Josh Heupel hasn't coached a game yet for the Tennessee Vols.

He hasn't gone through his first fall practice. And he has no clue who his starting quarterback will be this season.

But he's already accomplished something stunning in his first six months on Rocky Top.

Heupel has completely changed the culture in the locker room.

I know, I know. This is what they say about every new coach at a program. We never hear that a coach has failed to improve the culture in their first few months on the job. It's always positive. I can feel some of you rolling your eyes right now.

But I'm serious. Heupel set out to create a "brotherhood" at Tennessee and he's already accomplished that. And it's extremely evident from the comments that wide receiver Velus Jones Jr made on Tuesday at SEC Media Days.

Jones told reporters that UT players now stay in the locker room for about an hour after they're done with their work because they actually enjoy hanging out with each other.

That's a direct result of Heupel's presence and the way he carries himself around the building.

According to Jones, Heupel is constantly interacting with players.

"He has an amazing personality," said Jones. "He's a real open guy. Coach Heupel really interacts with the players. He's always around us."

"He's very involved," added Jones. "You always see his face. I'm so proud to go to war for that man this fall".

“I’m so proud to go to war for that man this fall” @VelusJr on #Vols HC Josh Heupel

— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 20, 2021

Those are strong words from Jones. That's not rehearsed. That's straight from the heart. And that only happens if a true culture change has taken place.

It's clear that the vibe is different on Rocky Top these days.

Now, whether or not that translates to wins is a different story. But it has to be a good sign that Heupel has already accomplished one of his primary goals at Tennessee.

Featured image via Gary Cosby Jr. via Imagn Content Services