KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With four days remaining until The Third Saturday In October rivalry is renewed, members of the Tennessee football program met with local media after Tuesday’s practice session on Haslam Field. The No. 11/10 Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 SEC) are poised for a highly anticipated SEC clash with the No. 7/7 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1 SEC) on Saturday in Neyland Stadium, scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks has his unit thriving through the first half of the regular season, as Tennessee has held each of its opponents under 20 points in six straight games to start a season for the first time since 1969. Banks provided several personnel updates during his Tuesday press conference and praised the development of sophomore linebacker Arion Carter — highlighting his commitment to his craft on a daily basis.
“It’s just the work behind the scenes,” Banks said. “(Arion is) a tireless worker from a mental perspective. Understanding how teams are going to try to attack us… nothing is by accident. He’s the poster child of putting in the extra work mentally, and you are starting to see it show up week in and week out. His ceiling is extremely high, and we love the direction he’s headed right now.”
On the offensive front, running backs coach De’Rail Sims emphasized the importance of managing Dylan Sampson’s workload throughout the season. The junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been remarkably productive for the Vols thus far, leading the SEC with 701 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in only six games. His 15 rushing scores are the most through six games by an SEC running back since 1992.
“We always do a really good job of monitoring the reps during practice and making sure we’re taking the reps that we need to,” Sims said. “He does a really good job from a bodymaking standpoint. He’s always in here getting extra treatment in and taking care of his body. During practice, we always try to manage the reps to get our work in without overloading him.”
Full comments from Banks and Sims can be viewed below, along with select quotes from redshirt senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, junior linebacker Kalib Perry and senior defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks has his unit thriving through the first half of the regular season, as Tennessee has held each of its opponents under 20 points in six straight games to start a season for the first time since 1969. Banks provided several personnel updates during his Tuesday press conference and praised the development of sophomore linebacker Arion Carter — highlighting his commitment to his craft on a daily basis.
“It’s just the work behind the scenes,” Banks said. “(Arion is) a tireless worker from a mental perspective. Understanding how teams are going to try to attack us… nothing is by accident. He’s the poster child of putting in the extra work mentally, and you are starting to see it show up week in and week out. His ceiling is extremely high, and we love the direction he’s headed right now.”
On the offensive front, running backs coach De’Rail Sims emphasized the importance of managing Dylan Sampson’s workload throughout the season. The junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been remarkably productive for the Vols thus far, leading the SEC with 701 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in only six games. His 15 rushing scores are the most through six games by an SEC running back since 1992.
“We always do a really good job of monitoring the reps during practice and making sure we’re taking the reps that we need to,” Sims said. “He does a really good job from a bodymaking standpoint. He’s always in here getting extra treatment in and taking care of his body. During practice, we always try to manage the reps to get our work in without overloading him.”
Full comments from Banks and Sims can be viewed below, along with select quotes from redshirt senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason, junior linebacker Kalib Perry and senior defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Oct. 15, 2024
Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
On how they are prepared for Alabama’s offense after linebackers coach William Inge worked with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer…
“Yes,…
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