2023 4-star recruit gives description of Tennessee Vols' offense that's proves it's not a gimmick offense
When Josh Heupel took over as the Tennesese Vols' head coach in early 2021, there was a lot of discussion about the offense he was bringing to Rocky Top. Heupel's up-tempo offense was described as "gimmicky" due to the playbook not being very complex. The offense that Heupel runs certainly has a unique approach. It's […]
When Josh Heupel took over as the Tennesese Vols' head coach in early 2021, there was a lot of discussion about the offense he was bringing to Rocky Top.
Heupel's up-tempo offense was described as "gimmicky" due to the playbook not being very complex.
The offense that Heupel runs certainly has a unique approach. It's predicated on catching the defense off guard and reacting to how the defense is lined up. There's a lot of responsibility on the offensive players to read the defense at the line of scrimmage.
It's different, but it's not a gimmick. It works. And recent comments from opposing coaches prove that it works.
2023 four-star offensive lineman Raymond Pulido recently spoke to VolQuest about his recruitment and his interest in the Vols.
Pulido had a perfect description of the Vols' offense under Heupel. And it's a description that I think Tennessee should embrace — it could completely change the way Heupel's offense is viewed by detractors.
“I think the tempo would definitely be a good fit for me,” said Pulido. “High-tempo, high-intensity, shove it down your opponent’s throat and don’t let them react. I thought that was awesome and they demonstrated it well. I loved it.”
What a great way to describe Tennessee's offense.
"High-tempo, high-intensity, shove it down your opponent’s throat and don’t let them react."
That's exactly the way the Vols should be promoting/selling their offense to recruits and transfers. It's not a finesse offense. And it's not a gimmicky offense. It's a shove it down your opponent's throat offense.
Smashmouth football doesn't always have to be a team lining it up, snapping it with one second on the play clock, and running a halfback dive. It can be what Tennessee is doing under Heupel. And fortunately for the Vols, the best recruits in the nation recognize that.
Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
