Tennessee had the tough task of filling in the spot with the running backs after former running backs coach Jerry Mack departed for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars organization this offseason. After promoting from within for the tight end’s coach, the receiver’s coach, and the offensive coordinator in previous offseasons, though, head coach Josh Heupel opted to make a splash hire for his staff.
The Vols brought in former Louisville assistant De’Rail Sims to run the position, bringing in an up-and-coming coach at the level. Sims brings an energetic coaching style to his room that the Vols’ running backs seem to connect with.
While Sims did have an introductory press conference with Tennessee after he was first hired, the Tennessee assistant’s first time talking with the media after seeing his players on the field came on Thursday after the Vols’ 11th spring camp workout. Sims met with the media and spoke about individual players such as Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop, the intensity of the room, younger players stepping up with Cam Seldon recovering from injury, and much more.
Tennessee also had Sampson and Khalifa Keith speak on behalf of the running backs room. Sampson spoke about his previous relationship with Sims during his recruitment while Keith spoke about using his physicality to his advantage in pass protection and while running the ball.
For more on Tennessee’s Thursday practice in Knoxville, check out RTI’s practice observations and takeaways here.
Take a look at the three press conferences from Thursday below:
Tennessee RB Coach De’Rail Sims
Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson
Tennessee RB Khalifa Keith
