Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with the media in Knoxville on Saturday morning for the first time since the end of the regular season. With all the time in between and such a busy season in the sport, there was a lot to get to in a short amount of time.
Heupel began his press conference by acknowledging the passing of his former Central Florida tight end Jake Hescock and the passing of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach.
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel shares his thoughts on the late, great, Mike Leach.
Heupel credits Leach’s coaching style and personality as one of the factors that led him into the coaching route himself. pic.twitter.com/Je5rZhl5wF
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) December 17, 2022
More from RTI: Vols QB Nico Iamaleava Takes the Tennessee Practice Field
Heupel spoke about the bowl practices and where they are going, as well as some of the newcomers that are entering the program this month. Tennessee has welcomed in a few early enrollees, such as five-star and highly-anticipated quarterback Nico Iamaleava, as we approach early signing day on Dec. 21. Heupel didn’t say much, though, and is waiting on that Wednesday press conference to talk about the recruiting class in more detail.
Saturday was also the first opportunity for Heupel to talk about 2022 Biletnikoff winner Jalin Hyatt with the local media since his announcement that he would be opting out of the Vols’ Orange Bowl game against Clemson. Heupel spoke about how proud he was of the junior receiver and what the NFL Draft process is going to look like.
Check out the full press conference from Josh Heupel on Saturday in Knoxville below.
