Tennessee assistant coach admits Vols are still looking for one thing
The Tennessee Vols wrapped up their first week of spring football practice on Saturday afternoon. One of the biggest stories from the Vols' first week of practice was the talk about Tennessee's improved depth. That's something that head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged after UT's first day of spring practice last week. "Much deeper than we've […]
The Tennessee Vols wrapped up their first week of spring football practice on Saturday afternoon.
One of the biggest stories from the Vols' first week of practice was the talk about Tennessee's improved depth. That's something that head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged after UT's first day of spring practice last week.
"Much deeper than we've been," said Heupel last week. "Skill spots, same thing. For us, this spring we're truly going to be able to get reps for an entire roster of guys. Year One, we were a shell of not just numbers, but athletes on the grass that we are today."
Despite the improved depth, there's still one thing the Vols are looking for on the defensive side of the ball — specifically along the defensive line.
UT defensive line coach Rodney Garner told reporters over the weekend that Tennessee still needs some leaders to step up this spring.
"That's something we're still trying to cultivate," said Garner on Saturday when asked about leadership. "We have some good young men in that room. I can't say that [leadership is] probably a strong suit. Omari Thomas, he's going to do everything the right way. But is he willing to grab the bull by the horn and snatch a knot when that isn't really his personality? He does it by example, but we still need him to grow and become an even better leader."
"We still need some other leaders to come on," added Garner. "You don't have to be a senior to be a leader. You can be a young guy and be a leader. It's just about you doing things the right way, and people know you're doing it the right way. And they're willing to listen and adhere to what you're saying."
Leadership along the defensive line will be critical for the Vols in 2023.
That's because for Tennessee's defense to be successful in 2023, they'll need the defensive line to consistently get pressure on opposing quarterbacks without the Vols blitzing. It's something the Vols have stressed this spring (it's also something that Garner said he's hoping graduate assistant Robert Ayers Jr, a former Vol standout, can help the team with this season).
There's plenty of time for some leaders to step up before the start of the season. The 2023 Vols are still finding their identity. And those leadership roles will start to sort themselves out naturally through the remainder of spring practice, summer workouts, and into fall camp.
