Vols DL coach Rodney Garner hits true freshman with a dose of reality
Last week, Tennessee Vols true freshman defensive lineman Chandavian Bradley told reporters that he enjoys being yelled at by defensive line coach Rodney Garner. "I went up to him after practice today and told him thank you because that's the type of stuff that I like," said Bradley after Tennessee's first fall practice. "Because it […]
Last week, Tennessee Vols true freshman defensive lineman Chandavian Bradley told reporters that he enjoys being yelled at by defensive line coach Rodney Garner.
"I went up to him after practice today and told him thank you because that's the type of stuff that I like," said Bradley after Tennessee's first fall practice. "Because it helps me learn. And I think sometimes it looks as if it gets under my skin a little bit. But in reality, in my head, I'm processing it and I genuinely like being taught that way. I like being yelled at. It's weird, but I really do like it. I enjoy it."
Garner was asked about Bradley's comments on Tuesday and the highly respected defensive line coach indicated that he wasn't impressed by the true freshman's attempt to earn "brownie points".
"I think Chandavian is just trying to get some brownie points," joked Garner. "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's the definition of tough love. Garner is obviously just trying to stress that it's what happens on the practice field that's important, not what's said to the media.
Thought to be fair to Bradley, he simply answered the question that was asked. And whether or not he was trying to earn "brownie points" with Garner doesn't really matter. What truly matters is that Bradley appears to have a great approach for a true freshman. He cares about getting better and he understands that hard coaching is part of that process.
By the way, I'm guessing Bradley probably won't be saying too much about how he enjoys Garner's hard coaching after the sharp retort from Tennessee's defensive line coach on Tuesday.
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt just gave Tennessee the ultimate bulletin board material for matchup against Georgia
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt just gave the Tennessee Vols the ultimate bulletin board material for their matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs
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