Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln met with the local media on Tuesday morning following his group’s strong performance in the Vols’ win over Kentucky.
Abeln discussed Miles Kitselman’s big performance, the pride his group takes in run blocking and more ahead of the Vols’ matchup at Mississippi State this week. Here’s everything Abeln said.
More From RTI: What Mississippi State HC Jeff Lebby Said About Tennessee Football
On Miles Kitselman’s preparation setting him up for a good game against Kentucky
“I think first things first. The kid just loves playing football. Usually, when you got that, the rest of it kind of falls into place. But, man, just an unbelievable work ethic. Unbelievable in terms of the amount of prep he puts in each and every week. Getting to see him make the most of the opportunity on Saturday was pretty cool.”
On Kitselman staying alert on his touchdown on a broken play
“Just being a ball player. I mean, the tight zone played out totally differently than what we expected, what’s on tape. It’s been really three years going against that defense, and honestly, it was a dead play that those two guys just made right. Pretty freaking special when, I don’t know up in the box when that one happened, we were losing our damn minds. Pretty cool.”
On if he thought they would play as many and have as much success with two tight end sets as they have
“Yeah. I knew there was a chance and I think depending on kind of how we were able to handle it through spring and through fall camp would kind of dictate how it grew. I think it’s something that each year you’ve got a different identity and not only what you’re seeing, but also what’s being successful for you and what you’re able to do out of that stuff. I think it’s been really good for us. But you don’t really go into the year with an anticipation about this is going to be the lead call. A lot of the times it kinda unfolds as the year goes.”
On Jeff Saturday showing Holden Staes blocking clip on ESPN
“I think the o-lineman in me kind of resists any national media attention at times, but it’s also I mean, those guys have bought in playing physical and playing tough and being difference (makers) in the run game from day one. And it’s an unselfish job. It’s something that guys grow to learn to love, and I think this group really has grown to love that part of the game. But it it’s certainly cool. I think we all understand there’s a lot more work to be done. There’s another level even to what Saturday was.”
On the importance of run blocking for the tight ends
“I mean, we talk about all the time, like the mindset of your opponent. You’ve got a chance to affect the way the game is played with your physicality. And I think when you’re a true dual threat guy, the way that our guys are, man, it just makes you that much more valuable. And we talk about it all the time. There’s a lot of offense, a lot of systems that the tight end is a glorified slot receiver. And reality is if you want to play at the next level, there’s a handful of guys that get away with being that molded tight end. But the guys that really last and have long careers are guys that can’t put their hand in the dirt, can go get after you in the run game, can be really solid in protection. I think all the guys see that and understand that that’s what this position really is at its core. And making plays on top of that’s really a bonus.”
