Former Vols player who transferred to Oklahoma comments on Tennessee coaching staff
The Tennessee Vols haven't suffered a large number of losses to the NCAA transfer portal over the last year, but one player that moved on this offseason that could've been a productive player in 2023 was defensive lineman Da'Jon Terry. Terry, who transferred to Tennessee from Kansas ahead of the 2021 season, played in 24 […]
The Tennessee Vols haven't suffered a large number of losses to the NCAA transfer portal over the last year, but one player that moved on this offseason that could've been a productive player in 2023 was defensive lineman Da'Jon Terry.
Terry, who transferred to Tennessee from Kansas ahead of the 2021 season, played in 24 games for the Vols over the last two seasons. He started seven of those games (Terry totaled 35 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks during his time with the Vols).
Earlier this offseason, Terry left Tennessee to join the Oklahoma Sooners' program.
In early August, Terry met with reporters and he was asked about his time at Tennessee and how it can help him at Oklahoma.
The former Vol noted that players are bigger and faster in the SEC, before complimenting Tennessee's coaching staff — specifically head coach Josh Heupel and defensive line coach Rodney Garner.
“It’s going to help me hear by it was the SEC, so everything was bigger [and] faster,” said Terry. “And just the coaching style. Coach Heup — real player oriented coaches. And my D-line coach that I just came from, Rodney Garner, he taught me some great things."
After Terry mentioned Garner, a reporter followed up by asking about Garner's reputation for giving his players "tough love".
“It’s different, but it brings the best out in you," said Terry.
While things didn't work out between Terry and the Vols for the 2023 season, it's clear that he holds no ill-will toward Tennessee. He just simply needed a fresh start.
Tennessee's culture seems to be getting endorsements even from players who leave, which is absolutely a great sign for the future of the UT football program.
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Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
