Tennessee football head coach Butch Jones addressed the media Wednesday ahead of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Here are our notes from the press conference.
He still looks like a dead man walking. And quite honestly, it’s a sad sight to see. But Tennessee football head coach Butch Jones still did his job and addressed the media Wednesday ahead of the Vols’ game against the Alabama Crimson Tide this Saturday.
Jones discussed the talent on the Tide, the personnel on the Vols, and the development of specific players. Ironically with Alabama up next, though, the elephant in the room was avoided. Nobody really spoke about his job security.
But it’s pretty clear that he’s going to have a hard time keeping his job. And if Tennessee loses, he might have to be fired immediately.
Anyway, as we wait for that moment, here are our three takeaways from the Tennessee football coach’s media session.
1. Major injury news
There are a ton of updates to bring you on this front. Senior tight end Jakob Johnson is back, which is huge because it adds another element to the offense.
Meanwhile, Justin Martin is back at practice.
Evan Berry and Deandre Johnson are questionable, but with Berry improving, there are signs of encouragement.
On the bad news from, Cheyenne Labruzza is out for the season.
2. Darrell Taylor still suspended
Butch Jones gave all the right quotes, noting that Darrell Taylor is taking the “necessary steps” and making “great progress,” but that’s hard to gauge. After all, isn’t he suspended for a fight with a teammate? What steps does he need to take?
Either way, Tennessee football will not have its young defensive end for this Saturday’s game against Alabama. And yes, that is a blow to the Vols. But we have more updates in the trenches to bring you from the other side as well.
3. Offensive line rotation up in the air
Butch Jones has only had the same five starters in the rotation for consecutive games once this year. But he’s still keeping everything open.
Meanwhile, Ryan Johnson got a shoutout in the media Wednesday. Whether or not he plays is still a question. But the Vols could definitely use more depth at that position. They could also avoid a few penalties there as well.