Vols fans will love what Kamal Hadden said about his time at Tennessee
Tennessee Vols cornerback Kamal Hadden is hoping to hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft when it gets underway in April. Hadden, who is participating in the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis, put together a terrific 2023 season before suffering a season-ending injury in Tennessee's loss to Alabama. At the time […]
Tennessee Vols cornerback Kamal Hadden is hoping to hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft when it gets underway in April.
Hadden, who is participating in the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis, put together a terrific 2023 season before suffering a season-ending injury in Tennessee's loss to Alabama.
At the time of Hadden's injury, he had the top cover grade of any defensive back in the SEC.
Earlier in Hadden's career, he heard some boos from Tennessee fans. Those boos were heard mainly because of Hadden's penchant for talking trash to opposing teams regardless of what the scoreboard said.
Eventually, the boos stopped once fans realized that Hadden was one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC.
On Thursday, Hadden, who is from Michigan, spoke about his time at Tennessee. And it's clear he has nothing but love for Vols fans.
“Tennessee prepared me greatly for the league, just sticking with me and helping me grow as a man and helping me grow as a player,” said Hadden at the NFL scouting combine. “They helped me tremendously, always encouraging me and having my back on things and just giving me the opportunity to showcase who I am as a player, but also as a man. There was a lot of times where a lot of people counted me out — outside and in the city of Knoxville. But I feel like my coaching staff and the players around Tennessee helped me and helped me grow and they stuck beside me the whole time.”
“Neyland Stadium, man, there’s nothing like it,” added Hadden. “It’s the best stadium ever and the best stadium around, period, in football, period. It was just great and I’m very appreciative of Knoxville for having me and letting me come in there and be a player.”
"I kind of was just focusing on, man, getting out there and stepping across and just honoring my mom," continued Hadden. "It’s big for her. I heard the crowd and I appreciate the crowd, for sure. It’s nothing like Tennessee fans. They’re the best and they showed a lot of love to me. And it was much appreciated. I’d do anything to do it again. My time was great there.”
After hearing boos at home games, it would be easy for Hadden to be bitter toward the Vols fan base. But it's very much the opposite. He obviously has a deep appreciation for Tennessee fans.
Hadden isn't just a special player, he's a special person. Despite the outside noise, Hadden kept working hard and improving. He turned a negative into a positive. And now he's poised to reap the benefits as a likely future NFL cornerback.
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