KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As No. 7/6 Tennessee readies for its Nov. 9 Homecoming showdown with Mississippi State (7 p.m. on ESPN), both sides of the ball are focused on fine-tuning key areas for the season’s final stretch.
In Tuesday’s post-practice media session, second-year tight ends coach Alec Abeln discussed the implementation and development of Tennessee’s two-tight end sets. The Vols have used ’12 personnel’ to their advantage in the run game and pass protection to provide extra stability and balance for the Tennessee offense.
“Depending on how we were able to handle (two-tight end sets) through spring and through fall camp would dictate how it grew,” Abeln said. “I think it’s something where each year you have a different identity, with not only what you’re seeing but also what’s successful for you and what you’re able to do. It’s been really good for us. You don’t go into the year with anticipation that this will be the lead call. A lot of the times, it unfolds as the year goes.”
Defensively, linebackers coach William Inge is pushing his unit to elevate its play, especially in creating game-changing opportunities during a crucial November slate.
“Once you get into November, you are playing the games you want to remember,” Inge explained. “Us being able to take the next steps is just us continuing to do everything we can within the constraints of our defense when it comes to driving everyone and making sure all 11 players are on the same page. Making our plays at the point of attack, and we have to continue to find ways to create game-changing plays.”
Full comments from Abeln and Inge can be viewed below, along with select quotes from sophomore defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays and senior defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
In Tuesday’s post-practice media session, second-year tight ends coach Alec Abeln discussed the implementation and development of Tennessee’s two-tight end sets. The Vols have used ’12 personnel’ to their advantage in the run game and pass protection to provide extra stability and balance for the Tennessee offense.
“Depending on how we were able to handle (two-tight end sets) through spring and through fall camp would dictate how it grew,” Abeln said. “I think it’s something where each year you have a different identity, with not only what you’re seeing but also what’s successful for you and what you’re able to do. It’s been really good for us. You don’t go into the year with anticipation that this will be the lead call. A lot of the times, it unfolds as the year goes.”
Defensively, linebackers coach William Inge is pushing his unit to elevate its play, especially in creating game-changing opportunities during a crucial November slate.
“Once you get into November, you are playing the games you want to remember,” Inge explained. “Us being able to take the next steps is just us continuing to do everything we can within the constraints of our defense when it comes to driving everyone and making sure all 11 players are on the same page. Making our plays at the point of attack, and we have to continue to find ways to create game-changing plays.”
Full comments from Abeln and Inge can be viewed below, along with select quotes from sophomore defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays and senior defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Nov. 5, 2024
Tight Ends Coach Alec Abeln
On what Miles Kitselman has done to find success this season…
“First things first, the kid just loves playing football. Usually when you have that, the rest falls into place. Just an unbelievable work ethic, unbelievable amount of prep he puts in each week. Getting to see him make the most of the opportunity Saturday was cool.”
On Kitselman’s alertness during his touchdown against Kentucky…
“He was just being a ball player. The tight zone played out totally different than we expected than what’s on tape and really three years of going against that defense. Honestly, it was a…
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