Vols assistant makes strong statement about Knoxville and the Tennessee fan base
Tennessee Vols linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said on Friday that he took a leap of faith when he left Michigan to join Josh Heupel's staff in early 2021. Jean-Mary knew what Tennessee was facing — the program was coming off a three-win season and they were staring at an NCAA recruiting investigation — but he […]
Tennessee Vols linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said on Friday that he took a leap of faith when he left Michigan to join Josh Heupel's staff in early 2021.
Jean-Mary knew what Tennessee was facing — the program was coming off a three-win season and they were staring at an NCAA recruiting investigation — but he believed in Heupel and his vision for the program.
"I knew what the situation was coming in," said Jean-Mary. "It was faith. Blind faith. I really believed in the vision that Coach Heupel had when we spoke….I had a pretty good inkling that we were going to be successful here."
That faith has obviously been rewarded as the Vols are coming off an 11-win season and they were recently named by ESPN as one of 17 programs with a legitimate chance to reach the College Football Playoff this winter.
Jean-Mary was asked on Friday about his experience at Tennessee so far. And the former Appalachian State linebacker had nothing but incredible things to say about Knoxville and the Volunteer fan base.
"What have I found since I've been here? Unbelievable place," said Jean-Mary. "Great university. Knoxville is an unbelievable city. Great people. The passion for football is even greater than I thought it would be. And Neyland Stadium — I said it a couple of years ago — I still think it's the best football experience, for a college football fan or player, in the country."
There's no denying that Tennessee has something special going right now — especially with the incredible culture that Heupel, his staff, and his players have created over the last two years.
Jean-Mary's comments are simply a reminder that the excitement isn't waning in Knoxville. The Vols — the players and the coaching staff — are as energized as ever entering a new season.
And there's no doubt that the fan base is ready to match that energy in 2023.
The big secret about Tennessee in 2023 that no one in college football is talking about
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Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
