Vols Football: Kendal Vickers Receiving Praise From Coaches
By Zach Ragan
Redshirt sophomore defensive linemen Kendal Vickers saw limited action in 2014 for the Vols, appearing in only five games and failing to register any stats.
The North Carolina native apparently used his limited playing time as motivation this off-season, because he’s certainly leaving an impression with the Vol coaching staff.
Tennessee head coach Butch Jones praised Vickers on Saturday, specifically pointing out the improved usage of his hands.
"Butch Jones: “Kendal is really starting to use his hands more. He’s starting to really use his athletic ability and he is very explosive, that shows in the weight room. But now it is transferring the weight room onto the football field. He has been able to do that. Now you are starting to see the volume of repetitions really starting to improve his play. He’s very prideful, but I can see his first step off the football, he’s playing with much more explosiveness, he’s playing with much more confidence and he’s using his hands and his technique better”."
Jones’ praise comes just a couple of days after defensive coordinator John Jancek complimented Vickers for having a “really good” practice.
Defensive line coach Steve Stripling also had some glowing praise for the young defensive lineman last week.
"Steve Stripling: “Kendal had an unbelievable week. He’s been playing very sound and technical, but he actually made some fast-twitch plays this week so I think Vickers is the guy that’s showing up right now. I think it’s maturity. It’s been a process. He’s now close to 290 and is carrying it naturally. He’s very technical which is great but there still has to be fast-twitch and violence in your hands when you get off blocks. That’s what started to show up”."
Tennessee has some elite talent along their defensive line, but they don’t have a lot of depth. To have a player like Vickers step up will be huge for the Vols in 2015.
If Vickers keeps up his elevated play, he could crack the Vols’ defensive line rotation this fall.