A few of the top playmakers from the Tennessee season opener took a minute of their time to talk to the media on Tuesday. After the Vols’ morning practice, WR Cedric Tillman, OL Jerome Carvin, and RB Jabari Small all took some time to break down their thoughts on the Bowling Green game. In addition, each one of them also gave a small preview of what they expect this weekend. The Vols will take on Pittsburgh in the Johnny Majors Classic this Saturday at noon ET.
Tennessee also had two coaches speak to the media after practice, which in itself is fairly unique. Throughout fall camp, most press conferences have only involved one coach. However, defensive coordinator Tim Banks and running backs coach Jerry Mack did step to the podium on Tuesday.
All of the players that have spoken to the media since Bowling Green have acknowledged the team’s need for improvement while also commending their teammate’s work, effort, and play. That includes the three players from Tuesday, but also the players that spoke on Monday, and when Joe Milton and Theo Jackson spoke after Thursday’s game.
Tennessee will host Pittsburgh in the Johnny Majors Classic this Saturday. The game will honor the life of Johnny Majors, an icon in the sport and at both respective universities. The game will take place in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman
“Honestly, I was kind of shocked because I thought I knew the feeling, but I kind of forgot because of covid,” Tillman said about being back under the lights in Neyland Stadium on Thursday. “So coming out of the tunnel pregame I was just looking around and was like, ‘Okay, we’re back!'”
Tennessee OL Jerome Carvin
“The Pitt defense, they play hard,” Carvin said on Monday. “They’re a physical group and a very good group. We have a very big challenge in front of us and we’re here to step up to the plate and accept it.”
Tennessee RB Jabari Small
“Every offensive lineman in that room, they work their butts off,” Small said on Monday. “Ollie [Lane], I’m very proud of Ollie. He came in, he did his job, he just had a next-man-up mentality. That whole o-line, I’m proud of them. They gave great push the whole night.”
