Vols Coach Josh Heupel Ready to Wind Down Fall Camp

You can tell it’s getting close to Tennessee’s season opener.
Media are now banned from shooting anymore Vols practice sessions.
For head coach Josh Heupel, it’s time to get down to business with the opener set for September 2nd against Virginia.

Said Heupel:”This is really the end of our true training camp.”
Coach Heupel can sense it’s football time in Tennessee.
Reporter:”But does it start really feeling like game week right now?
Said Heupel:”Uh yeah. We finish up tonight with some things we are intentional about. Again some situational work tonight in our walk-thru. But after that, it will start feeling a lot more like game week.”
After 15 workouts in fall camp, what has coach hype liked about his team.
Said Heupel:”I think their energy. Their consistency of work habits. The competitive nature our on the practice field. I think the camaraderie and connection they have too.”
Joe Milton will be the starting quarterback, and Heupel is throwing him into hot water to make sure Milton is dialed in.
Said Heupel:”You put quarterbacks in tough situations, and in some situations during practice, you put them in the hardest spots that they can be in. He has continued to grow in his understanding of football. One-on-one’s. Understanding when I can hang in the pocket. When is it time to get rid of the football.”
Lot of hype for back-up quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and it sounds like he’s living up to the hype.
Reporter:”If something happened to Joe, how ready do you feel like Nico is?”

Said Heupel:”I think he’s ready to play at a really high level.”
For those still fighting for a starting job or playing time, the message is clear.
Said Heupel:”If we don’t feel like you are going to play at a championship level, you’re not going to be on the field.”