University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Report: Renewed Energy
December 16, 2016 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee redshirt senior Jason Croom, redshirt junior Kendal Vickers, junior Todd Kelly Jr. and sophomore John Kelly spoke to reporters on Friday after practice on the indoor field of the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
Tennessee (8-4) will play Nebraska (9-3) in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The game will feature a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN. The Vols are ranked No. 21 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings. The Cornhuskers are No. 21 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
#18 Jason Croom | RS Senior Tight End
This month's Music City Bowl marks the Vols' third-straight bowl game. Croom credits the UT coaching staff and support staff for having a good program for preparing the Vols both physically and mentally during bowl month. Croom, who stands at 6-5, 246, is anticipating a physical game against a Nebraska team that features several big players.
"You see big guys. They're physical. They're going to come down and hit hard. We're prepared for that. We just have to go out there and execute."
#39 Kendal Vickers | RS Junior Defensive Lineman
Injuries have heavily impacted the depth at the defensive tackle position. Vickers is one of the few players still healthy along the line. With the need for players to step up, he has been impressed with redshirt sophomore Jonathan Kongbo's recent transition from end to tackle.
"He's done a good job with it and is working hard. He has been playing the three technique very well these past couple of practices. I have been very surprised by it. He is working hard and is doing what he needs to do to help the team out. That is what you want."
#24 Todd Kelly Jr. | Junior Defensive Back
Kelly said that he has noticed a renewed energy in his teammates this month. In film study, the defense has been committed to learning from its mistakes.
"In meetings I've seen guys energized, ready to go. Coming in 10 to 15 minutes early to every meeting just ready to learn more about the game of football. Guys coming out energetic for practice whether it's pregame stretch or during scout period. We’re out here energetic and ready to go. We know other students are at home watching Netflix, this and that, but we’re here to play football. With that being said, when we have our hour and 30 minutes out here, we're here to play football for each other and have as much fun as we can."
#4 John Kelly | Sophomore Running Back
Kelly said that redshirt junior Alvin Kamara continues to serve as a key mentor for him. Kelly enjoys the same role with the younger running backs, emphasizing the importance of being game ready.
"Alvin is always going to tell me the same thing, and we're going to keep pushing each other. It's really just me making sure that I get the younger guys' heads in the right place. You never know what is going to happen in these bowl games. A lot of people will have breakout games in bowl preparation. I'm just making sure those young guys are ready to get thrown in there at any time. We are really pushing each other."
