Quotes: Vols Go Through Second Scrimmage, Kickoff In Less Than Three Weeks

Quotes: Vols Go Through Second Scrimmage, Kickoff In Less Than Three Weeks

Posted on August 14, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football wrapped up another four-day block of preseason workouts with its second scrimmage in Neyland Stadium on Sunday morning, and head coach Josh Heupel said the Volunteers executed at a higher clip on both sides of the ball.

“I thought there were a bunch of positives today in the scrimmage,” Heupel said. “We played cleaner on both sides of the football. Executed. I thought alignment, assignment, eyes on keys, being lined up and ready to go on the defensive side of the football, tackling in space. I thought we did a much better job in those areas than we did in the first scrimmage.”

Tennessee worked close to 100 plays with the first-team offense going against the first-team defense, as well as the second team and third team seeing action against each other.

The Battle For Left Tackle

Senior Jeremiah Crawford and redshirt sophomore transfer Gerald Mincey continue to battle it out for the left tackle position with veteran Darnell Wright having solidified right tackle. Wright enters 2022 having made 29 career starts with 1,851 offensive snaps in his three previous seasons. Crawford played in 10 games in his debut season, while Mincey joined the squad in January after two seasons at Florida.

“It’s been back and forth a little bit through training camp,” Heupel said. “Both of them have made a bunch of progress from spring ball, and really since the beginning of training camp, in understanding what we’re doing offensively. In the run game, playing with better pad level, being able to create some movement up front. Both of them have taken major strides in the pass pro side of it, too. I feel like those guys are continuing to progress as they should.”

Depth at Cornerback

Despite the departure of NFL second-round pick Alontae Taylor to the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee finds itself in a positive situation at cornerback with plenty of depth. Senior Warren Burrell is a starter for the third straight year. Junior college transfer Dee Williams, redshirt junior Kamal Hadden, redshirt junior Brandon Turnage, sophomore Christian Charles and sophomore De’Shawn Rucker are vying for the starting rotation.

“Warren Burrell has had a really steady, good camp,” Heupel said. “(De’Shawn) Rucker coming back healthy, feel like he’s playing his best football right now, as well. There is a ton of competition right there at that position. That’s some young guys that have gotten here, guys that have been around this program for a couple of years, too.

Family Day/On Deck  

Heupel invited players’ families to the scrimmage on Sunday. It was their first taste of Neyland Stadium this fall, which will seat 101,915 after upgrades to two areas—a lower-west premium club and upper south end social deck. Families then had the opportunity to eat lunch with their sons inside the practice facility.

The Volunteers will have two off days this week—Monday and Thursday—while practicing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Kickoff for the Sept. 1 season-opener is nearly two weeks away.
 

Head Coach Josh Heupel Press Conference
August 14, 2022
 
Opening Statement…  
“A great day. Always good to get inside of the stadium here. First of all, it looks great. But a big day for our players and staff. A great day, too. We had a bunch of families that were here to share in the scrimmage, and they’ll get an opportunity to spend some time with their kids here this afternoon, too, before we come back in the building this evening. Excited about them getting a chance for myself and my staff to see them as well.  
 
“I thought there were a bunch of positives today in the scrimmage. We played cleaner on both sides of the football. Executed. I thought alignment, assignment, eyes on keys, being lined up and ready to go on the defensive side of the football, tackling in space; I thought we did a much better job in those areas than we did in the first scrimmage. Offensively, at times we were efficient and played with great pace and handled the communication side of it at a really high level, too. So, a bunch of positives. I know there will be a bunch of things we’re going to need to clean up, too, when we go back and watch the tape this afternoon.” 
 
On the competition at left tackle and how it is progressing… 
“It’s been back and forth a little bit through training camp. You guys have heard me say this. At the end of the day, we’re going to need both of them, all of them. You experienced last year, injuries. That’s true at the tackle spot. It’s true at all five spots. Those guys are continuing to compete. That’s not going to stop after today. That’ll happen all the way up until kickoff. Anticipate both of them (Jeremiah Crawford and Gerald Mincey) playing during the course of the football game throughout the season, and certainly in week one. Who gets a majority of that or what the percentage breakdown is, we’ll continue to evaluate as we go through. Both of them have made a bunch of progress from spring ball, and really since the beginning of training camp, in understanding what we’re doing offensively. In the run game, playing with better pad level, being able to create some movement up front. Both of them have taken major strides in the pass pro side of it, too. I feel like those guys are continuing to progress as they should.”

On the play at left tackle ensuring Darnell Wright’s spot at right tackle… 
“Yeah, at this point. We plan to keep Darnell at the right side.” 
 
On how far he would go down the depth chart at running back this season… 
“At times, we had to play five last year. Everybody has to be ready to play. As we continue here on the back half of training camp, and even before we get to game week and game week itself, those guys proving that we can trust them. That’s certainly with the ball in their hands, taking care of the football. It’s in understanding what we’re doing offensively, delivering blocks and hitting the right holes. A big part of it is understanding pass pro, too. The two young guys in particular (Dylan Sampson and Justin Williams-Thomas), I think have grown throughout the course of training camp. Just where their eyes are at, understanding protections and being able to handle the football game as it truly gets played out in a live situation. We’re going to need a bunch of guys at that position. Just the nature of football. It’s the nature of that position, it’s the nature of playing inside of this league. (it’s) an extremely physical league.” 
 
On the depth at wide receiver and if he knows how many guys he trusts at that position…
“Not yet. I thought there was some real positive things today. Bru McCoy did some really good things out there inside of the stadium. I thought he handled and operated really well. He was physical with the ball in his hands. Jimmy Holiday made some plays today, made some competitive catches and then run after the catch. Walker Merrill is a guy that’s had a really good training camp, much better football player and understanding of what we’re doing from where we ended spring ball. I think he’s made strides, and he’s done that offensively, he’s done it on the special teams side of it too. So, there’s still a ton of competition. We’ve had a couple guys that have missed a day or two here and there through training camp. This next block will be important to see those guys function and operate and handle the totality of what we’re doing offensively and ultimately prove that they deserve to be on the football field and play. That’s a Jimmy Calloway, it’s Squirrel (White), in particular those two guys.”
 
On Joe Milton III’s growth and how he’s looked in practice and scrimmages…
“Through practices he’s been a better decision maker. (He has) a better command of what we’re doing offensively, strides that you would hope and think he needs to take and is capable of. He’s taken better care of the football. A lot of things that we’ve asked from him, just growing up and becoming a mature person and player that we need inside of that room and in that position inside of this program. He’s taken some of those strides. There’s a bunch left out there for him. You guys know he has the arm talent to make some really special throws. But I think in all, in the two scrimmages he’s had really good command and presence in what we’ve done.”
 
On if there is any update on Bru McCoy’s eligibility status…
“Don’t have an update on Bru.”
 
On his assessment of the linebacker group…
“We are deeper because of the young guys that we have added inside of our program and the health of Juwan (Mitchell). The continued development of the guys that were playing last year makes that unit a deeper unit. In year two, like a lot of our positions, I do think they have a better understanding of what we’re doing defensively. We’ve been better in our gap fits here the last four-day block. In particular, I thought the one defense today, for the most part, did a really good job. I think they’ve tackled well. That second level has tackled well here as of late. Juwan being back adds experience, adds playmaking ability. Jeremy (Banks) has continued to grow. We’ve talked about that. (Aaron) Beasley and (Solon) Page III, those guys have taken major strides in the offseason too, and they’ve shown that through the majority of training camp.”
 
On the cornerback position overall and Kamal Hadden’s status…
“I want to view the tape for me to make a comment on how they played today. Overall, I think they’ve done a better job on 50/50 balls down the football field. Being calm, not panicking. Playing the football and the wide receiver. They’ve done a good job in their fits and some of our pressures and things that we’ve done.
 
“Kamal (Hadden), I anticipate being able to get some reps here over the next four-day block. It will be good to see him back on the field for us. He’s handled himself in a really mature way while he’s been nicked up and hasn’t been able to be on the field. Been purposeful in the way he’s approached meetings and practice. Essentially, has a plan of coaching guys up during the course of the practice. I think his engagement has allowed him to continue to grow. Obviously, you want those real reps. Anticipate being able to get those in this next block with him. Warren Burrell has had a really steady, good camp. (De’Shawn) Rucker coming back healthy, feel like he’s playing his best football right now, as well. There is a ton of competition right there at that position. That’s some young guys that have gotten here, guys that have been around this program for a couple of years, too. I’m excited to see that to continue to play out and obviously I want to see the tape for most guys, too.”
 
On Walker Merrill and Jalin Hyatt’s comments on competitive mindset…
“It’s the truth. Jalin’s (Hyatt) comment about preseason stuff doesn’t matter. Whether that’s rankings or praise of players, whatever. At the end of the day, we’ve all got to go prove it. Gameday is approaching for us. I like the mentality that he is going to be purposeful in the way you approach it. Our team will be too. I really believe that. For Walker (Merrill), those are two great examples of guys that since we’ve gotten back from the bowl game, and really even before that. This is where I am at, this is where I need to get to. Having a plan of how I’m going to do that every single day. Those guys are pros in the way they’ve approached every day in the building. They’re competitive. They understand the plan. They have a personal plan of how they want to continue to grow. They’re extra every single day. It’s showed up in the competitiveness in which they’ve played. That’s with the ball in their hands, it’s in one-on-ones, it’s with the ball not in their hands. The way that they are blocking on the perimeter. One of the things today offensively I thought was just our perimeter screen game, which is really an extension of the run game. The effectiveness, the efficiency of that was really good to see. Those two guys had a big part in it today.”
 
On helping players avoid hitting a wall at this point in preseason camp…
“We try to do something fun every single day when we are out on the field. I think creating competitive situations is extremely important in that. It raises the level of urgency and focus out on the practice field. We pick different situations every single day. Our team meeting has structure to it but there are things that are different every day. Last night, we’ve been in a pretty good routine of what we’re doing every day. I felt like giving them a little bit of a mental break potentially if they were able to catch the football. Elijah (Simmons) is the hero, as you guys could all see. Doing something fun to keep guys engaged. That’s true during training camp, I think it’s true during the season too. You guys know, around here we try to compete really hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it too. Last night is a great example of it. Today, being different. Being in the stadium for the scrimmage, families being there. The afternoon is going to play out differently for them too. We try to keep them fresh, physically ready to compete while straining them, making sure that we’re playing ourselves in the shape that we need to (in order) to be ready to go play. You can do all those things and have a heck of a lot of fun doing it.”
 
On the performance of offensive and defensive line in Sunday’s scrimmage…
“I thought we fit things with the front seven, safety fits, and the run game with the first-string defense better than we did in the first scrimmage. In some of the situational football, the one offensive line did a great job at creating movement in third and shorts and goal line situations. There were some real positive things there, too. There were a few sacks early in the scrimmage for the ones that we’ll go back and look at and just make sure we’re not just losing a battle, which is going to happen, but our communication is right too. There’s going to be a bunch of things to learn from, overall, really excited about the energy, effort, attention to detail once the whistle blows, getting their eyes back, getting lined up and getting cleats in the ground and eyes in the right place ready to go play.”
 
On how he evaluates scrimmages differently from last year…
“A year ago, it was so different. It’s the first time that we’ve gone through any of it together as an entire program, both staff and players. You don’t take anything for granted in year two, but there’s an understanding of the expectations and how we are going to play. Both sides of the football are much deeper in who we are with the number of players that we have inside of our program. How you evaluate it, I don’t know if that changed a whole lot. Every position coach is going to watch every player every single play and their alignment, assignment, technique, effort, strain and playing to the whistle. Those are the things. We want to play harder for longer inside of our program. We have to protect the ball when we have it and go get the ball defensively. Offensively, the last four-day block they’ve been great at taking care of the football. We have to create more turnovers on the defensive side of the ball. How we grade things do not change. The expectations and standards inside of our room have not changed. The perception of us outside of the building has changed, but what we believe we have the opportunity to do because of the work we’ve put into it has caused great confidence inside of this building.”
 
On Elijah Simmons’s injury and his status…
“I think he’ll have an opportunity to participate here this next four-day block. It was kind of a freak deal, but I don’t think it’s a long-term injury for him that will inhibit him in any way as we get closer to the season, but we got to get him back fully ready to go.
 
On if his injury has set him back heading into the season…
We’ll see when we get back. He’s been in great spirits. He said he’s feeling really good. We’ll figure out here as we get back on the grass here in a couple of days.”

-UT Athletics

Vols Scrimmage 2 / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Vols Go Through Second Scrimmage, Kickoff In Less Than Three Weeks

Quotes: Vols Go Through Second Scrimmage, Kickoff In Less Than Three Weeks

Posted on August 14, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football wrapped up another four-day block of preseason workouts with its second scrimmage in Neyland Stadium on Sunday morning, and head coach Josh Heupel said the Volunteers executed at a higher clip on both sides of the ball.

“I thought there were a bunch of positives today in the scrimmage,” Heupel said. “We played cleaner on both sides of the football. Executed. I thought alignment, assignment, eyes on keys, being lined up and ready to go on the defensive side of the football, tackling in space. I thought we did a much better job in those areas than we did in the first scrimmage.”

Tennessee worked close to 100 plays with the first-team offense going against the first-team defense, as well as the second team and third team seeing action against each other.

The Battle For Left Tackle

Senior Jeremiah Crawford and redshirt sophomore transfer Gerald Mincey continue to battle it out for the left tackle position with veteran Darnell Wright having solidified right tackle. Wright enters 2022 having made 29 career starts with 1,851 offensive snaps in his three previous seasons. Crawford played in 10 games in his debut season, while Mincey joined the squad in January after two seasons at Florida.

“It’s been back and forth a little bit through training camp,” Heupel said. “Both of them have made a bunch of progress from spring ball, and really since the beginning of training camp, in understanding what we’re doing offensively. In the run game, playing with better pad level, being able to create some movement up front. Both of them have taken major strides in the pass pro side of it, too. I feel like those guys are continuing to progress as they should.”

Depth at Cornerback

Despite the departure of NFL second-round pick Alontae Taylor to the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee finds itself in a positive situation at cornerback with plenty of depth. Senior Warren Burrell is a starter for the third straight year. Junior college transfer Dee Williams, redshirt junior Kamal Hadden, redshirt junior Brandon Turnage, sophomore Christian Charles and sophomore De’Shawn Rucker are vying for the starting rotation.

“Warren Burrell has had a really steady, good camp,” Heupel said. “(De’Shawn) Rucker coming back healthy, feel like he’s playing his best football right now, as well. There is a ton of competition right there at that position. That’s some young guys that have gotten here, guys that have been around this program for a couple of years, too.

Family Day/On Deck  

Heupel invited players’ families to the scrimmage on Sunday. It was their first taste of Neyland Stadium this fall, which will seat 101,915 after upgrades to two areas—a lower-west premium club and upper south end social deck. Families then had the opportunity to eat lunch with their sons inside the practice facility.

The Volunteers will have two off days this week—Monday and Thursday—while practicing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Kickoff for the Sept. 1 season-opener is nearly two weeks away.
 

Head Coach Josh Heupel Press Conference
August 14, 2022
 
Opening Statement…  
“A great day. Always good to get inside of the stadium here. First of all, it looks great. But a big day for our players and staff. A great day, too. We had a bunch of families that were here to share in the scrimmage, and they’ll get an opportunity to spend some time with their kids here this afternoon, too, before we come back in the building this evening. Excited about them getting a chance for myself and my staff to see them as well.  
 
“I thought there were a bunch of positives today in the scrimmage. We played cleaner on both sides of the football. Executed. I thought alignment, assignment, eyes on keys, being lined up and ready to go on the defensive side of the football, tackling in space; I thought we did a much better job in those areas than we did in the first scrimmage. Offensively, at times we were efficient and played with great pace and handled the communication side of it at a really high level, too. So, a bunch of positives. I know there will be a bunch of things we’re going to need to clean up, too, when we go back and watch the tape this afternoon.” 
 
On the competition at left tackle and how it is progressing… 
“It’s been back and forth a little bit through training camp. You guys have heard me say this. At the end of the day, we’re going to need both of them, all of them. You experienced last year, injuries. That’s true at the tackle spot. It’s true at all five spots. Those guys are continuing to compete. That’s not going to stop after today. That’ll happen all the way up until kickoff. Anticipate both of them (Jeremiah Crawford and Gerald Mincey) playing during the course of the football game throughout the season, and certainly in week one. Who gets a majority of that or what the percentage breakdown is, we’ll continue to evaluate as we go through. Both of them have made a bunch of progress from spring ball, and really since the beginning of training camp, in understanding what we’re doing offensively. In the run game, playing with better pad level, being able to create some movement up front. Both of them have taken major strides in the pass pro side of it, too. I feel like those guys are continuing to progress as they should.”

On the play at left tackle ensuring Darnell Wright’s spot at right tackle… 
“Yeah, at this point. We plan to keep Darnell at the right side.” 
 
On how far he would go down the depth chart at running back this season… 
“At times, we had to play five last year. Everybody has to be ready to play. As we continue here on the back half of training camp, and even before we get to game week and game week itself, those guys proving that we can trust them. That’s certainly with the ball in their hands, taking care of the football. It’s in understanding what we’re doing offensively, delivering blocks and hitting the right holes. A big part of it is understanding pass pro, too. The two young guys in particular (Dylan Sampson and Justin Williams-Thomas), I think have grown throughout the course of training camp. Just where their eyes are at, understanding protections and being able to handle the football game as it truly gets played out in a live situation. We’re going to need a bunch of guys at that position. Just the nature of football. It’s the nature of that position, it’s the nature of playing inside of this league. (it’s) an extremely physical league.” 
 
On the depth at wide receiver and if he knows how many guys he trusts at that position…
“Not yet. I thought there was some real positive things today. Bru McCoy did some really good things out there inside of the stadium. I thought he handled and operated really well. He was physical with the ball in his hands. Jimmy Holiday made some plays today, made some competitive catches and then run after the catch. Walker Merrill is a guy that’s had a really good training camp, much better football player and understanding of what we’re doing from where we ended spring ball. I think he’s made strides, and he’s done that offensively, he’s done it on the special teams side of it too. So, there’s still a ton of competition. We’ve had a couple guys that have missed a day or two here and there through training camp. This next block will be important to see those guys function and operate and handle the totality of what we’re doing offensively and ultimately prove that they deserve to be on the football field and play. That’s a Jimmy Calloway, it’s Squirrel (White), in particular those two guys.”
 
On Joe Milton III’s growth and how he’s looked in practice and scrimmages…
“Through practices he’s been a better decision maker. (He has) a better command of what we’re doing offensively, strides that you would hope and think he needs to take and is capable of. He’s taken better care of the football. A lot of things that we’ve asked from him, just growing up and becoming a mature person and player that we need inside of that room and in that position inside of this program. He’s taken some of those strides. There’s a bunch left out there for him. You guys know he has the arm talent to make some really special throws. But I think in all, in the two scrimmages he’s had really good command and presence in what we’ve done.”
 
On if there is any update on Bru McCoy’s eligibility status…
“Don’t have an update on Bru.”
 
On his assessment of the linebacker group…
“We are deeper because of the young guys that we have added inside of our program and the health of Juwan (Mitchell). The continued development of the guys that were playing last year makes that unit a deeper unit. In year two, like a lot of our positions, I do think they have a better understanding of what we’re doing defensively. We’ve been better in our gap fits here the last four-day block. In particular, I thought the one defense today, for the most part, did a really good job. I think they’ve tackled well. That second level has tackled well here as of late. Juwan being back adds experience, adds playmaking ability. Jeremy (Banks) has continued to grow. We’ve talked about that. (Aaron) Beasley and (Solon) Page III, those guys have taken major strides in the offseason too, and they’ve shown that through the majority of training camp.”
 
On the cornerback position overall and Kamal Hadden’s status…
“I want to view the tape for me to make a comment on how they played today. Overall, I think they’ve done a better job on 50/50 balls down the football field. Being calm, not panicking. Playing the football and the wide receiver. They’ve done a good job in their fits and some of our pressures and things that we’ve done.
 
“Kamal (Hadden), I anticipate being able to get some reps here over the next four-day block. It will be good to see him back on the field for us. He’s handled himself in a really mature way while he’s been nicked up and hasn’t been able to be on the field. Been purposeful in the way he’s approached meetings and practice. Essentially, has a plan of coaching guys up during the course of the practice. I think his engagement has allowed him to continue to grow. Obviously, you want those real reps. Anticipate being able to get those in this next block with him. Warren Burrell has had a really steady, good camp. (De’Shawn) Rucker coming back healthy, feel like he’s playing his best football right now, as well. There is a ton of competition right there at that position. That’s some young guys that have gotten here, guys that have been around this program for a couple of years, too. I’m excited to see that to continue to play out and obviously I want to see the tape for most guys, too.”
 
On Walker Merrill and Jalin Hyatt’s comments on competitive mindset…
“It’s the truth. Jalin’s (Hyatt) comment about preseason stuff doesn’t matter. Whether that’s rankings or praise of players, whatever. At the end of the day, we’ve all got to go prove it. Gameday is approaching for us. I like the mentality that he is going to be purposeful in the way you approach it. Our team will be too. I really believe that. For Walker (Merrill), those are two great examples of guys that since we’ve gotten back from the bowl game, and really even before that. This is where I am at, this is where I need to get to. Having a plan of how I’m going to do that every single day. Those guys are pros in the way they’ve approached every day in the building. They’re competitive. They understand the plan. They have a personal plan of how they want to continue to grow. They’re extra every single day. It’s showed up in the competitiveness in which they’ve played. That’s with the ball in their hands, it’s in one-on-ones, it’s with the ball not in their hands. The way that they are blocking on the perimeter. One of the things today offensively I thought was just our perimeter screen game, which is really an extension of the run game. The effectiveness, the efficiency of that was really good to see. Those two guys had a big part in it today.”
 
On helping players avoid hitting a wall at this point in preseason camp…
“We try to do something fun every single day when we are out on the field. I think creating competitive situations is extremely important in that. It raises the level of urgency and focus out on the practice field. We pick different situations every single day. Our team meeting has structure to it but there are things that are different every day. Last night, we’ve been in a pretty good routine of what we’re doing every day. I felt like giving them a little bit of a mental break potentially if they were able to catch the football. Elijah (Simmons) is the hero, as you guys could all see. Doing something fun to keep guys engaged. That’s true during training camp, I think it’s true during the season too. You guys know, around here we try to compete really hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it too. Last night is a great example of it. Today, being different. Being in the stadium for the scrimmage, families being there. The afternoon is going to play out differently for them too. We try to keep them fresh, physically ready to compete while straining them, making sure that we’re playing ourselves in the shape that we need to (in order) to be ready to go play. You can do all those things and have a heck of a lot of fun doing it.”
 
On the performance of offensive and defensive line in Sunday’s scrimmage…
“I thought we fit things with the front seven, safety fits, and the run game with the first-string defense better than we did in the first scrimmage. In some of the situational football, the one offensive line did a great job at creating movement in third and shorts and goal line situations. There were some real positive things there, too. There were a few sacks early in the scrimmage for the ones that we’ll go back and look at and just make sure we’re not just losing a battle, which is going to happen, but our communication is right too. There’s going to be a bunch of things to learn from, overall, really excited about the energy, effort, attention to detail once the whistle blows, getting their eyes back, getting lined up and getting cleats in the ground and eyes in the right place ready to go play.”
 
On how he evaluates scrimmages differently from last year…
“A year ago, it was so different. It’s the first time that we’ve gone through any of it together as an entire program, both staff and players. You don’t take anything for granted in year two, but there’s an understanding of the expectations and how we are going to play. Both sides of the football are much deeper in who we are with the number of players that we have inside of our program. How you evaluate it, I don’t know if that changed a whole lot. Every position coach is going to watch every player every single play and their alignment, assignment, technique, effort, strain and playing to the whistle. Those are the things. We want to play harder for longer inside of our program. We have to protect the ball when we have it and go get the ball defensively. Offensively, the last four-day block they’ve been great at taking care of the football. We have to create more turnovers on the defensive side of the ball. How we grade things do not change. The expectations and standards inside of our room have not changed. The perception of us outside of the building has changed, but what we believe we have the opportunity to do because of the work we’ve put into it has caused great confidence inside of this building.”
 
On Elijah Simmons’s injury and his status…
“I think he’ll have an opportunity to participate here this next four-day block. It was kind of a freak deal, but I don’t think it’s a long-term injury for him that will inhibit him in any way as we get closer to the season, but we got to get him back fully ready to go.
 
On if his injury has set him back heading into the season…
We’ll see when we get back. He’s been in great spirits. He said he’s feeling really good. We’ll figure out here as we get back on the grass here in a couple of days.”

-UT Athletics

Vols Scrimmage 2 / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Competition Fueling Secondary as Vols Look to Replace Key Pieces

Quotes: Competition Fueling Secondary as Vols Look to Replace Key Pieces

Posted on August 12, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – One of the most intriguing position groups for Tennessee heading into this season is the secondary, which will need to replace a pair of veteran leaders in Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson, who were both selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
 
Despite the key departures, secondary coach Willie Martinez is excited about the mix of veteran returners and newcomers that should make for an extremely competitive room throughout the season.

“We really want to play more guys,” Martinez said after Friday’s practice. “We are trying to force ourselves in pushing the guys and obviously myself as a coach to continue to pour in as much as I can to make sure they understand what we’re doing in our scheme. They got to prove it on the field.”
 
In a lot of ways, this fall has given the coaches their first real opportunity to evaluate the secondary at full strength after a handful of players missed spring ball with injuries.
 
“We have been doing a good job of rotating,” Martinez said. “We want to find out about a lot of guys that we don’t know about, guys that were not with us in the spring, whether that is Kamal (Hadden) or (Warren) Burrell or (De’Shawn) Rucker or (Brandon) Turnage.
 
“We knew that they would be in rotations, so we have been rotating. There are not really ones or twos. We are just trying to get them competitive reps in practice and trying to get the matchups that we would like so we can get an evaluation of each player. It has been good because we have been able to play a lot of guys.” 
 
One of the most important battles in the secondary has been at the STAR position, a spot where Jackson flourished last season before being drafted by the Tennessee Titans.
 
“You are involved in both the run and pass game. You are also defending probably the fastest player on their team in the slot,” Martinez said when asked about the importance of the STAR position. “He has to be a dynamic player and be one of the best, if not the best player, because he is going to be involved in the run game and the passing game.” 
 
Special teams ace Tamarion McDonald and Georgia Tech transfer Wesley Walker have been getting the majority of the reps at STAR this fall and will look to follow in Jackson’s footsteps, with veteran safety Trevon Flowers also getting reps at the position.
 
The competition level is also extremely high for the two corner spots as the Vols look to replace Taylor’s production from a year ago. Warren Burrell enters his senior year as the most experienced of the group, having played 29 career games while making 20 starts at corner, including 12 of UT’s 13 contests in 2021.
 
Burrell spoke on Friday about taking on a larger leadership role with Taylor now in the NFL after being drafted by the second round New Orleans Saints.
 
“He was a leader, he helped us get in the right direction,” Burrell said of Taylor. “When guys were not paying attention to details, myself included, and when things were not as right as they should be, Alontae was one of those guys that got us back into position and back focused and on the right track.

“Now that’s my job. That’s something I try to do. I keep that in mind. I guess it’s more off-the-field things, more focus, more detail-oriented stuff that you have to take responsibility to make sure that other guys are doing this because it will eventually be their turn and (I’ll) pass it on.”
 
The Vols continue preseason camp with practice No. 11 on Saturday morning at Haslam Field before holding their second and final scrimmage of camp on Sunday at Neyland Stadium. Sunday’s scrimmage is closed to the public.
 

Transcript and Player Quotes

Secondary Coach Willie Martinez 

On finding the right guys to start in the secondary… 
“We have been doing a good job of rotating. We want to find out about a lot of guys that we don’t know about, guys that were not with us in the spring, whether that is Kamal (Hadden) or (Warren) Burrell or (De’Shawn) Rucker or (Brandon) Turnage. We knew that they would be in rotations, so we have been rotating. There are not really ones or twos. We are just trying to get them competitive reps in practice and trying to get the matchups that we would like so we can get an evaluation of each player. It has been good because we have been able to play a lot of guys.” 
 
On Christian Charles playing corner… 
“Christian is the type of player that we want to continue to recruit. He is very versatile and can play all the positions on the back end. That gives us some flexibility, and he has transitioned very well. He has obviously made progress from when that transition happened in the spring. He was very raw and non-developed at understanding how to play the corner position. He has done a nice job in the offseason and the summertime that has prepared him for camp. He looks like a different player and is much more aware of certain situations. It does happen a lot faster out there, and he has adjusted really well.” 
 
On who is competing at the STAR position… 
“It’s T-Mac (Tamarion McDonald), obviously it’s Wesley (Walker). We also are rotating Tre (Trevon Flowers) there. Like I said, just a little while ago it was trying to get them reps at the first group, second group and just mixing it up.” 
 
On the importance of the nickel in this defensive scheme… 
“You are involved in both the run and pass game. You are also defending probably the fastest player on their team in the slot. He has to be able to defend on the perimeter and screens and be a player that has strengths as a cover guy but is not taken off of the block and plays physically in the alley. He has to be a dynamic player and be one of the best, if not the best player, because he is going to be involved in the run game and the passing game.” 
 
On the progression of Dee Williams… 
“When he came in, he did not know the scheme. Adapting from junior college, you are always going to have a tremendous transition. You are going to have some growing pains but coming in in January gives him the opportunity to manage college life on this campus, balancing academics and football and how to manage it. He had to learn the playbook, so coming in and learning it before spring, during spring and after spring, he looks like a different player. He knows what his job entails and is more comfortable. He has made more plays and is more confident. He is doing a good job this camp.” 
 
On the development of Wesley Walker and Andre Turrentine… 
“Athleticism is the first thing that comes to mind. They give us the opportunity to be flexible in whom we want to move around. They are both athletic. Obviously, Wesley played more than Andre, and that shows. That is not a knock on Andre, because he has made some plays, and each day he looks more comfortable in knowing what to do.” 
 
On what he has learned about Walker and Turrentine since they arrived… 
“How competitive they are. You see the skillsets and how tough a kid is on film, but the attention to detail in the meeting rooms, you can tell it is important to them. They do not want to go on the field not knowing what to do. They ask question after question prior to coming on the field, double-checking and triple-checking. You do not see that on video. They have done a nice job and given themselves a chance to know what to do in our system. That has been the impressive part.” 
 
On if Walker and Turrentine are playing multiple positions… 
“Wesley is. Andre has been bouncing from strong safety and free safety, but Wesley has been doing all three. He did that at the previous stop and did a really nice job. They have picked up and they understand the standards and expectations of this program. They fit really well in our room. They have leadership qualities. Andre is young. I know Wesley is a little bit older. They have done a great job.”
 
On Tamarian McDonald’s growth over the last year… 
“He was very consistent on our special teams last year. We say it all of the time, if you can make plays in space, it gives you a chance to be a player on offense and defense. It has built confidence. He played a few defensive snaps last year. When he did get in there, did a nice job, but there is a lot more confidence. He understands our system better. He has been a really good special teams player for us. He knows it is all about field awareness, leverage and making plays in space. Obviously, it starts with tackling and then obviously trying to play coverages, whether it’s man or zone coverage, he looks very comfortable.” 
 
On McDonald practicing at the STAR position in the spring… 
“We did that on purpose. We wanted to give him the most reps right there. He knew strong and free (safety). Now, we are moving him around so he can still play with the first group. We’ll move him around.” 
 
On anyone who has stuck out to him during camp… 
“The other new guys are Jourdan Thomas and Christian Harrison. Thomas has done a great job and is coming off a really good scrimmage where he showed what he can do. Those two guys, I cannot say enough good things about them. The small details are so important, and they did a great job. They both were not here until June, they had to learn it. They knew that they were behind reps on the guys that have been here since January. It is important to them, and they are still growing. We had a setback with Christian, but he will be back in the next couple of days. He’s really done a nice job early on in camp.” 
 
On Kamal Hadden being out and his overall improvements in the offseason…
“It hurts every player that doesn’t get the reps. It doesn’t matter where, but when you’re dealing with an offense as fast as ours, it really helps you get in shape too, and to think through the process and stuff. It hurts any player that doesn’t get the reps and get the feel for what it does to your body and what it does to your mind and how it challenges you.
 
“Going back to how Kamal has done, he’s a different person. He’s a different player. He’s really grown. I’ll start off with off the field, it’s academics, it’s in the strength and conditioning. He had a great summer. Obviously, he was coming off the injury. He’s been locked in in the meetings preparing, so to speak. He does a good job when he’s not in there as far as keeping the energy going. He’s grown tremendously since he’s been here. He’s only been here just a little bit over 13 months and he’s coming off an injury that kind of set him back a little bit from developing. To come back from that and obviously where he’s at right now, he’s giving us a chance to build our depth in the backend.”
 
On the desired depth…
“We really want to play more guys. We are trying to force ourselves in pushing the guys and obviously myself as a coach to continue to pour in as much as I can to make sure they understand what we’re doing in our scheme. They got to prove it on the field. Ideally, we would like to play at least three to four corners, three to four safeties. If anything, it would be five. If you can get that four to five in those positions and obviously STAR is in there. I would say if we could do that it would give us a chance in this league. Obviously, if somebody gets hurt then somebody could just bounce back in there and it’s next man mentality and they are ready to play.”
 
On if Tamarion McDonald’s play on special teams helped determine his position…
“The one thing you love about Tamarion McDonald is how good he looks in a body. He’s got a great body type, long. Really didn’t know much about him when he got here. I think he was more of a box player in high school. What I mean by that is in between the tackles, whether it was a safety, linebacker, whatever the case may be. Obviously, when you start talking about the STAR you are dealing with more space. It wasn’t until we actually saw him, got a chance to work with him, you can see how much he’s grown here in the last six, seven months. Where he’s really challenged himself to work on his man technique. Understands leverage. Obviously, that was the great thing about Theo (Jackson). With all the experience he had, older player, he understood where his help was at. Play the situation off the calls. Know where your help is at. He’s starting to learn that. He has a good understanding of that to play with his teammates as far as where his leverage is and where it’s not.”
 
On how Brandon Turnage missing time from football in the spring affected his development…
“With Brandon (Turnage), it’s really not so much the mental part. Brandon is a really smart player. He knows every position on the backend. You can line him up there, and if something happens, he will know what to do at strong safety, free safety, corner, star or dime. He understands the game and its importance. It’s good for him to get back on the field and get the reps he needs to continue to develop his techniques and fundamentals. It’s great to see him out there and do that again. He has great energy, and it’s nonstop. He’s coaching players when he’s on the sideline and when they come off the sideline. He’s got a smile on his face. It’s good in our room, because leadership is needed in every room and every phase of our program. He’s one of those guys that does it by setting the example.”

Senior DB Warren Burrell

On departure of Alontae Taylor and how that changes his role on the defense…
“As far as changing roles, it was more off-the-field the stuff that he did. He was a leader, he helped us get in the right direction. When guys were not paying attention to details, myself included, and when things were not as right as they should be, Alontae was one of those guys that got us back into position and back focused and on the right track. Now that’s my job. That’s something I try to do. I keep that in mind. I guess it’s more off-the-field things, more focus, more detail-oriented stuff that you have to take responsibility to make sure that other guys are doing this because it will eventually be their turn and (I’ll) pass it on.”
 
On his mindset playing cornerback…
“In the biggest way, when playing corner, it all starts with your mental (game) and what’s going on in your head. Every time you line up, you have to think you’re the best guy on the field. Things that go into your routine, how you step, and how you do certain things, those are the beginning stages. The little things take care of the big things. It’s more of your focus on what you’re looking at, where your eyes are, making the right step. For me, it’s been focusing on the details. That starts with your mental (game), how you step and your eyes. Those things I’ve been working on the most.”
 
On if he is still thinking about the ending to last season…
“It’s something you don’t just wipe off. It’s a loss, and every loss is going to hurt, especially that one, just the magnitude of it. For me personally, the situation I was in. I play DB, so for me personally, it’s something that you let pass, you acknowledge it, and then let it go and keep moving on. You keep focusing, take it one step at a time and continue to get better.”

Sophomore DB Christian Charles

On how fast he adjusted to switching from safety to cornerback…
“It was right when I was told that I was switching to play cornerback. I pride myself on being versatile. So, I did whatever was needed out of me. I needed to play corner because we had some guys down in the spring, so I made the transition. It wasn’t really a huge deal to me. It was just something that I knew I had to do.”
 
On how he has improved at corner over the summer and during fall camp…
“Something that I believe I have improved on and will continue to improve on is being consistent. That’s the biggest thing playing corner, because you can completely lock a guy down for two plays and then the third play you have one lapse of focus, and it is sixty yards over your head for a touchdown. Being consistent is something that I believe that I’ve improved on and will continue to improve on.”
 
On if he feels more pressure playing cornerback over safety…
“I wouldn’t say I feel any more responsibility, I just feel the responsibility that it takes every play. You can’t take more pride in one play than the next. You have to come in with that same kind of intensity and focus every play no matter what.”

Junior DB Tamarion McDonald

On his growth after getting a lot of reps in the spring…
“It was very important. Last year, even though I was at safety I was still watching Theo (Jackson) a lot. At 10 run, I would go to STAR while he was doing one-on-ones, just getting comfortable at it. I was just watching Theo, Tank (Jaylen McCollough), Tre (Trevon Flowers), the other guys, learning from them and soaking it all in since I’ve been here.”
 
On his confidence at the moment…
“My confidence has gotten a lot better. I’m playing a lot faster. Last year I was playing hesitant a lot, reading my keys, I wanted to go with my move. Now, I read my keys and I shoot it. I see it and I go. I’m playing a lot faster. I’m a lot more confident.”
 
On needing to improve on third down defense…
“We have to be a lot better. We talk about that every day. Third and medium, third and long, we talk about that every day. Especially third and medium, getting off the field, knowing the situation, knowing what you are going to get. Third and medium is just knowing what they are going to do. Third and six, three-to-six is third and medium. You pretty much are going to play flat footed. You aren’t expecting long balls and deep balls, you expect short routes. Everybody do their job, get the pass rush, lock up and I think we can get better. We actually have been getting better in fall camp.”

RS-Junior DB Brandon Turnage

On coming back from injury in the offseason…
“Really, the time sitting back really didn’t set me back any. We were still learning. We were still watching the guys go through the formations and sets and everything. This offseason it wasn’t really a struggle because I had my teammates. I had a couple of my other brothers that were in the same position as me. We all kind of just built off each other and build each other up throughout the process. Now, being that we did sit back, I feel like all of us kind of see the game a little bit different. All of us feel motivated. We take more advantage of our opportunity because we see how it is being down and not being able to get the reps.”
 
On learning from the experience he gained last year as a reserve…
“Really just paying attention to the other guys who are in front of me. Theo (Jackson), he was a really smart guy. Just sitting in meeting rooms with him, listening to the questions that he’s asking, watching the things that he’s doing at practice. All of that kind of helps, just having older guys that have a lot of experience and that have been through a lot of stuff. Either behind Warren (Burrell) and stuff like that, those guys are smart and if you just watch them, you can learn so much.”
 
On not playing much down the stretch last season…
“I’ve always been taught to be ready whenever my number is called. It really didn’t make any difference because I knew that I needed to play my role. Being that other guys were older, and they knew more honestly than me, they had more experience. I just step back, and I continue to be patient.”

-UT Athletics

Vols DB Tamarion McDonald / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Competition Fueling Secondary as Vols Look to Replace Key Pieces

Quotes: Competition Fueling Secondary as Vols Look to Replace Key Pieces

Posted on August 12, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – One of the most intriguing position groups for Tennessee heading into this season is the secondary, which will need to replace a pair of veteran leaders in Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson, who were both selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
 
Despite the key departures, secondary coach Willie Martinez is excited about the mix of veteran returners and newcomers that should make for an extremely competitive room throughout the season.

“We really want to play more guys,” Martinez said after Friday’s practice. “We are trying to force ourselves in pushing the guys and obviously myself as a coach to continue to pour in as much as I can to make sure they understand what we’re doing in our scheme. They got to prove it on the field.”
 
In a lot of ways, this fall has given the coaches their first real opportunity to evaluate the secondary at full strength after a handful of players missed spring ball with injuries.
 
“We have been doing a good job of rotating,” Martinez said. “We want to find out about a lot of guys that we don’t know about, guys that were not with us in the spring, whether that is Kamal (Hadden) or (Warren) Burrell or (De’Shawn) Rucker or (Brandon) Turnage.
 
“We knew that they would be in rotations, so we have been rotating. There are not really ones or twos. We are just trying to get them competitive reps in practice and trying to get the matchups that we would like so we can get an evaluation of each player. It has been good because we have been able to play a lot of guys.” 
 
One of the most important battles in the secondary has been at the STAR position, a spot where Jackson flourished last season before being drafted by the Tennessee Titans.
 
“You are involved in both the run and pass game. You are also defending probably the fastest player on their team in the slot,” Martinez said when asked about the importance of the STAR position. “He has to be a dynamic player and be one of the best, if not the best player, because he is going to be involved in the run game and the passing game.” 
 
Special teams ace Tamarion McDonald and Georgia Tech transfer Wesley Walker have been getting the majority of the reps at STAR this fall and will look to follow in Jackson’s footsteps, with veteran safety Trevon Flowers also getting reps at the position.
 
The competition level is also extremely high for the two corner spots as the Vols look to replace Taylor’s production from a year ago. Warren Burrell enters his senior year as the most experienced of the group, having played 29 career games while making 20 starts at corner, including 12 of UT’s 13 contests in 2021.
 
Burrell spoke on Friday about taking on a larger leadership role with Taylor now in the NFL after being drafted by the second round New Orleans Saints.
 
“He was a leader, he helped us get in the right direction,” Burrell said of Taylor. “When guys were not paying attention to details, myself included, and when things were not as right as they should be, Alontae was one of those guys that got us back into position and back focused and on the right track.

“Now that’s my job. That’s something I try to do. I keep that in mind. I guess it’s more off-the-field things, more focus, more detail-oriented stuff that you have to take responsibility to make sure that other guys are doing this because it will eventually be their turn and (I’ll) pass it on.”
 
The Vols continue preseason camp with practice No. 11 on Saturday morning at Haslam Field before holding their second and final scrimmage of camp on Sunday at Neyland Stadium. Sunday’s scrimmage is closed to the public.
 

Transcript and Player Quotes

Secondary Coach Willie Martinez 

On finding the right guys to start in the secondary… 
“We have been doing a good job of rotating. We want to find out about a lot of guys that we don’t know about, guys that were not with us in the spring, whether that is Kamal (Hadden) or (Warren) Burrell or (De’Shawn) Rucker or (Brandon) Turnage. We knew that they would be in rotations, so we have been rotating. There are not really ones or twos. We are just trying to get them competitive reps in practice and trying to get the matchups that we would like so we can get an evaluation of each player. It has been good because we have been able to play a lot of guys.” 
 
On Christian Charles playing corner… 
“Christian is the type of player that we want to continue to recruit. He is very versatile and can play all the positions on the back end. That gives us some flexibility, and he has transitioned very well. He has obviously made progress from when that transition happened in the spring. He was very raw and non-developed at understanding how to play the corner position. He has done a nice job in the offseason and the summertime that has prepared him for camp. He looks like a different player and is much more aware of certain situations. It does happen a lot faster out there, and he has adjusted really well.” 
 
On who is competing at the STAR position… 
“It’s T-Mac (Tamarion McDonald), obviously it’s Wesley (Walker). We also are rotating Tre (Trevon Flowers) there. Like I said, just a little while ago it was trying to get them reps at the first group, second group and just mixing it up.” 
 
On the importance of the nickel in this defensive scheme… 
“You are involved in both the run and pass game. You are also defending probably the fastest player on their team in the slot. He has to be able to defend on the perimeter and screens and be a player that has strengths as a cover guy but is not taken off of the block and plays physically in the alley. He has to be a dynamic player and be one of the best, if not the best player, because he is going to be involved in the run game and the passing game.” 
 
On the progression of Dee Williams… 
“When he came in, he did not know the scheme. Adapting from junior college, you are always going to have a tremendous transition. You are going to have some growing pains but coming in in January gives him the opportunity to manage college life on this campus, balancing academics and football and how to manage it. He had to learn the playbook, so coming in and learning it before spring, during spring and after spring, he looks like a different player. He knows what his job entails and is more comfortable. He has made more plays and is more confident. He is doing a good job this camp.” 
 
On the development of Wesley Walker and Andre Turrentine… 
“Athleticism is the first thing that comes to mind. They give us the opportunity to be flexible in whom we want to move around. They are both athletic. Obviously, Wesley played more than Andre, and that shows. That is not a knock on Andre, because he has made some plays, and each day he looks more comfortable in knowing what to do.” 
 
On what he has learned about Walker and Turrentine since they arrived… 
“How competitive they are. You see the skillsets and how tough a kid is on film, but the attention to detail in the meeting rooms, you can tell it is important to them. They do not want to go on the field not knowing what to do. They ask question after question prior to coming on the field, double-checking and triple-checking. You do not see that on video. They have done a nice job and given themselves a chance to know what to do in our system. That has been the impressive part.” 
 
On if Walker and Turrentine are playing multiple positions… 
“Wesley is. Andre has been bouncing from strong safety and free safety, but Wesley has been doing all three. He did that at the previous stop and did a really nice job. They have picked up and they understand the standards and expectations of this program. They fit really well in our room. They have leadership qualities. Andre is young. I know Wesley is a little bit older. They have done a great job.”
 
On Tamarian McDonald’s growth over the last year… 
“He was very consistent on our special teams last year. We say it all of the time, if you can make plays in space, it gives you a chance to be a player on offense and defense. It has built confidence. He played a few defensive snaps last year. When he did get in there, did a nice job, but there is a lot more confidence. He understands our system better. He has been a really good special teams player for us. He knows it is all about field awareness, leverage and making plays in space. Obviously, it starts with tackling and then obviously trying to play coverages, whether it’s man or zone coverage, he looks very comfortable.” 
 
On McDonald practicing at the STAR position in the spring… 
“We did that on purpose. We wanted to give him the most reps right there. He knew strong and free (safety). Now, we are moving him around so he can still play with the first group. We’ll move him around.” 
 
On anyone who has stuck out to him during camp… 
“The other new guys are Jourdan Thomas and Christian Harrison. Thomas has done a great job and is coming off a really good scrimmage where he showed what he can do. Those two guys, I cannot say enough good things about them. The small details are so important, and they did a great job. They both were not here until June, they had to learn it. They knew that they were behind reps on the guys that have been here since January. It is important to them, and they are still growing. We had a setback with Christian, but he will be back in the next couple of days. He’s really done a nice job early on in camp.” 
 
On Kamal Hadden being out and his overall improvements in the offseason…
“It hurts every player that doesn’t get the reps. It doesn’t matter where, but when you’re dealing with an offense as fast as ours, it really helps you get in shape too, and to think through the process and stuff. It hurts any player that doesn’t get the reps and get the feel for what it does to your body and what it does to your mind and how it challenges you.
 
“Going back to how Kamal has done, he’s a different person. He’s a different player. He’s really grown. I’ll start off with off the field, it’s academics, it’s in the strength and conditioning. He had a great summer. Obviously, he was coming off the injury. He’s been locked in in the meetings preparing, so to speak. He does a good job when he’s not in there as far as keeping the energy going. He’s grown tremendously since he’s been here. He’s only been here just a little bit over 13 months and he’s coming off an injury that kind of set him back a little bit from developing. To come back from that and obviously where he’s at right now, he’s giving us a chance to build our depth in the backend.”
 
On the desired depth…
“We really want to play more guys. We are trying to force ourselves in pushing the guys and obviously myself as a coach to continue to pour in as much as I can to make sure they understand what we’re doing in our scheme. They got to prove it on the field. Ideally, we would like to play at least three to four corners, three to four safeties. If anything, it would be five. If you can get that four to five in those positions and obviously STAR is in there. I would say if we could do that it would give us a chance in this league. Obviously, if somebody gets hurt then somebody could just bounce back in there and it’s next man mentality and they are ready to play.”
 
On if Tamarion McDonald’s play on special teams helped determine his position…
“The one thing you love about Tamarion McDonald is how good he looks in a body. He’s got a great body type, long. Really didn’t know much about him when he got here. I think he was more of a box player in high school. What I mean by that is in between the tackles, whether it was a safety, linebacker, whatever the case may be. Obviously, when you start talking about the STAR you are dealing with more space. It wasn’t until we actually saw him, got a chance to work with him, you can see how much he’s grown here in the last six, seven months. Where he’s really challenged himself to work on his man technique. Understands leverage. Obviously, that was the great thing about Theo (Jackson). With all the experience he had, older player, he understood where his help was at. Play the situation off the calls. Know where your help is at. He’s starting to learn that. He has a good understanding of that to play with his teammates as far as where his leverage is and where it’s not.”
 
On how Brandon Turnage missing time from football in the spring affected his development…
“With Brandon (Turnage), it’s really not so much the mental part. Brandon is a really smart player. He knows every position on the backend. You can line him up there, and if something happens, he will know what to do at strong safety, free safety, corner, star or dime. He understands the game and its importance. It’s good for him to get back on the field and get the reps he needs to continue to develop his techniques and fundamentals. It’s great to see him out there and do that again. He has great energy, and it’s nonstop. He’s coaching players when he’s on the sideline and when they come off the sideline. He’s got a smile on his face. It’s good in our room, because leadership is needed in every room and every phase of our program. He’s one of those guys that does it by setting the example.”

Senior DB Warren Burrell

On departure of Alontae Taylor and how that changes his role on the defense…
“As far as changing roles, it was more off-the-field the stuff that he did. He was a leader, he helped us get in the right direction. When guys were not paying attention to details, myself included, and when things were not as right as they should be, Alontae was one of those guys that got us back into position and back focused and on the right track. Now that’s my job. That’s something I try to do. I keep that in mind. I guess it’s more off-the-field things, more focus, more detail-oriented stuff that you have to take responsibility to make sure that other guys are doing this because it will eventually be their turn and (I’ll) pass it on.”
 
On his mindset playing cornerback…
“In the biggest way, when playing corner, it all starts with your mental (game) and what’s going on in your head. Every time you line up, you have to think you’re the best guy on the field. Things that go into your routine, how you step, and how you do certain things, those are the beginning stages. The little things take care of the big things. It’s more of your focus on what you’re looking at, where your eyes are, making the right step. For me, it’s been focusing on the details. That starts with your mental (game), how you step and your eyes. Those things I’ve been working on the most.”
 
On if he is still thinking about the ending to last season…
“It’s something you don’t just wipe off. It’s a loss, and every loss is going to hurt, especially that one, just the magnitude of it. For me personally, the situation I was in. I play DB, so for me personally, it’s something that you let pass, you acknowledge it, and then let it go and keep moving on. You keep focusing, take it one step at a time and continue to get better.”

Sophomore DB Christian Charles

On how fast he adjusted to switching from safety to cornerback…
“It was right when I was told that I was switching to play cornerback. I pride myself on being versatile. So, I did whatever was needed out of me. I needed to play corner because we had some guys down in the spring, so I made the transition. It wasn’t really a huge deal to me. It was just something that I knew I had to do.”
 
On how he has improved at corner over the summer and during fall camp…
“Something that I believe I have improved on and will continue to improve on is being consistent. That’s the biggest thing playing corner, because you can completely lock a guy down for two plays and then the third play you have one lapse of focus, and it is sixty yards over your head for a touchdown. Being consistent is something that I believe that I’ve improved on and will continue to improve on.”
 
On if he feels more pressure playing cornerback over safety…
“I wouldn’t say I feel any more responsibility, I just feel the responsibility that it takes every play. You can’t take more pride in one play than the next. You have to come in with that same kind of intensity and focus every play no matter what.”

Junior DB Tamarion McDonald

On his growth after getting a lot of reps in the spring…
“It was very important. Last year, even though I was at safety I was still watching Theo (Jackson) a lot. At 10 run, I would go to STAR while he was doing one-on-ones, just getting comfortable at it. I was just watching Theo, Tank (Jaylen McCollough), Tre (Trevon Flowers), the other guys, learning from them and soaking it all in since I’ve been here.”
 
On his confidence at the moment…
“My confidence has gotten a lot better. I’m playing a lot faster. Last year I was playing hesitant a lot, reading my keys, I wanted to go with my move. Now, I read my keys and I shoot it. I see it and I go. I’m playing a lot faster. I’m a lot more confident.”
 
On needing to improve on third down defense…
“We have to be a lot better. We talk about that every day. Third and medium, third and long, we talk about that every day. Especially third and medium, getting off the field, knowing the situation, knowing what you are going to get. Third and medium is just knowing what they are going to do. Third and six, three-to-six is third and medium. You pretty much are going to play flat footed. You aren’t expecting long balls and deep balls, you expect short routes. Everybody do their job, get the pass rush, lock up and I think we can get better. We actually have been getting better in fall camp.”

RS-Junior DB Brandon Turnage

On coming back from injury in the offseason…
“Really, the time sitting back really didn’t set me back any. We were still learning. We were still watching the guys go through the formations and sets and everything. This offseason it wasn’t really a struggle because I had my teammates. I had a couple of my other brothers that were in the same position as me. We all kind of just built off each other and build each other up throughout the process. Now, being that we did sit back, I feel like all of us kind of see the game a little bit different. All of us feel motivated. We take more advantage of our opportunity because we see how it is being down and not being able to get the reps.”
 
On learning from the experience he gained last year as a reserve…
“Really just paying attention to the other guys who are in front of me. Theo (Jackson), he was a really smart guy. Just sitting in meeting rooms with him, listening to the questions that he’s asking, watching the things that he’s doing at practice. All of that kind of helps, just having older guys that have a lot of experience and that have been through a lot of stuff. Either behind Warren (Burrell) and stuff like that, those guys are smart and if you just watch them, you can learn so much.”
 
On not playing much down the stretch last season…
“I’ve always been taught to be ready whenever my number is called. It really didn’t make any difference because I knew that I needed to play my role. Being that other guys were older, and they knew more honestly than me, they had more experience. I just step back, and I continue to be patient.”

-UT Athletics

Vols DB Tamarion McDonald / Credit: UT Athletics
Quotes: Pope Preps Playmakers in ‘Receiver-Friendly’ Offense

Quotes: Pope Preps Playmakers in ‘Receiver-Friendly’ Offense

Posted on August 12, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Following an off day Wednesday, the Tennessee football team was back on the practice field Thursday morning for its ninth practice of preseason camp, just three weeks away from the 2022 season opener against Ball State inside Neyland Stadium.

Prior to spring practices, Kelsey Pope was promoted wide receivers coach and quickly developed a tight bond with his group. With starting spots open at the position, developing a sense of urgency and competition has been paramount in his first fall camp.

“A lot of times with these guys, competition is the best influence,” Pope said, taking the podium in front of local media. “When you see a guy behind you like Squirrel White, Chas Nimrod or Kaleb Webb, ready to do anything they can to get on the field, you are going to get more sense of urgency when it is time to play. I think that is what creates competition, guys behind you being urgent and pushing you every day.”

Pope’s group is headed up by Cedric Tillman, who leads all returning SEC wide receivers with 1,081 yards and 12 TDs in 2021. Tillman was a breakout star a season ago, along with two NFL-departed receivers Velus Jones Jr., now with the Chicago Bears, and JaVonta Payton, who is an Arizona Cardinal. The three had combined for just 30 catches and 404 yards as Volunteers prior to the arrival of head coach Josh Heupel. In just one season, the trio posted 2,301 yards and 25 touchdowns, displaying how the offense is geared to put playmakers in positions to make plays.

“Our brand is offense,” Pope added. “Obviously, it’s the tempo. We’re high-powered. It’s receiver-friendly. Receivers from any form of life and any shape or size can come in this offense and be successful. I think, to your point, the more that you do that and the more you have prolific receivers, the more it just adds to your brand. It’s no different than what our head coach does. He’s always got a quarterback, no matter where he is. He’s done that consistently. His brand has been that because of his history. That’s what we’re trying to do at the wideout position.”

“When you’re looking for an offense to really be prolific in, you see Ced (Cedric Tillman) and Velus Jones Jr. and what they did before we got here and you see what they did when we got here. It’s like something off of a movie. It’s real. You see us at practice every day and it’s a different guy every day who’s able to get touches and show what they have. I think this offense – if you’re a receiver and you want to be productive, you want to get developed and you want to be a guy – I think this offense for sure is a receiver-friendly offense, no doubt.”

One of the guys looking to make a big jump is Jalin Hyatt, a junior from Irmo, S.C. In 2021, Hyatt logged 21 receptions for 226 yards a pair of touchdowns with his best game coming in the season opener where he posted 62 yards on four catches. Though his season may not be what he wanted last year, he has grown immensely and is primed for a big year with one goal in mind: being the best team possible.

“I think motivation-wise, I just want to make better decisions for me,” Hyatt said at the podium Thursday. “I felt like last season, that wasn’t what I do as far as when I play. Not only that, I want to do well for my teammates. They’re always there. I love every guy here. I think that’s one of the reasons why.”

Hyatt’s drive to perform for his team is a feeling that is common throughout the room. In-state receiver Walker Merrill is also primed to take a big jump in his second year on Rocky Top, and he is ready for whatever role that is needed for him.

“Really, I want to play anywhere that coach puts me. I’ll impact the team in any way I can,” Merrill commented. “I’m just trying to work hard because I’m tired of not playing. I want to play. I want to be on the field and help our team win in any way possible.”

Preseason camp continues tomorrow as the Volunteers hold their 10th practice of the fall. All practices are closed to the public.

Wide Receivers Coach Kelsey Pope
On which receivers have stepped up in fall camp…
“That’s been a long list this camp. We’ve been fortunate. Jalin Hyatt seems like a different guy mentally. Physically, he’s gained about eight to 10 pounds. The competitiveness that he showed last year, he’s channeling it in a different direction. You see him respond the right way. You see him coach guys up when he’s not in. He’s really taken on that accountability role for himself and also the group. Squirrel White has been phenomenal. Chas Nimrod has been a pleasant surprise, along with the guys that are already here. Ramel Keyton had a good camp. He made some really good plays today. The biggest thing with him is to emphasize him being consistent, not only on the underneath stuff, but also challenging him down the field to make those plays consistently. Jimmy Calloway has been another one that’s stood out this camp.”

On if Tennessee’s offense is receiver friendly…
“I think it’s absolutely that and it’s a message to the younger guys in high school. When you’re looking for an offense to really be prolific in, you see Ced (Cedric Tillman) and Velus (Jones Jr.) and what they did before we got here and you see what they did when we got here. It’s like something off of a movie. It’s real. You see us at practice every day and it’s a different guy every day who’s able to get touches and show what they have. I think this offense – if you’re a receiver and you want to be productive, you want to get developed and you want to be a guy – I think this offense for sure is a receiver-friendly offense, no doubt.”

On if any of the slot receivers are able to be moved to the outside…
“The first one that comes to mind is (Jalin) Hyatt, just because he played significant snaps in the slot last year. A lot of times when you have guys playing multiple positions, you want them to master one. Once they master that, then you can start to dive into other things. There are a couple of other guys who we can get to later on. I wouldn’t say ‘mastered the slot,’ but Hyatt’s the first to come to mind. We can definitely do that.”

On Squirrel White’s counter for defenses being physical with him…
“Don’t get touched. Now, obviously sometimes you have to be ready to play with your hands. With a guy like that, you have to play in your wheelhouse. Squirrel’s not the world’s strongest man. He probably never will be, he knows that. He could definitely be the world’s fastest man, so you play within your wheelhouse. That would be different than a guy like Ced Tillman. His strength is his physicality. You want to embrace that and play through that.”

On if being able to plug in productive wide receivers helps his recruiting message…
“Absolutely, it continues to help us create our brand. That’s it. Our brand is offense. Obviously, it’s the tempo. We’re high-powered. It’s receiver-friendly. Receivers from any form of life and any shape or size can come in this offense and be successful. I think, to your point, the more that you do that and the more you have prolific receivers, the more it just adds to your brand. It’s no different than what our head coach does. He’s always got a quarterback, no matter where he is. He’s done that consistently. His brand has been that because of his history. That’s what we’re trying to do at the wideout position.”

On his impressions of Bru McCoy during fall camp…
“Bru has been a pleasant surprise. He’s been really good. For a guy who hasn’t played in a season, he obviously has had to build stamina back up. But, when you talk about just a physical specimen, some things you can coach and some things you can’t. That guy has a lot of things that you just can’t coach. For him, it’s just honing in on the details and getting it polished up for him really to become a technician. He’s a big athlete. He’s physical, twitchy and he can run. For us, it’s just about being able to get his stamina up, get him back in shape and then polish up the little things with him.”

On how long it takes for a wide receiver to learn Tennessee’s offense…
“It varies. It depends on what kind of learner you are. Some guys are visual, some guys are kinesthetic, some guys can get on the board and write. I think for Bru, he’s a kinesthetic guy. He’s not a rep guy at all, but he’s a kinesthetic learner. In our walkthrough in the afternoon when he’s not in the game and when he’s watching the guy who’s in, he’s taking mental reps on the side and walking through reps. All of those things are extremely important for him, especially since we’ve got to catch up his stamina. He’s got to take advantage of the rest when he’s not physically going.”

On how he helps ensure that Jalin Hyatt’s improvement translates to games…
“That’s the biggest thing. You have to make sure they translate during the season. For me and for Jalin, even before I got promoted, when I was still the QC last year, any time I would talk to him or pass him in the hallway, I would remind him about putting those things on tape. That’s ultimately what you want. If we have 10 good practices and then on Saturday he doesn’t show up, you don’t like that result. Staying on him and not giving any leeway (is important). Sometimes, that gets annoying. Sometimes he’s tired of hearing me talk and he gets annoyed seeing my face, but you have to stay on him until he proves that he’s able to carry that on his own with his own individual habits.”

On preparing receivers for multiple roles and the consistency among the group…
“The way we train them is any time we are installing anything, it is full concept. Guys have to know the full concept. Even if you are the outside receiver, you should know what the slot receiver is doing because your job dictates his. When we are on the grass, you are learning one position initially, and as they master it, then we can move them inside. But as far as learning, everyone is learning full concept.”

“And the consistency piece, I think that was the biggest thing today. We are past the halfway point in camp. Guys’ bodies are starting to get tired, and it becomes more of a mental game. In order to be consistent, it is all details and execution. The first week, everyone is jacked up on Mountain Dew, fired up and ready to go. Now, when your body is tired, this separates the elite from the average guy. So, the details and execution are what is going to help you be consistent. Coach Heupel talks about competitive composure. In order to be competitive when you are tired, you have to stay composed when the bullets are flying, and that detail piece has to be incorporated. That is what has allowed us to be consistent over the last couple days. Scrimmage showed that we had some plays that we left on the field, but for the most part, I feel like we were really consistent with our tempo and operation. It was a solid day.”

On Walker Merrill’s performance in camp…
“Walker has had a really good camp. Last spring, he had a knee injury that he had to work through, so he was just working back at camp. He has been really good. He plays harder than anyone on the field, so he is always going to give himself a chance to be successful.”

On the competition between the receivers…
“I think we have done a good job of placing guys in different spots, placing guys with the ones or the twos to create competition in the room. A lot of times with these guys, competition is the best influence. When you see a guy behind you like Squirrel White, Chas Nimrod or Kaleb Webb, ready to do anything they can to get on the field, you are going to get more sense of urgency when it is time to play. I think that is what creates competition, guys behind you being urgent and pushing you every day.”

On the consistency of Jimmy Calloway…
“He has been better. Jimmy is a guy that has to have a routine. When he gets out of a routine, he can kind of become inconsistent. He has definitely been better, but I think that our environment has created that. Our head guy does a great job of creating an environment where guys can be successful. You need guys to be positive and energetic, and usually when you are in that environment you are going to be the best version of yourself. Coach Heupel does a great job of creating an environment where guys can be successful. There’s not a lot of long faces, not a lot of bad body language. He does a good job of creating environments where guys like Jimmy can become the best version of themselves.”

On how many receivers will get opportunities to start the season…
“We are going to play the guys that are ready to play. If we got two guys that are ready to play, we will play 12 personnel and play two receivers. If we got 10 that can play, we will roll in the platoon. I am not a believer in just throwing guys out there that do not know what they are doing. The guys that can play who have proved that and been consistent and showed that they are competitive enough that they can do that snap in and snap out, those are the guys that are going to play, whether it’s two or 20. Whoever is ready to play is going to be on the field.”

On the recruiting process that comes along with being an assistant coach…
“It was definitely a transition, but transitions have an ending point, and that goes back to the environment. If you are in an environment where you are expected to recruit and it is set aside daily for you to recruit, then that transition is going to be a lot shorter than if you are on your own and no one else is setting that expectation. That transition was seamless because Coach Heupel has things in our daily schedule that is pertaining directly to recruiting and recruiting only. So, you build habits naturally and you are able to be successful when transitioning into situations like that.”

On how younger receivers handle a lack of playing time…
“I think this game is really indicative about the way you live your life. There will be a bunch of times where you are bummed out or you are not satisfied, or something hurts your feelings. The way you respond to this game, that will be the way you respond in life when you are 40 or 50 years old, and you come home, and your kid is suspended. You cannot put your head down and mope around the house all day. Velus [Jones Jr.] didn’t play the first couple of games last season. He had that exact situation. What he decided to do was respond the right way. I had that exact conversation with him, and it changed the trajectory of his season and probably will change the trajectory of his life. He is in a position he always wanted to be in. He’s got the bull by the horns right now, and it is simply because of the way he responded in a time where he had unfortunate circumstances and was down. He responded the right way, and now he is where he is. The cool thing about that is, Jalin Hyatt saw that firsthand, and I am sure that is why he is urgent and mentally in a different space. Cedric Tillman saw it firsthand. I saw it firsthand, and it helped me personally in my own journey. When you have examples like that that you are able to live through, it changes you forever when you see those guys respond the right way.”

Junior WR Jalin Hyatt
On his mindset heading into this season…
“I think motivation-wise, I just want to make better decisions for me. I felt like last season, that wasn’t what I do as far as when I play. Not only that, I want to do well for my teammates. They’re always there. I love every guy here. I think that’s one of the reasons why.”

On which freshman wide receivers have stood out to him during fall camp…
“Squirrel White is great player, fast player. He kind of reminds me of myself when I came as a freshman, you know, kind of small. But one thing about him is that I love his mentality. I love how physical he can be, even with the small frame he has. Chas Nimrod is another great player. I felt like with him on the outside where Cedric Tillman is helping him out, he definitely responded well with Ced helping him and teaching him what to do with press or anything like that. We’re in the SEC. You’re going to see press about 90 percent of the time. Those outside guys have to be physical with that and I feel like Chas has done great and Squirrel has been great too.”

On how he will stays locked-in throughout the season…
“This is the SEC. We’re the University of Tennessee. We have great guys here, great receivers here. Last year, it taught me well, but if you don’t play to the standard where you need to be at, you’re going to be on the side, you’re not going to be playing. We’re here at the University of Tennessee. There are great athletes and great receivers here. The reason why I work so hard is I want to do it for these teammates. I want their respect. I feel like when I go out there, especially this year, I feel like I’m the best slot in the country. That’s what I want to do every day.”

Senior WR Ramel Keyton
On things he has improved on in the offseason…
“I think my release has gotten a little better, I’m still working on that. Top of route things, just fixing up that. My deep ball, catching them. I got a little better on that but I got to focus on attacking them more, being more consistent down the field, things like that. Making explosive plays. Blocking, that’s another thing, I got to be consistent on that. Then just playing fast, playing urgent. Getting my feet set, things like that, for tempo.”

On the differences in Hendon Hooker compared to last year…
“I think he stepped up as a better leader. He’s trying to get everybody focused on the details and not making the same mistake twice. That’s a real thing that he’s trying to focus on. Just getting the connection with everybody.

On his skillset in a fast tempo system…
“Really expanding the field. Pushing the tempo, pushing verticals, all the things like that. That’s going to help open up everything else. So, I think speed is good for that.”

Sophomore WR Walker Merrill
On how he feels compared to last year…
“Physically, I’d say I feel a lot better than I felt last year. I really took the weight room seriously and I can see changes in my body from this year to last year. I feel better running. Condition-wise, I feel better. I’d say that me taking the weight room seriously, that really impacted the way that camp is going right now.”

On if he plays better in the slot or as an outside receiver…
“Really, I want to play anywhere that coach puts me. I’ll impact the team in any way I can. I’m just trying to work hard because I’m tired of not playing. I want to play. I want to be on the field and help our team win in any way possible.”

On his performance so far during fall camp…
“I think I’ve made some plays, but I think our whole receiving corps has done a great job of also making plays. I’ve definitely made improvements. I’ve taken a step from freshman year to sophomore year. I think throughout the whole receiving group I feel like we’ve made a great stride of making plays, and that’s what we need to be doing to win games.”

-UT Athletics

Vols WR Jalin Hyatt / Credit: UT Athletics
Tennessee Teams to Debut New “Summitt Blue” Uniforms This Year

Tennessee Teams to Debut New “Summitt Blue” Uniforms This Year

Posted on August 12, 2022

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Tennessee Athletics’ recently updated brand standards has renamed the blue accent color historically associated with the Lady Vols “Summitt Blue.”

Additionally, four teams will debut the Summitt Blue uniforms during the upcoming 2022-23 academic year – a collection dubbed the “Summitt Legacy” series. This fall, the Tennessee soccer and volleyball teams will be the first to compete in the new Summitt Blue jerseys.

The Lady Vols basketball team will follow with a full Summitt Blue uniform this winter, and the softball squad’s jersey rotation also will feature a Summitt Blue option this spring.

Summitt Blue stands alongside “Smokey Grey” and “Dark Mode” (formerly Anthracite) as the three accent colors on Tennessee Athletics’ official color palette.

“Tennessee’s history as a worldwide leader in women’s athletics, along with the Lady Vols’ unique legacy of excellence are traditions we are proud to celebrate,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “As some of our teams recently saw their new Summitt Blue uniforms for the first time, they reacted with a joy and enthusiasm that I hope will extend to our fans and proud alumni.”

The soccer and volleyball Summitt Blue jerseys will soon be unveiled on those teams’ official social media channels. Fans are encouraged to follow @Vol_Soccer and @Vol_VBall for the latest updates.

The first version of the Lady Vols’ blue accent color appeared in 1968 when Joan Cronan set out to obtain jerseys for the women’s basketball team. At the time, no company offered an orange uniform, so Cronan opted for Columbia blue uniforms with orange lettering when the Lady Vols played at home.

Later, when orange uniforms became available, Tennessee switched to the traditional orange jerseys but a touch of Summitt Blue has remained.

Blue also has appeared on Tennessee men’s uniforms in the past, as the men’s basketball program used a shade of blue as an accent color on its jerseys during the head coaching tenure of Ray Mears in the 1960s.
 
Summitt Blue Color Codes
Pantone: 2171 C
CMYK: 75/24/0/0
RGB: 72/159/223
HEX: #489FDF

-UT Athletics

Summitt Legacy / Credit: UT Athletics
Tennessee Teams to Debut New “Summitt Blue” Uniforms This Year

Tennessee Teams to Debut New “Summitt Blue” Uniforms This Year

Posted on August 12, 2022

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Tennessee Athletics’ recently updated brand standards has renamed the blue accent color historically associated with the Lady Vols “Summitt Blue.”

Additionally, four teams will debut the Summitt Blue uniforms during the upcoming 2022-23 academic year – a collection dubbed the “Summitt Legacy” series. This fall, the Tennessee soccer and volleyball teams will be the first to compete in the new Summitt Blue jerseys.

The Lady Vols basketball team will follow with a full Summitt Blue uniform this winter, and the softball squad’s jersey rotation also will feature a Summitt Blue option this spring.

Summitt Blue stands alongside “Smokey Grey” and “Dark Mode” (formerly Anthracite) as the three accent colors on Tennessee Athletics’ official color palette.

“Tennessee’s history as a worldwide leader in women’s athletics, along with the Lady Vols’ unique legacy of excellence are traditions we are proud to celebrate,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “As some of our teams recently saw their new Summitt Blue uniforms for the first time, they reacted with a joy and enthusiasm that I hope will extend to our fans and proud alumni.”

The soccer and volleyball Summitt Blue jerseys will soon be unveiled on those teams’ official social media channels. Fans are encouraged to follow @Vol_Soccer and @Vol_VBall for the latest updates.

The first version of the Lady Vols’ blue accent color appeared in 1968 when Joan Cronan set out to obtain jerseys for the women’s basketball team. At the time, no company offered an orange uniform, so Cronan opted for Columbia blue uniforms with orange lettering when the Lady Vols played at home.

Later, when orange uniforms became available, Tennessee switched to the traditional orange jerseys but a touch of Summitt Blue has remained.

Blue also has appeared on Tennessee men’s uniforms in the past, as the men’s basketball program used a shade of blue as an accent color on its jerseys during the head coaching tenure of Ray Mears in the 1960s.
 
Summitt Blue Color Codes
Pantone: 2171 C
CMYK: 75/24/0/0
RGB: 72/159/223
HEX: #489FDF

-UT Athletics

Summitt Legacy / Credit: UT Athletics
Cole Swindell Had Us at the New Music Video for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina”

Cole Swindell Had Us at the New Music Video for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina”

Posted on August 12, 2022

Cole Swindell‘s latest single from his album Stereotype is “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”

Cole recently released the music video for the track – and it includes a very special cameo.

Jo Dee Messina, who sings the 1996 hit that inspired Cole’s new single, is playing the role of the bartender in the music video.

While wearing a Cole Swindell T-Shirt, Jo Dee shares the story behind how her song “Heads Carolina, Tails California” ended up on her debut album – which Tim McGraw co-produced.

That latest minute addition has gone on to be a 90s country classic and inspired Cole Swindell’s 2022 revision, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”

Photo Courtesy of Cole Swindell

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner