Tennessee defensive lineman has chip on his shoulder, calls out the haters

Tennessee football has had an offseason full of drama. That has led the public to begin to doubt the Vols' potential this season. 

Fans and media are finally starting to move past the Nico Iamaleava transfer portal drama, but the second chapter of offseason drama, focused on Boo Carter, has led to more doubt and negativity surrounding the program.

Tennessee defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs joined linebacker Arion Carter, defensive lineman Herb Gray, and linebacker Jadon Perlotte for an EA Sports College Football 26 Game Night hosted by Rock Media. 

They discussed the upcoming season, and Hobbs made it clear that the Vols are bringing an underdog mentality with a chip on their shoulder, based on his comments. 

"Everybody is hating on us this year," Hobbs said on the show. "It's cool – everybody going to see when we get down there."

Tennessee is expected to take a step back this season after its College Football Playoff debut last year. Despite the disappointing loss and the dramatic offseason, expectations remain high in the building. 

Hobbs' comments echo that sentiment. Tennessee coaches and players believe they can do something special this year, even with a dozen new names replacing impact players from last season. 

The Vols open the season in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Aflac Kick-Off Game against Syracuse. It will be an important early-season test for Tennessee and could serve as an indicator of how the season will unfold for the Vols this year. 

Until then, Tennessee is preparing for fall camp, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. That is where we will get to see this year's version of Vols football take the field for the first time this year.