Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones talks with the media following the game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29-21. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Butch Jones took the podium for the final time this regular season for the Vols, and while there weren’t many things to update, he did offer insight into some players and was more upbeat than usual despite the loss.
Jones said offensive guard Marcus Jackson “will be fine” for this Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, center Mack Crowder is still more questionable, but Jones said the goal is try to get him to practice this week.
Jones offered up a little bit more information on wide receiver Marquez North’s torn labrum. He said it “stems back to an old high school injury” and he credited him for trying to fight through it this year. The plan for him is to have surgery to fix it and have him back for spring practices.
Mammoth offensive/defensive tackle Charles Mosley broke his leg before the season in a car accident, and he’s missed the entire season. But Jones and his staff still have big plans for him, and one of the lighter moments of the press conference came when Jones spoke about Mosley’s attitude and drive.
Butch Jones said he was impressed with Mosley’s drive to get better and more in shape despite missing the year, and he’s smaller than he’s been “maybe in 10 years.” He went on to say that he and Mosley have a bet going where Mosley must get down to 345 lbs and Jones must lose 10 pounds. According to Jones, “Right now, Mosley is winning.”
Jones went on to say that the plan is to have Mosley play on the offensive line once he’s healthy.
Depth Chart Notes
Not much changed on the depth chart for the Vols, but there were a few notable changes to happen this week. Von Pearson is officially listed ahead of Josh Malone now as the third receiver, and Jason Croom has the billing over Vic Wharton now that Marquez North is out.
Jakob Johnson is still listed as the starter at middle linebacker, and Dylan Wiesman is still the starter at center for the Vols.