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Tennessee Football: Monday Press Conference Week 1 Notes and Thoughts

By Seth Norris

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Check out updates on the Tennessee football team from Butch Jones’s Monday press conference ahead of opening week for the Vols.

It is officially game week for the Tennessee Volunteers.

On Saturday, at 4 p.m., the Vols will take on Bowling Green at Nissan Stadium in Nashville (home of the Titans).

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Coach Butch Jones met with the media on Monday do provide some quick notes and interesting thoughts.

Butch Jones 

Quick Notes from Jones

  • Wide receiver Vincent Perry out for the season after knee surgery.
  • WR Jason Croom likely out 3-5 weeks.
  • Freshman defensive back Stephen Griffin has returned to practice.
  • Preston Williams is expected to play Saturday.
  • Marquez North is 100 percent.

Press conference quotes and thoughts

One thing that has irked a large portion of the fan base has been the talk of how young the team is. Some people are tired of excuses, and ready to see this team win. Whether it is an excuse, or an underlying bragging method if the Vols have a successful season, coach Jones made mention of youth at Monday’s press conference.

"“In terms of freshmen, we could play upwards to the amount of about 22 true freshmen Saturday afternoon. If you look at last year’s team, we had 21 play in the home opener, I believe, 23 overall. Arguably, this football team, Team 119, could be younger than Team 118,” said Jones."

No matter which way you view the comments on youth, they are facts in terms of age. However, the sophomores and newcomers from last year are still on this team, and they have more starting and playing experience than most upperclassmen on other top programs.

In terms of experience, another place where Tennessee fans are concerned is the offensive line. The concerns cannot be with lack of experience, but instead just lack of talent. The offensive line looks to be more improved this season, but if that ends up not being the case experience will not be an excuse.

When describing Bowling Green’s offensive line, Jones noted that “They’re a veteran group. I think that’s illustrated by 125 combined starts in their offensive line, which I believe is second most in the country.”

Where does Tennessee stand?

“For us, to give an example of where we stack up, our offensive line will be in the mid-thirties,” said Jones.

The mid-thirties is a high enough number in terms of experience to where it will simply come down to talent.

Depth Chart? 

The Vols released a depth chart on Monday morning, and there were some questions seemingly answered. However, there were still some uncertainty’s and Jones makes sure it is clear that it is always and ongoing process.

"“In terms of the overall depth chart, we don’t really have depth charts in our football program. They are organizational charts. The way I look at it is we are trying to find a starting eight, starting nine and starting 10. All a depth chart is is who takes the field first,” said Jones."

Colton Jumper appeared on the depth chart as the starting inside linebacker. Many expected freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. to be named the started, but the sophomore has brought a work ethic and knowledge that is serving him well. However, stay reminded that Kirkland and even Kenny Bynum will still see a large number of snaps come game time.

There will be no freshman defensive tackle starting just yet. Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle are expected to play, but the two tackles starting will be between Danny O’Brien, Kendal Vickers, and Owen Williams.

” In terms of the overall depth, it’s been great to see, and we do have that, but we still need to continue to develop our youngsters in Shy (Tuttle) and Kahlil (McKenzie),” said Jones.

Another interesting fact on the organizational chart is Jauan Jennings listed as a starting wide receiver. Jennings has been the surprise of fall camp, and he has emerged as one of the play makers on the team. The guy came in as a quarterback, and in a short time is starting as a freshman wide receiver.

Offensive Line Chart

The left side of the line seems to be solidified. Redshirt senior Kyler Kerbyson is listed as the starting left tackle, and sophomore Jashon Robertson is listed at the left guard.

One surprise is Dylan Wiesman being listed as the starting right guard.The junior has missed several practices due to minor injuries.

” Dylan Wiesman has done a very good job, just a high level of consistency. He has done a really good job of improving his feet, his hand punch, his body position, but really playing with his eyes,” said Jones.

The biggest questions remain with center and right tackle. Coleman Thomas is listed as a co-starter in both positions. Senior Mack Crowder may get the nod at first for seniority purposes, but do not be surprised if Coleman Thomas is the starting center by the end of the year, with Brett Kendrick or a young up and comer at right tackle.

Tennessee continues preparation for Bowling Green this week.

Next: Preseason Top 25: Vols Have to Earn Way In

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