Vols Getting Healthy Ahead of Showdown With Kentucky
(utsports.com) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With Tuesday practice in the books at Haslam Field, the Tennessee football team is a step closer to their weekend bout with No. 18 Kentucky in Lexington at 7 p.m. ET Saturday evening.
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks, offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, defensive back Alontae Taylor, running back Jabari Small and defensive lineman Omari Thomas took the podium for questions before the weekend SEC showdown.
The Tennessee defense currently leads the nation in tackles for loss, with 25 different players contributing to those stops. Coach Banks is proud of the student-athletes for believing in the system and is happy to see the results pay off.
“Obviously, you try to play to the strengths of your players,” coach Banks said. “We pride ourselves on trying to minimize their weaknesses and putting those guys in the best possible position to be successful. It’s more of a credit to them, how hard they’re playing and giving the scheme a chance. It’s really all about the kids and how hard they’re playing. Those are the guys out there making the plays.”
The Vols offense has been explosive throughout the season, leading the nation in points scored in the first quarter with 15.5 per game. The tempo has only aided in that, keeping defenses on their heels and making it harder to adjust to the Volunteer attack. Golesh feels that there is even more the UT offense can do to grow, and that is what makes this team’s prospects exciting.
“We’ve been able to get faster and faster as we’ve gone,” Golesh stated. “Really proud of where we’re at, obviously huge four games (left). We’ve got to continue to grow, and this is when you find out what teams are all about is this last month in November. We’ve challenged our guys to finish the way you’re supposed to finish.”
While the bye week was a good time for student-athletes to unwind with their families and relax, it also gave Tennessee a much-needed opportunity to get healthy. Running back Jabari Small, who had been dealing with a lingering injury, discussed just how crucial the break was to replenishing the team and how he feels the week had helped him.
“I feel like that’s a big part in the bye week, just getting healthy,” Small said at the podium. “That should be fun. When we’re all healthy we feel as if we have a lot of confidence to winning the game. I’m very excited.”
A transcript for Banks’ and Golesh’s media availabilities can be found below, along with select quotes from senior defensive back Alontae Taylor, sophomore running back Jabari Small and sophomore defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
