Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner's comments about two true freshmen might surprise Tennessee fans
Tennessee Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner isn't easily impressed. Vols fans received an example of how hard Garner is to impress two years ago when then true freshman defensive lineman Chandavian Bradley (who has since left the program) told reporters that he thanked Garner after practice for being on him about "every little thing". […]
Tennessee Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner isn't easily impressed.
Vols fans received an example of how hard Garner is to impress two years ago when then true freshman defensive lineman Chandavian Bradley (who has since left the program) told reporters that he thanked Garner after practice for being on him about "every little thing".
Garner didn't take the bait.
"I think Chandavian is just trying to get some brownie points," said Garner when told about Bradley's comments to reporters. "But you know, I really don't like yelling at him. I wish I didn't have to yell at him. So I'd like for him to just do a better job and be more physical. And just take the coaching and not try to kiss up to the teacher."
That exchange is why Vols fans will probably be surprised to hear that Garner was quick on Friday to heap praise on true freshmen defensive lineman Isaiah Campbell and Ethan Utley.
"I think they’re very talented, big men that we’ve got to really work on improving their play so that they can go out and compete and play at a championship level in this conference, which it ain’t easy," said Garner when asked about Campbell and Utley. "I mean, it ain’t easy, but the one thing I will say about both of those young men, they have handled it well. I mean everybody handles (Coach) G differently. I’ve actually been pleased with the way that they’ve handled me. They’re tough-skinned. You can get on them, you can push them, and it seems not to rattle them.
"So with that being said, I’m encouraged that we’re gonna get there, but we're a long ways from being there. But I like their attitude. I like their work ethic. I’ll be excited to get the guys back that are banged up — when we can get them back in the summer camp and fall camp and all that, and see how we can mix and match and see what we can come to."
Hearing Garner say that he's been "pleased" with how two true freshmen defensive linemen are handling his notoriously hard coaching after just a few spring practices is rare. But it's a great sign for the development of Campbell and Utley.
Tennessee lost some key pieces along their defensive line, so the opportunity will certainly be there this fall for Campbell and Utley to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball for the Vols.
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