KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With a Thanksgiving weekend, in-state rivalry tilt with Vanderbilt on tap for Saturday, the No. 7/8 Tennessee Volunteers look to close the regular season strong against a formidable Commodores squad. The road contest is set for a noon ET kickoff on ABC at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
After the Vols hit the practice field Tuesday morning, a pair of Tennessee assistants spoke to local media to preview the contest. Running backs coach De’Rail Sims discussed Dylan Sampson’s historic season thus far and the emergence of freshman Peyton Lewis, while secondary coach Willie Martinez heralded rookie standout Boo Carter’s versatility and development in addition to comments on his elite cornerback duo in sophomores Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III.
Sims’ first season on staff has seen Sampson produce a record-breaking campaign. His 22 rushing touchdowns lead the SEC in 2024 and are the most scored by a Vol in a single season in program history, while his 1,307 rushing yards top the conference this fall and rank sixth all-time at UT.
Beyond the stats, Sims recognized Sampson’s ability and eagerness to lead the offense, set an example and pour back into his teammates – particularly his fellow running backs.
“The biggest deal is that it’s been a blessing to coach him, see his progression all year long and how hungry he’s been,” Sims said. “Not hungry from the standpoint of being on the field and wanting to be a playmaker, but also the understanding of wanting to be a leader and wanting to bring the younger guys along in the room, even during practice. Watching him coach up the younger guys has been phenomenal. I think the number one deal is they see the traits that he has. They see his leadership characteristics and they see what hard work does for him. He’s a prime example of that, which has been good.”
Martinez’s secondary has thrived this season, aiding one of the top overall defensive units in the FBS. The Vol defensive backs have combined for nine interceptions from five different players in 2024 and allowed the second-lowest passing efficiency rating (111.07) of any secondary in the Southeastern Conference.
Focused on the task at hand, Martinez wants his position group to remain locked in on the details and preparation ahead of Saturday’s regular season finale.
“I just kind of concentrate on how to keep them level-headed and just work,” Martinez explained. “There is always going to be that…
After the Vols hit the practice field Tuesday morning, a pair of Tennessee assistants spoke to local media to preview the contest. Running backs coach De’Rail Sims discussed Dylan Sampson’s historic season thus far and the emergence of freshman Peyton Lewis, while secondary coach Willie Martinez heralded rookie standout Boo Carter’s versatility and development in addition to comments on his elite cornerback duo in sophomores Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III.
Sims’ first season on staff has seen Sampson produce a record-breaking campaign. His 22 rushing touchdowns lead the SEC in 2024 and are the most scored by a Vol in a single season in program history, while his 1,307 rushing yards top the conference this fall and rank sixth all-time at UT.
Beyond the stats, Sims recognized Sampson’s ability and eagerness to lead the offense, set an example and pour back into his teammates – particularly his fellow running backs.
“The biggest deal is that it’s been a blessing to coach him, see his progression all year long and how hungry he’s been,” Sims said. “Not hungry from the standpoint of being on the field and wanting to be a playmaker, but also the understanding of wanting to be a leader and wanting to bring the younger guys along in the room, even during practice. Watching him coach up the younger guys has been phenomenal. I think the number one deal is they see the traits that he has. They see his leadership characteristics and they see what hard work does for him. He’s a prime example of that, which has been good.”
Martinez’s secondary has thrived this season, aiding one of the top overall defensive units in the FBS. The Vol defensive backs have combined for nine interceptions from five different players in 2024 and allowed the second-lowest passing efficiency rating (111.07) of any secondary in the Southeastern Conference.
Focused on the task at hand, Martinez wants his position group to remain locked in on the details and preparation ahead of Saturday’s regular season finale.
“I just kind of concentrate on how to keep them level-headed and just work,” Martinez explained. “There is always going to be that…
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