and is able to play at a high level. With the depth that we’re building, we are going to be able to play multiple guys. We feel like we are going to get them to play at a high level.”

Beasley enters this season as the unit’s leader after pacing the team with 76 tackles and a career-high 13 tackles for loss in 2022. The Georgia native will look to pick up where he left off after an incredible performance in the Vols’ Orange Bowl victory over No. 7 Clemson, when he led all players with 12 tackles, four TFLs and a pair of sacks.

The next step in his progression is taking on more of a leadership role, one that Jean-Mary said is coming along despite it not being the most natural trait for the soft-spoken Beasley.

“Aaron is a soft-spoken guy,” Jean-Mary said. “He’s one of those guys that always feels like he has to earn the respect from everybody before he’s going to step out and lead. We are asking him to come out of his shell a little bit. He’s done that in his own way.

“He’s never going to be the loudest guy in the room or be very boisterous, but you can see that especially the younger guys gravitate to him and really take heed to what he’s saying when he speaks.” 

After losing four seniors from last year’s linebacker group, finding another veteran player was high on the team’s priority list in the offseason, and the addition of Pili from BYU has been the perfect fit.

“It’s been valuable,” Jean-Mary said of Pili’s presence and experience. “We really only had one veteran guy coming back. We brought in a guy with a wealth of experience in Keenan Pili who has played at a high level, and a guy who is a team player … He’s been a perfect fit in the room, for the defense and for the whole team.” 

The duo of Beasley and Pili will be leaned on heavily in 2023, not only for their production on the field, but also for their mentorship to the younger players in the room like sophomores Elijah Herring and Kalib Perry, as well as talented freshmen Arion Carter, Jalen Smith and Jeremiah Telander.

“He’s been in the game for a while and he’s been doing his thing,” Perry said when talking about Beasley’s maturation. “Even Keenan Pili has had a lot of years at BYU and he adds a new versatility. He’s more of a bigger linebacker and adds a big leadership role behind him. Him and Beasley keep pushing us.”

A full transcript of Jean-Mary’s post-practice media availability along with select player quotes can be found below.

Linebackers Coach Brian Jean-Mary 

On if Aaron Beasley played the Mike or Will linebacker position last year… 
“He was a combo guy for us. He actually played a couple of games at Will. That’s why he led us in snaps. He was always our combo that we could put in at Mike or Will. He had some games where I’m not sure if he started at Will, but he played a ton at Will for us last year.” 

On if Beasley’s skillset fits the Will linebacker position the most… 
“I think it fits both. Early on last season, I thought he was playing at a high level at the Mike linebacker position before Juwan (Mitchell) came back last year, and then we slid him to where he could play either or. I think skillset and experience wise; it would be easy for him to go back and play Mike tomorrow if we asked him to.” 

On if Keenan Pili is a traditional Mike linebacker… 
“When you say traditional Mike, I want to be careful. He’s not a throwback three yards in a cloud of dust that just runs into people. He’s a bigger guy, but he’s super athletic. We don’t mind putting him in space, blitzing him or putting him into coverage. I want to be careful about saying traditional because we like to consider both of our guys versatile enough to be outside and inside linebackers.” 

On how he has seen Aaron Beasley’s leadership skills grow… 
“It’s a work in progress. Aaron is a soft-spoken guy. He’s one of those guys that always feels like he has to earn the respect from everybody before he’s going to step out and lead. We are asking him to come out of his shell a little bit. He’s done that in his own way. He’s never going to be the loudest guy in the room or be very boisterous, but you can see that especially the younger guys gravitate to him and really take heed to what he’s saying when he speaks.” 

On how different the linebacker room looks than when he first arrived here at Tennessee… 
“Every coach, I think if you asked them what their number one goal is would say quality depth. When you don’t even have the bodies to go out there and compete, it’s hard. I say it all the time that the best coach in the world is competition. You’re going to get the most out of guys if they know that guy behind them is nipping at their heels and is able to play at a high level. With the depth that we’re building, we are going to be able to play multiple guys. We feel like we are going to get them to play at a high level. I think we are getting to the point where we can be a third, fourth or even fifth team deep at linebacker. That’s going to be a blessing. Obviously, you knock on wood because you don’t want any injuries to happen. The depth aspect is going to be great.” 

On if he likes the dynamic of the young guys in the linebacker group… 
“I’m very happy with the young guys. They all are going to progress at different levels, but I think from Arion Carter, Jalen Smith, Jeremiah Telander, and I still put Kalib Perry, Elijah Herring and Ben Bolton in that same category, those are all guys whose best football is ahead of them. We are really happy with the athleticism and their attention to detail as football players.” 

On if Arion Carter is still impressive or has moments where you realize he is still a freshman… 
“It depends on the day. There’s never going to be perfection. Youth always equals mistakes, and we just want to limit the amount. The thing with Arion is that he plays so hard, fast and is a great athlete so he’s able to overcome some of those mistakes that maybe some other people can’t. We are not going to spoon-feed him. We are going to keep force-feeding him and putting him in difficult situations so he learns from them and if he does it right, he can explain why he did it right. We feel confident that if he does it wrong, we are going to be able to correct it and make sure he does it right the next time. I think he’s right where he was, and I think he’s probably a little further ahead than where he was in the spring. Obviously, we are expecting big things from him the rest of this camp.” 

On how beneficial it is to have Keenan Pili’s experience in the linebacker room… 
“It’s been valuable. We lost a bunch of guys. If you go off of seniors or guys who had their eligibility up last year, we really lost four guys last year. That’s big in the room. Even the guys who didn’t play a lot that had a presence in the room, they almost sounded like coaches. When you lose that, we really only had one veteran guy coming back. We brought in a guy with a wealth of experience in Keenan Pili who has played at a high level, and a guy who is a team player. I think when guys come out of the portal, that’s always the biggest question with them, is how they will mesh with the team. Our culture, and the way we are building it, is not for everybody. It’s not one where if you come in and have a selfish bone in your body or you’re a me guy, it doesn’t fit. He’s been a perfect fit in the room, for the defense and for the whole team.” 

On what it means to him when Jalen Smith refers to him as a second father… 
“First, I would say I probably should get a tax break because I only got two kids, Brooke and Brittany, two girls. Secondly, it’s appreciative. I don’t take the position I have for granted. I know we are in a position where we have the chance to help shape their lives. He’s got two great parents. Got a chance to get to know them during the recruiting process. He’s got two unbelievable parents. I don’t take that for granted. I appreciate the statement, I told him that doesn’t mean he’s not going to get coached hard, might mean he’s going to get coached harder. At the end of the day, coaching is not just teaching, it’s not just instructing, it’s also caring about these kids and making sure that their futures are going to be set by the experience that they had with you.” 

On what stood out about Jeremiah Telander and Jalen Smith and where they are… 
“Obviously, with what we do offensively, we have to be able to get aligned fast. I love it, because you have to be able to think on the run. I think that’s the part, the biggest wow factor for them coming out of high school. I thought the spring helped a lot. They’re getting better, but the processing has to happen a lot faster. Which is great for us, because if you have to process fast, it means you know what you’re doing. Obviously, with the physical part of the game, the speed of the game, it has to keep coming. There are still some times, if they’re a step late with their read, the ball has passed them. We have to get better there, but we’ve been happy with what they’re doing. They’ve all flashed. I’ve said I’ll put Arion (Carter) and obviously Kalib (Perry), Elijah (Herring), Ben Bolton), all of those guys, they’ve all flashed a bunch. I think, like I said, their best football is ahead of them.” 

On how much they’ve worked on the preparation to create more turnovers or make game changing plays… 
“It was the lead bulletin point for Coach (Tim) Banks. I think everybody in our individual rooms, we talked about it. For us to take the next step, we have to go and take the ball from people. Our offense does a good job of not giving it to the opponent, we have to match them as far as the rate that we take it from people. With Coach (Josh) Heupel, I should mention him too, that was one of the main bullet points that he had in his first team meeting, was we have to do a better job. Whether it be intercepting the ball, caused fumbles, strip sacks on quarterbacks, fourth-down stops, whatever we can do to get the possessions back to our offense. We know how explosive our offense is, and if we get the ball to them at a high rate, our percentage of winning is going to go through the roof.” 

On his decision to come to Tennessee a few years ago and what he has found out about Tennessee since he got here… 
“I feel like I’m about to write a book report. To answer the first part of that question, the thing that was attractive. As a kid that grew up in the northeast in the 80s and early 90s and moved down south in the mid-90s, obviously Tennessee program-wise was top tier, one of the best programs in the country. That stood out to me as a high school kid. Then getting to college, I didn’t play college football too far from here. I played at Appalachian State. There was a lot of Power-T’s in that area of North Carolina. Then getting into the coaching profession, I cut my teeth in the South and actually in this conference, and Tennessee was always a program that you admired from afar. When the opportunity came, obviously I was at a place with a lot of tradition and a really good program, but there was something in me that said that’s worth at least kicking the tires on and seeing what the opportunity would be. After talking to Coach Heupel, getting the chance to speak to Coach Banks, someone I knew and respected for a long time. Then, obviously with Coach Martinez and Coach Garner, guys that I’ve had to coach against for a long time. The respect factor was there. I knew what the situation was coming in, and it was blind faith. I really believed in the vision that Coach Heupel had when we spoke. Obviously, I had the chance to coach against him when he was at Central Florida. I saw the makings of what they were doing there, and I had a pretty good inkling that we were going to be successful here. 

 “The second part of the question, what I’ve found since I’ve been here, unbelievable place. Great university, Knoxville is an unbelievable city, great people. The passion for football is even greater than I thought it would be. Neyland Stadium, I said a couple of years ago, and I still think it’s the best football experience for a college football fan or player in the country.” 

On how possible it is for Aaron Beasley to replicate the success that he had in the Orange Bowl… 
“I would say if you asked him that and he didn’t say that he thought he could play better, I would be disappointed. I think that’s the Aaron that we expect to see in every game. I think there were some plays that he left out there on the field that definitely could have been made. You’re talking to a guy that believes in him as much as anybody else in the building. I think the kid has a unique skillset and a high playmaking ability. I still tell people all the time that I think the best is yet to come from that kid.” 
 

Sophomore LB Elijah Herring 

On what part of his game has improved… 
“Just becoming very detailed, to where if I have to tell the defensive line to watch the ball or the hard count, just recognizing the whole formation, looking to the back, looking to the field, just being very detailed on the field. Seeing everything before the ball snaps and finding little details with the linemen, wide receivers, the quarterback or the running backs.” 

On how much more comfortable he feels compared to last season… 
“It feels good. I wouldn’t say I am comfortable, but I am getting used to it. It’s a good feeling to able to be a Mike and to be able to see everything. It’s great to be confident in what you are doing out there because I mean, it’s a lot of stuff going on and there’s a lot of stuff the linebackers have to do back there. It just gives you a good feeling and a good sense of pride to be back there and be able to control the whole defense.” 

On if there has been a specific player that has impressed or excites him this season… 
“I wouldn’t say that there is one player. I would say there is one position group though. The defensive line just has a bunch of freaks on there. It’s crazy, they are freaks of nature. You got Caleb (Herring), James (Peace Jr.), Roman (Harrison), (Joshua Josephs), and Chandavian (Bradley) on there. They are just specimens out there. The whole defensive line is just so good at their craft, and they each just have their own style of play, so it’s just great to go out there and see them play.” 
 

Sophomore LB Kalib Perry 

On what is different about him from this time last season… 
“I think just getting more comfortable with it and seeing things differently as a linebacker. You are going to approach more contact as a linebacker because you are right there by the linemen. Just seeing things, recognizing formations and knowing where to be at. As a defensive back in high school, you are sitting back and seeing everything, but when you are down and depending on the linemen, that can take away from a play. So, not taking myself out of a play and being efficient with what I’m doing.”
 
On how Aaron Beasley has mentored him this offseason and adding Keenan Pili to the room… 
“Beasley has always been a great leader. He’s a little bit more quiet and sits back, but he’s always looking out, looking on the field to see what you can do a little bit better. Even in the meeting room, he will point out little things with missed reads to see where you can get in better position. He’s been in the game for a while, and he’s been doing his thing. This past season, he had a really great season. He’s kind of got his years behind him, so he’s been a huge part. Even Keenan, he’s has had a lot of years at BYU. He came here, and he adds a new versatility. He’s more of a bigger linebacker and adds a big leadership role behind him. He’s been very helpful, always looking out for the younger guys. Even with Beasley, they’re communicating with each other and pushing us.” 
 
On if he has taken any traits from being a defensive back into being a linebacker… 
“Whenever I see certain formations and seeing them as a broad perspective, but also just covering. I have kind of had a transition with covering guys in man defense with vertical hooks and stuff like that, so I think that was a big part of it. Being able to play man coverage has helped me a lot, and I am transitioning that to linebacker now.” 
 

Freshman LB Arion Carter 

On what it’s been like getting to Tennessee and how he feels like his decision went down… 
“I’m pleased, most definitely. Just getting in the system, being around all the guys, just learning the culture and seeing how I fit as a whole. I love it here, and I’m really happy with my decision.” 

On the different personalities of the coaching staff… 
“Start with Coach BJ (Brian Jean-Mary). Coach BJ is the same guy every day. A guy who comes to work, a guy who’s going to push you, a guy who wants the best for you every single day. Just knowing that makes me a better player. It makes me want to come in and work every day. Not only prove to myself but prove to coaches I am who I say I am. Coach BJ is just a great coach overall. Love him to death. Coach (Tim) Banks is a real chill guy. Sets the standard and he expects you to meet the standard. He’s not too big on mistakes, but once he coaches it up, he expects you to learn from it and move on from it. I really like that as him being a coach because it’s not that much time each practice. Even though we have a certain amount of practices, each practice is expensive reps that you have to capitalize on each day.”  

On how much of a benefit it is to have a tight knit group in the linebacker room before the grind of the season starts… 
“Going through fall camp each and every day, really starting off in spring and then summer workouts as we build a good relationship. We all hang out together. Being able to get to know and a feel for everybody as I came in. It’s just helpful, because when you’re down, a brother is able to pick you up. You’re able to lean on a brother some days, and they are able to lean on you just because of the trust. That’s been great.” 

-UT Athletics

Vols LB Aaron Beasley / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Improved Linebacker Room Looking to Lead Defense to the Next Level

Quotes: Improved Linebacker Room Looking to Lead Defense to the Next Level

Posted on August 11, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Week one of preseason camp continued to roll along on Friday morning as Tennessee had its first practice of the fall in shoulder pads after two days in just helmets.

The Vols’ linebackers were at the top of the list of position groups that were most excited for the first day in pads. With veterans Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili, along with a group of talented young returners and freshmen, UT’s linebacker room has as much depth and potential as any on this year’s team.

Linebacker’s coach Brian Jean-Mary met with the media following Friday’s practice at Haslam Field to talk about his group’s growth from last season.

“Every coach, I think if you asked them what their number one goal is would say quality depth,” Jean-Mary said when asked about what feels different about this year’s group. “When you don’t even have the bodies to go out there and compete, it’s hard.

“I say it all the time that the best coach in the world is competition. You’re going to get the most out of guys if they know that guy behind them is nipping at their heels and is able to play at a high level. With the depth that we’re building, we are going to be able to play multiple guys. We feel like we are going to get them to play at a high level.”

Beasley enters this season as the unit’s leader after pacing the team with 76 tackles and a career-high 13 tackles for loss in 2022. The Georgia native will look to pick up where he left off after an incredible performance in the Vols’ Orange Bowl victory over No. 7 Clemson, when he led all players with 12 tackles, four TFLs and a pair of sacks.

The next step in his progression is taking on more of a leadership role, one that Jean-Mary said is coming along despite it not being the most natural trait for the soft-spoken Beasley.

“Aaron is a soft-spoken guy,” Jean-Mary said. “He’s one of those guys that always feels like he has to earn the respect from everybody before he’s going to step out and lead. We are asking him to come out of his shell a little bit. He’s done that in his own way.

“He’s never going to be the loudest guy in the room or be very boisterous, but you can see that especially the younger guys gravitate to him and really take heed to what he’s saying when he speaks.” 

After losing four seniors from last year’s linebacker group, finding another veteran player was high on the team’s priority list in the offseason, and the addition of Pili from BYU has been the perfect fit.

“It’s been valuable,” Jean-Mary said of Pili’s presence and experience. “We really only had one veteran guy coming back. We brought in a guy with a wealth of experience in Keenan Pili who has played at a high level, and a guy who is a team player … He’s been a perfect fit in the room, for the defense and for the whole team.” 

The duo of Beasley and Pili will be leaned on heavily in 2023, not only for their production on the field, but also for their mentorship to the younger players in the room like sophomores Elijah Herring and Kalib Perry, as well as talented freshmen Arion Carter, Jalen Smith and Jeremiah Telander.

“He’s been in the game for a while and he’s been doing his thing,” Perry said when talking about Beasley’s maturation. “Even Keenan Pili has had a lot of years at BYU and he adds a new versatility. He’s more of a bigger linebacker and adds a big leadership role behind him. Him and Beasley keep pushing us.”

A full transcript of Jean-Mary’s post-practice media availability along with select player quotes can be found below.

Linebackers Coach Brian Jean-Mary 

On if Aaron Beasley played the Mike or Will linebacker position last year… 
“He was a combo guy for us. He actually played a couple of games at Will. That’s why he led us in snaps. He was always our combo that we could put in at Mike or Will. He had some games where I’m not sure if he started at Will, but he played a ton at Will for us last year.” 

On if Beasley’s skillset fits the Will linebacker position the most… 
“I think it fits both. Early on last season, I thought he was playing at a high level at the Mike linebacker position before Juwan (Mitchell) came back last year, and then we slid him to where he could play either or. I think skillset and experience wise; it would be easy for him to go back and play Mike tomorrow if we asked him to.” 

On if Keenan Pili is a traditional Mike linebacker… 
“When you say traditional Mike, I want to be careful. He’s not a throwback three yards in a cloud of dust that just runs into people. He’s a bigger guy, but he’s super athletic. We don’t mind putting him in space, blitzing him or putting him into coverage. I want to be careful about saying traditional because we like to consider both of our guys versatile enough to be outside and inside linebackers.” 

On how he has seen Aaron Beasley’s leadership skills grow… 
“It’s a work in progress. Aaron is a soft-spoken guy. He’s one of those guys that always feels like he has to earn the respect from everybody before he’s going to step out and lead. We are asking him to come out of his shell a little bit. He’s done that in his own way. He’s never going to be the loudest guy in the room or be very boisterous, but you can see that especially the younger guys gravitate to him and really take heed to what he’s saying when he speaks.” 

On how different the linebacker room looks than when he first arrived here at Tennessee… 
“Every coach, I think if you asked them what their number one goal is would say quality depth. When you don’t even have the bodies to go out there and compete, it’s hard. I say it all the time that the best coach in the world is competition. You’re going to get the most out of guys if they know that guy behind them is nipping at their heels and is able to play at a high level. With the depth that we’re building, we are going to be able to play multiple guys. We feel like we are going to get them to play at a high level. I think we are getting to the point where we can be a third, fourth or even fifth team deep at linebacker. That’s going to be a blessing. Obviously, you knock on wood because you don’t want any injuries to happen. The depth aspect is going to be great.” 

On if he likes the dynamic of the young guys in the linebacker group… 
“I’m very happy with the young guys. They all are going to progress at different levels, but I think from Arion Carter, Jalen Smith, Jeremiah Telander, and I still put Kalib Perry, Elijah Herring and Ben Bolton in that same category, those are all guys whose best football is ahead of them. We are really happy with the athleticism and their attention to detail as football players.” 

On if Arion Carter is still impressive or has moments where you realize he is still a freshman… 
“It depends on the day. There’s never going to be perfection. Youth always equals mistakes, and we just want to limit the amount. The thing with Arion is that he plays so hard, fast and is a great athlete so he’s able to overcome some of those mistakes that maybe some other people can’t. We are not going to spoon-feed him. We are going to keep force-feeding him and putting him in difficult situations so he learns from them and if he does it right, he can explain why he did it right. We feel confident that if he does it wrong, we are going to be able to correct it and make sure he does it right the next time. I think he’s right where he was, and I think he’s probably a little further ahead than where he was in the spring. Obviously, we are expecting big things from him the rest of this camp.” 

On how beneficial it is to have Keenan Pili’s experience in the linebacker room… 
“It’s been valuable. We lost a bunch of guys. If you go off of seniors or guys who had their eligibility up last year, we really lost four guys last year. That’s big in the room. Even the guys who didn’t play a lot that had a presence in the room, they almost sounded like coaches. When you lose that, we really only had one veteran guy coming back. We brought in a guy with a wealth of experience in Keenan Pili who has played at a high level, and a guy who is a team player. I think when guys come out of the portal, that’s always the biggest question with them, is how they will mesh with the team. Our culture, and the way we are building it, is not for everybody. It’s not one where if you come in and have a selfish bone in your body or you’re a me guy, it doesn’t fit. He’s been a perfect fit in the room, for the defense and for the whole team.” 

On what it means to him when Jalen Smith refers to him as a second father… 
“First, I would say I probably should get a tax break because I only got two kids, Brooke and Brittany, two girls. Secondly, it’s appreciative. I don’t take the position I have for granted. I know we are in a position where we have the chance to help shape their lives. He’s got two great parents. Got a chance to get to know them during the recruiting process. He’s got two unbelievable parents. I don’t take that for granted. I appreciate the statement, I told him that doesn’t mean he’s not going to get coached hard, might mean he’s going to get coached harder. At the end of the day, coaching is not just teaching, it’s not just instructing, it’s also caring about these kids and making sure that their futures are going to be set by the experience that they had with you.” 

On what stood out about Jeremiah Telander and Jalen Smith and where they are… 
“Obviously, with what we do offensively, we have to be able to get aligned fast. I love it, because you have to be able to think on the run. I think that’s the part, the biggest wow factor for them coming out of high school. I thought the spring helped a lot. They’re getting better, but the processing has to happen a lot faster. Which is great for us, because if you have to process fast, it means you know what you’re doing. Obviously, with the physical part of the game, the speed of the game, it has to keep coming. There are still some times, if they’re a step late with their read, the ball has passed them. We have to get better there, but we’ve been happy with what they’re doing. They’ve all flashed. I’ve said I’ll put Arion (Carter) and obviously Kalib (Perry), Elijah (Herring), Ben Bolton), all of those guys, they’ve all flashed a bunch. I think, like I said, their best football is ahead of them.” 

On how much they’ve worked on the preparation to create more turnovers or make game changing plays… 
“It was the lead bulletin point for Coach (Tim) Banks. I think everybody in our individual rooms, we talked about it. For us to take the next step, we have to go and take the ball from people. Our offense does a good job of not giving it to the opponent, we have to match them as far as the rate that we take it from people. With Coach (Josh) Heupel, I should mention him too, that was one of the main bullet points that he had in his first team meeting, was we have to do a better job. Whether it be intercepting the ball, caused fumbles, strip sacks on quarterbacks, fourth-down stops, whatever we can do to get the possessions back to our offense. We know how explosive our offense is, and if we get the ball to them at a high rate, our percentage of winning is going to go through the roof.” 

On his decision to come to Tennessee a few years ago and what he has found out about Tennessee since he got here… 
“I feel like I’m about to write a book report. To answer the first part of that question, the thing that was attractive. As a kid that grew up in the northeast in the 80s and early 90s and moved down south in the mid-90s, obviously Tennessee program-wise was top tier, one of the best programs in the country. That stood out to me as a high school kid. Then getting to college, I didn’t play college football too far from here. I played at Appalachian State. There was a lot of Power-T’s in that area of North Carolina. Then getting into the coaching profession, I cut my teeth in the South and actually in this conference, and Tennessee was always a program that you admired from afar. When the opportunity came, obviously I was at a place with a lot of tradition and a really good program, but there was something in me that said that’s worth at least kicking the tires on and seeing what the opportunity would be. After talking to Coach Heupel, getting the chance to speak to Coach Banks, someone I knew and respected for a long time. Then, obviously with Coach Martinez and Coach Garner, guys that I’ve had to coach against for a long time. The respect factor was there. I knew what the situation was coming in, and it was blind faith. I really believed in the vision that Coach Heupel had when we spoke. Obviously, I had the chance to coach against him when he was at Central Florida. I saw the makings of what they were doing there, and I had a pretty good inkling that we were going to be successful here. 

 “The second part of the question, what I’ve found since I’ve been here, unbelievable place. Great university, Knoxville is an unbelievable city, great people. The passion for football is even greater than I thought it would be. Neyland Stadium, I said a couple of years ago, and I still think it’s the best football experience for a college football fan or player in the country.” 

On how possible it is for Aaron Beasley to replicate the success that he had in the Orange Bowl… 
“I would say if you asked him that and he didn’t say that he thought he could play better, I would be disappointed. I think that’s the Aaron that we expect to see in every game. I think there were some plays that he left out there on the field that definitely could have been made. You’re talking to a guy that believes in him as much as anybody else in the building. I think the kid has a unique skillset and a high playmaking ability. I still tell people all the time that I think the best is yet to come from that kid.” 
 

Sophomore LB Elijah Herring 

On what part of his game has improved… 
“Just becoming very detailed, to where if I have to tell the defensive line to watch the ball or the hard count, just recognizing the whole formation, looking to the back, looking to the field, just being very detailed on the field. Seeing everything before the ball snaps and finding little details with the linemen, wide receivers, the quarterback or the running backs.” 

On how much more comfortable he feels compared to last season… 
“It feels good. I wouldn’t say I am comfortable, but I am getting used to it. It’s a good feeling to able to be a Mike and to be able to see everything. It’s great to be confident in what you are doing out there because I mean, it’s a lot of stuff going on and there’s a lot of stuff the linebackers have to do back there. It just gives you a good feeling and a good sense of pride to be back there and be able to control the whole defense.” 

On if there has been a specific player that has impressed or excites him this season… 
“I wouldn’t say that there is one player. I would say there is one position group though. The defensive line just has a bunch of freaks on there. It’s crazy, they are freaks of nature. You got Caleb (Herring), James (Peace Jr.), Roman (Harrison), (Joshua Josephs), and Chandavian (Bradley) on there. They are just specimens out there. The whole defensive line is just so good at their craft, and they each just have their own style of play, so it’s just great to go out there and see them play.” 
 

Sophomore LB Kalib Perry 

On what is different about him from this time last season… 
“I think just getting more comfortable with it and seeing things differently as a linebacker. You are going to approach more contact as a linebacker because you are right there by the linemen. Just seeing things, recognizing formations and knowing where to be at. As a defensive back in high school, you are sitting back and seeing everything, but when you are down and depending on the linemen, that can take away from a play. So, not taking myself out of a play and being efficient with what I’m doing.”
 
On how Aaron Beasley has mentored him this offseason and adding Keenan Pili to the room… 
“Beasley has always been a great leader. He’s a little bit more quiet and sits back, but he’s always looking out, looking on the field to see what you can do a little bit better. Even in the meeting room, he will point out little things with missed reads to see where you can get in better position. He’s been in the game for a while, and he’s been doing his thing. This past season, he had a really great season. He’s kind of got his years behind him, so he’s been a huge part. Even Keenan, he’s has had a lot of years at BYU. He came here, and he adds a new versatility. He’s more of a bigger linebacker and adds a big leadership role behind him. He’s been very helpful, always looking out for the younger guys. Even with Beasley, they’re communicating with each other and pushing us.” 
 
On if he has taken any traits from being a defensive back into being a linebacker… 
“Whenever I see certain formations and seeing them as a broad perspective, but also just covering. I have kind of had a transition with covering guys in man defense with vertical hooks and stuff like that, so I think that was a big part of it. Being able to play man coverage has helped me a lot, and I am transitioning that to linebacker now.” 
 

Freshman LB Arion Carter 

On what it’s been like getting to Tennessee and how he feels like his decision went down… 
“I’m pleased, most definitely. Just getting in the system, being around all the guys, just learning the culture and seeing how I fit as a whole. I love it here, and I’m really happy with my decision.” 

On the different personalities of the coaching staff… 
“Start with Coach BJ (Brian Jean-Mary). Coach BJ is the same guy every day. A guy who comes to work, a guy who’s going to push you, a guy who wants the best for you every single day. Just knowing that makes me a better player. It makes me want to come in and work every day. Not only prove to myself but prove to coaches I am who I say I am. Coach BJ is just a great coach overall. Love him to death. Coach (Tim) Banks is a real chill guy. Sets the standard and he expects you to meet the standard. He’s not too big on mistakes, but once he coaches it up, he expects you to learn from it and move on from it. I really like that as him being a coach because it’s not that much time each practice. Even though we have a certain amount of practices, each practice is expensive reps that you have to capitalize on each day.”  

On how much of a benefit it is to have a tight knit group in the linebacker room before the grind of the season starts… 
“Going through fall camp each and every day, really starting off in spring and then summer workouts as we build a good relationship. We all hang out together. Being able to get to know and a feel for everybody as I came in. It’s just helpful, because when you’re down, a brother is able to pick you up. You’re able to lean on a brother some days, and they are able to lean on you just because of the trust. That’s been great.” 

-UT Athletics

Vols LB Aaron Beasley / Credit: UT Athletics

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