Tennessee coach sends strong message to former 5-star recruit that's entering his second season with the Vols
Tennessee Vols outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin, better known as Coach Chop, didn't mince words on Friday when asked about sophomore edge rusher Jordan Ross. Ross is a former five-star recruit from Vestavia Hills, AL who was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class. The talented pass rusher […]
Tennessee Vols outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin, better known as Coach Chop, didn't mince words on Friday when asked about sophomore edge rusher Jordan Ross.
Ross is a former five-star recruit from Vestavia Hills, AL who was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class.
The talented pass rusher totaled three tackles, including two tackles for loss, in 11 games as a true freshman last season.
With James Pearce off to the NFL, the Vols need Ross to be a difference maker in 2025.
Harbin told reporters on Friday that Ross needs to be more consistent in order to take the next step.
"Jordan Ross gotta work on being physical," said Harbin "He didn’t get many reps last year. He has got to stay healthy. He didn’t stay healthy last year. So he's got to do a great job of maintenance throughout the year on his body. And he’s still a pup. He’s still a freshman in my eyes."
"Honestly, Ross is gifted but he’s not consistent with his work," continued Harbin. "He has to be more consistent every day. He’s a little bit on the immature side because he’s still a freshman. He gotta become more mature and take things more serious. That’s what I’m trying to get across to him. He has God-given talent, but he gotta become more consistent with the mental aspect of the game and taking everything serious. If he does that, he’ll better help Tennessee."
Ross has the physical tools to be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC (which could mean being a first round NFL Draft selection down the road). Now that he has a year of experience under his belt, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him take a big step forward (a la James Pearce from 2022 to 2023) this fall.
Two things are very evident about Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava in spring practice and it bodes well for the Vols in 2025
Good things on the way for Nico
