Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln has built a strong relationship with tight end Miles Kitselman despite the former Alabama transfer only being in Knoxville for one season.
Kitselman has evolved into a gadget weapon for the Tennessee offense with three receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown on the season. The 6-foot-5 tight end has 229 receptions on 17 receptions with two games left in the regular season ahead.
But Abeln sees more than just the stats from his starting tight end.
“I think I’ve said it in here before, he just loves football,” Abeln said of Kitselman on Tuesday. “And I think that’s like, truly, if you want to be great at this game, if you want to have the success that he’s had, it starts with a genuine love of the game, and that is as intangible as it gets.”
Kitselman will go through Senior Day on Saturday as he begins to wrap up his collegiate career. The Kansas native began at Hutchinson Community College in 2021 before transferring to Alabama for his sophomore and junior seasons in 2022 and 2023. Kitselman transferred to Tennessee before his senior season and has seen more work with the Vols than he ever did with the Tide.
Abeln doesn’t see his path stopping in Knoxville, though.
“I think he’s a 10-year NFL guy,” Abeln said on Tuesday. “Be totally honest with everybody here. Just the stuff that he does, not just in the box, but in the route. Like, I know he’s everything you want and a guy you get to coach. And, obviously, I wish I had more time with him, but it’s been a pleasure.”
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While Tennessee has stuggled with first-half scoring drives at times this year, Kitselman has been effective in the opening drives of games with his versatility on the line and as a pass-catcher.
“I think he’s a guy that I never have to worry that Kit’s ready when that ball is snapped,” Abeln said.
Tennessee will host UTEP at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville for the home finale and Senior Day in Knoxville.
