Tennessee punter Jackson Ross has been one of the Vols’ most interesting speakers in the media room over the course of the spring and the summer.
The Australian native came to Tennessee as a true freshman during the 2022 season and is now gearing up to be the Vols’ starting punter after the departure of Paxton Brooks. Ross has fascinated the media and the Vols’ fanbase with his stories from growing up overseas, the transition to the United States and Knoxville, his time playing Australian Rules Football, and more.
However, one comment over the weekend stuck out. Special teams coach Mike Ekeler described Ross as a “phenomenal athlete” before saying that Ross claims to have the third-strongest arm on the team behind only quarterbacks Joe Milton and Nico Iamaleava. While Ekeler was quick to put Heupel, “the guy who signs [his] paychecks”, ahead of the Australian punter, Ross doubled down on his comments later that day.
“I think I’m better than coach Heupel at his age now,” Ross said with a smirk. “I’m still in my prime, I think. Probably don’t have the distance that Joe does, but, yeah, I back myself there.”
Josh Heupel was later asked about his thoughts on Ross’s comments, and he left it short, sweet, and to the point.
“Well, now we know that Jackson will lie,” Heupel said with a grin from ear to ear. “Alright? Okay. He may be fourth, but not third.”
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The back-and-forth between Josh Heupel and Jackson Ross not only showcases Ross’ energetic personality that he brings to the field and the locker room but also the positive and upbeat culture in the program overall. Despite the season being a few weeks away and the Vols hard at work in preparation, players and coaches are still taking small moments to joke around with each other in front of the media.
Tennessee will kick off the 2023 season on Saturday, September 2 against Virginia in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.
Tennessee punter Jackson Ross and Josh Heupel share a funny back and forth over the weekend over who has the better arm. pic.twitter.com/SMmZLTFVJR
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) August 22, 2023
