Vols senior outside linebacker Deandre Johnson met with the media on Tuesday to preview Tennessee’s trip to Auburn, how he would asses the Vols’ pass rush, how the open week went and how the team takes losses.
Here’s everything Johnson had to say:
On what he remembers about the 2018 Auburn game that Tennessee won:
“Right after the win, it was a great feeling. With all of the adversity we had faced that season, to go in there, in that tough environment and beat a great opponent was a great feeling.”
On Jarrett Guarantano’s performance against Auburn:
“I remember after the game he had a crazy stat line. That was great for us. It kept the defense fresh and off the field. Once we got out there we were fresh. I remember that — that was a great game for him and great performance all around.”
On how he would assess the team’s pass rush:
“I feel like we are improving each week, it is definitely something we have to get better with and there are things we can get greater at, but we are pretty decent.”
On his play this season and if he’s satisfied:
“The same thing is with me, I think I am improving, but I am never satisfied because there is always work to be done and always room to get better, so I am never satisfied.”
On his thoughts about having an extra week to prepare for Auburn:
“It’s something that was unexpected, but it was a chance to get back and recover and get mentally focused, mentally fresh, and I’m just thankful for it, it allowed me to get my body back right, some guys have got back well, and we are ready to go.”
On his reaction when he found out Tennessee was not playing Texas A&M:
“I was disappointed at first, I was looking forward to that game and guys were motivated to play, we just had to get back fresh and recover, so it was a good and bad thing but it worked out.”
On if his success during the opening game against South Carolina seems like a long time ago:
“It does because the season moves so fast, it’s something that is still there, but I’m not too much into stats I am just looking forward to the next game and playing my best each week.”
On how different this point in the season feels compared to previous years:
“It is crazy how the season definitely goes fast, so it does feel like we are in the middle, but it is crazy to think that we still got four more to go so it is a crazy feeling, but we just got to kick it up a level and just tighten up and get to work.”
On how hard he thinks the team takes losses:
“Locker room after a loss is never fun. These guys work hard and bust their tails each day to get better and go out there on Saturday and win. Not winning on Saturday is most definitely a disappointment for every one in the program. We take that to heart.”
