University of Tennessee Athletics
November 10, 2026 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – DeSean Bishop's continued growth has made him a driving force in Tennessee's offense, while a pair of defensive ends have stepped into expanded roles as the Volunteers prepare for Saturday's road matchup at Texas A&M.
Running backs coach De'Rail Sims and defensive ends coach Andrew Jackson met with the media Tuesday ahead of the No. 9/9 Vols' 3 p.m. ET kickoff against the Aggies at Kyle Field, discussing Bishop's impact and the development of Jordan Norman and Mariyon Dye.
Sims didn't hesitate when asked whether Bishop belongs in the Heisman Trophy conversation, pointing to the senior's production, leadership and ability to take over games, particularly in the second half. The Maxwell Trophy semifinalist leads the FBS in second-half carries (109), rushing yards (661), rushing touchdowns (10) and first downs (32).
"There's no doubt about it. He deserves it," Sims said. "When you sit up here and talk about the best player in college football for his team, it's D. Bishop."
While Bishop's impact is evident on Saturdays, Sims said his favorite part of the season has been watching the running back improve in the details of his game. His vision, patience and ability to find yards in crowded spaces have continued to develop, along with his leadership and understanding of the offense.
Sims also praised Bishop's willingness to stay patient when runs are limited, trusting that consistent effort will eventually lead to bigger opportunities.
"Each week is different from the previous week," Sims said. "You see his vision continue to grow. You see how his eyes and his feet are married together. You see him be able to find those run lanes even when it looks like there's nothing there."
On the defensive side, Jackson highlighted the progress of Norman and Dye as Tennessee adjusts to the absence of Tyree Weathersby, whom he described as one of the heart and soul members of the defensive line. Weathersby sustained a season-ending injury in Saturday's 34-6 victory over No. 6 Kentucky.
Jackson said the two young ends have pushed each other throughout the season, sharing information and helping elevate the position group. Both have embraced the opportunity for additional snaps, with Jackson particularly impressed by Norman's commitment to learning a new defensive scheme and putting in extra work.
"He came from a much different scheme than what we're doing now, so we had to change some things up in his technique and how he approaches the game," Jackson said. "He's done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions, getting on the field early."
Jackson said Dye is ready to take advantage of his increased opportunity, emphasizing the importance of consistency as he continues to develop. The sophomore from Elkhart, Indiana, has generated six TFLs and five sacks this season.
The Vols will need contributions across the defensive front against Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, whose ability to make plays outside the pocket presents a challenge for Tennessee's pass rush. Jackson stressed the importance of maintaining rush lanes and working together rather than allowing Reed opportunities to escape pressure.
Full comments from Jackson and Sims can be viewed below.Tennessee Football Press Conference | Nov. 10, 2026
On the growth of Jordan Norman and Mariyon Dye…
"Been really consistent, really competitive with each other about playing. Watching those guys prepare through the week, sharing information, getting each other better, keeping within our community as d-line has been special."
On pushing Mariyon Dye to be more consistent…
"I mean, the biggest thing is that all those guys want to go out there and play for Tyree (Weathersby). He's one of the heart and soul members of our unit, and then just having the opportunity to go out there, get more snaps, and take advantage of it. I think he's ready now, and now that the opportunity's there, just go get it and just keep pushing him to be what he can be."
On the challenge of competing against Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed…
"We've seen some good ones. We have to do our job to a high level, we have to be conscious of rush lanes, we have to work together as a unit, we all have to rush together. Do our jobs, have good technique, we've seen good ones week after week, and do amazing things in scramble. So, it's been something that we've had trouble stopping, so now we've just got to focus in on it and do it better."
On Jordan Norman stepping up in his role…
"I mean, he came from a much different scheme than what we're doing now, so we had to change some things up in his technique and how he approaches the game. He's done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions, getting on the field early. So now it's just for him taking on a bigger role and just doing those little things consistently, which he's done week to week."
On the importance of having Mike Bethea II a part of the program…
"Man, there's something to be said about doing your job and not necessarily loving the role you have and a limited role, but a guy that could come to work every day with a smile on his face, be positive, coach other guys, work his tail off, and not complain one bit. You have to respect the guy like that, and you have to look in the mirror and say, 'Hey, this guy's not complaining, he doesn't get the same things I'm getting, then what's wrong with me?' Guys like Mike (Bethea II) are invaluable, and we love to have 10 of him."
On what Hezekiah Harris is doing well…
"He's a tremendous talent. He's embraced coaching, he's matured from a physical standpoint, but mentally throughout the entire season. It might not show up week to week on Saturdays, but he's gotten better every day, every practice, and every week he's done something better, done something a little bit more consistent. Now he's going to have a chance to have a bigger role."
On how much of generating pressure on the edge is scheme versus game records…
"It's everything. I mean, obviously, there are guys that are naturally really gifted at pass rushing, and you can do a lot of things, and they can strike a lot of fear, but we've had a tremendous defensive back play. We've had tremendous linebacker play, getting us in the right spot, we've had guys that bought into doing their one-eleventh, so it takes it all. We've had different guys get sacks from different levels of the defense, so it's been an 11-man challenge, and we've done a good job of stopping the run on those early downs, too, which is the crucial part to be able to have the chance to rush the passer."
On Jeremiah Telander transitioning to playing on the edge…
"Nothing but respect for the kid. I think I might be working for him one day. I think he's going to be a defensive coordinator if he tries to coach, and I hope he hires me one day. He's got a really great football mind. He's selfless, excellent teammate, does the little things correctly, in here extra, great example. I mean, he's harder on himself than any coach could be in this building. A guy like him, you're gonna have to kill him before you stop him."
On remaining tough as the game goes on, and Daune Morris' big run…
"I think the number one, to the first question, I think we do a good job just sticking to the plan and just playing our brand of football, just keep taking it one snap at a time, keep attacking. And we understand it's going to be ugly, it's going to be dirty and it may be like that the whole entire game, and we just have to continue to stay with it. Seeing Daune get in there and do what he does, man, that was really good. Like, you could tell early on, as soon as he stuck his foot in the ground you knew he was gone. So, I think that was huge entirely for us as a whole entire team. That was really good for him and his confidence, as he'd done that. So, I think, like seeing him get out there and do what he does, that was awesome."
On keeping the running backs engaged and Javin Gordon and Daune Morris stepping up when their numbers are called…
"It's the same way that you have to deal with the stuff in life. It's not always going to go the way that we want it to in life. We have to deal with stuff that, you know, we have what our dreams, goals and aspirations are, and every one of them sitting in that room has goals that they want to go achieve. But it's the same deal, we're going to go through issues when we graduate from college, in our professional lives, and you just have to stay grounded and stay humble, and when your time comes, you have to make the most of your opportunities. Two weeks ago, it was JG (Javin Gordon) that got into South Carolina and had those runs. Last week it was Daune, so never knowing when your number's going to get called, always staying ready. It's the same situation in life, man, we may be down one minute, and then we may be up the next minute. You just have to stay locked in, stay focused, and they've done a good job of that."
On him taking off down the sideline on Daune's run, and if the players notice it…
"It was, and I still feel it today. They do. They notice it. They understand that I'm always with them, too, as they're sitting up there running down the sideline. I may not be as fast as they are, but I'm always going to be there with them to make sure to give them some encouragement."
On Daune Morris recognizing the open space in front of him and reading the safety on that play…
"It was him just doing a really good job of using his vision, for one. He did a really good job from the jump in terms of pressing the line of scrimmage. We had talked about that. If we get a particular pressure during that week, you know, where this ball may end up hitting at, but he did a good job of using his eyes, pressing the offensive linemen, and then he just let his God given ability to take over once he got in the open field."
On Coach Heupel mentioning things that were missed in the first half and what the overall coaching message has been…
"Yeah, the main deal with them missing a couple of reads is just pressing too much, just trying to make a big play happen. That's all it comes down to, is that their eyes were faster than their feet were at times, so they were seeing stuff that they thought was daylight, and it was false daylight. So, just trusting it, it was some flashing color at times, they were seeing things, but that's the main thing. And that's human nature as a running back. Like, at times, I get in a game, I want to press and go make a play. Just trust your eyes and trust your feet, and everything will lead you to the right spot."
On what the underappreciated qualities of Daune Morris are…
"The fact that he'll stick his face on people and be physical. You see it right there in the game where he is a lead blocker, and he goes and sticks his face on the linebacker to open up a run lane for Faizon (Brandon). It's those things that people take for granted. They always see the speed aspect, but he's powerful, too, he's physical, too. I think he's a complete package when you look at it from that standpoint. He's still growing in that aspect, but he's done a good job of embracing the physicality standpoint."
On if DeSean Bishop deserves to be in the Heisman trophy conversation…
"There's no doubt about it. He deserves it. When you sit up here and look at his whole body of work and what he's been able to do. You have the ranked teams that we've played against, how he's gone out in the second half and he's been attacking that. Him as a whole entire person, when you sit up here and you talk about, 'okay, what is the Heisman trophy?' The best player in college football. That joker's story from where he came in as a freshman to where he is now, to how he sits over there and takes over games in the second half, how he's a teammate, how he leads the team, his faith value that he's about. When you sit up here and talk about the best player in college football, okay statistically, it is what it is, but the best player in college football for his team is D. Bishop."
On his favorite part of DeSean Bishop's season thus far…
"Seeing him grow every single week. Each week is different from the previous week. And I know people look at it sometimes where he's getting this amount of carries, but he's growing in the little things. You see his vision continue to grow, (and) he was already blessed with really good vision. You see how his eyes and his feet are married together. You see him be able to find those run lanes even when it looks like there's nothing there. You see last week the dirty yards that he had to consistently get, that he did a really good job. It looked like goal line tackle at certain points in time in the open field, and he was still driving for five. And the fact that he doesn't get frustrated. If he's running for two, he's still happy because he understands that he's going to just keep chipping away at it, and he's going to end up breaking away at some point. And then just him, just how he's grown as a leader throughout the season. He's grown in the classroom tremendously in terms of understanding the game, asking a ton of questions. He keeps me on my toes because if you tell him something as a coaching standpoint, he's going to come back and ask you a question if the picture changes, 'why did that change?' So I think, just holistically, him growing throughout the season is my favorite part."
Running backs coach De'Rail Sims and defensive ends coach Andrew Jackson met with the media Tuesday ahead of the No. 9/9 Vols' 3 p.m. ET kickoff against the Aggies at Kyle Field, discussing Bishop's impact and the development of Jordan Norman and Mariyon Dye.
Sims didn't hesitate when asked whether Bishop belongs in the Heisman Trophy conversation, pointing to the senior's production, leadership and ability to take over games, particularly in the second half. The Maxwell Trophy semifinalist leads the FBS in second-half carries (109), rushing yards (661), rushing touchdowns (10) and first downs (32).
"There's no doubt about it. He deserves it," Sims said. "When you sit up here and talk about the best player in college football for his team, it's D. Bishop."
While Bishop's impact is evident on Saturdays, Sims said his favorite part of the season has been watching the running back improve in the details of his game. His vision, patience and ability to find yards in crowded spaces have continued to develop, along with his leadership and understanding of the offense.
Sims also praised Bishop's willingness to stay patient when runs are limited, trusting that consistent effort will eventually lead to bigger opportunities.
"Each week is different from the previous week," Sims said. "You see his vision continue to grow. You see how his eyes and his feet are married together. You see him be able to find those run lanes even when it looks like there's nothing there."
On the defensive side, Jackson highlighted the progress of Norman and Dye as Tennessee adjusts to the absence of Tyree Weathersby, whom he described as one of the heart and soul members of the defensive line. Weathersby sustained a season-ending injury in Saturday's 34-6 victory over No. 6 Kentucky.
Jackson said the two young ends have pushed each other throughout the season, sharing information and helping elevate the position group. Both have embraced the opportunity for additional snaps, with Jackson particularly impressed by Norman's commitment to learning a new defensive scheme and putting in extra work.
"He came from a much different scheme than what we're doing now, so we had to change some things up in his technique and how he approaches the game," Jackson said. "He's done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions, getting on the field early."
Jackson said Dye is ready to take advantage of his increased opportunity, emphasizing the importance of consistency as he continues to develop. The sophomore from Elkhart, Indiana, has generated six TFLs and five sacks this season.
The Vols will need contributions across the defensive front against Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, whose ability to make plays outside the pocket presents a challenge for Tennessee's pass rush. Jackson stressed the importance of maintaining rush lanes and working together rather than allowing Reed opportunities to escape pressure.
Full comments from Jackson and Sims can be viewed below.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Nov. 10, 2026
LEOs Coach Andrew Jackson
On the growth of Jordan Norman and Mariyon Dye…"Been really consistent, really competitive with each other about playing. Watching those guys prepare through the week, sharing information, getting each other better, keeping within our community as d-line has been special."
On pushing Mariyon Dye to be more consistent…
"I mean, the biggest thing is that all those guys want to go out there and play for Tyree (Weathersby). He's one of the heart and soul members of our unit, and then just having the opportunity to go out there, get more snaps, and take advantage of it. I think he's ready now, and now that the opportunity's there, just go get it and just keep pushing him to be what he can be."
On the challenge of competing against Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed…
"We've seen some good ones. We have to do our job to a high level, we have to be conscious of rush lanes, we have to work together as a unit, we all have to rush together. Do our jobs, have good technique, we've seen good ones week after week, and do amazing things in scramble. So, it's been something that we've had trouble stopping, so now we've just got to focus in on it and do it better."
On Jordan Norman stepping up in his role…
"I mean, he came from a much different scheme than what we're doing now, so we had to change some things up in his technique and how he approaches the game. He's done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions, getting on the field early. So now it's just for him taking on a bigger role and just doing those little things consistently, which he's done week to week."
On the importance of having Mike Bethea II a part of the program…
"Man, there's something to be said about doing your job and not necessarily loving the role you have and a limited role, but a guy that could come to work every day with a smile on his face, be positive, coach other guys, work his tail off, and not complain one bit. You have to respect the guy like that, and you have to look in the mirror and say, 'Hey, this guy's not complaining, he doesn't get the same things I'm getting, then what's wrong with me?' Guys like Mike (Bethea II) are invaluable, and we love to have 10 of him."
On what Hezekiah Harris is doing well…
"He's a tremendous talent. He's embraced coaching, he's matured from a physical standpoint, but mentally throughout the entire season. It might not show up week to week on Saturdays, but he's gotten better every day, every practice, and every week he's done something better, done something a little bit more consistent. Now he's going to have a chance to have a bigger role."
On how much of generating pressure on the edge is scheme versus game records…
"It's everything. I mean, obviously, there are guys that are naturally really gifted at pass rushing, and you can do a lot of things, and they can strike a lot of fear, but we've had a tremendous defensive back play. We've had tremendous linebacker play, getting us in the right spot, we've had guys that bought into doing their one-eleventh, so it takes it all. We've had different guys get sacks from different levels of the defense, so it's been an 11-man challenge, and we've done a good job of stopping the run on those early downs, too, which is the crucial part to be able to have the chance to rush the passer."
On Jeremiah Telander transitioning to playing on the edge…
"Nothing but respect for the kid. I think I might be working for him one day. I think he's going to be a defensive coordinator if he tries to coach, and I hope he hires me one day. He's got a really great football mind. He's selfless, excellent teammate, does the little things correctly, in here extra, great example. I mean, he's harder on himself than any coach could be in this building. A guy like him, you're gonna have to kill him before you stop him."
Running Backs Coach De'Rail Sims
On remaining tough as the game goes on, and Daune Morris' big run…"I think the number one, to the first question, I think we do a good job just sticking to the plan and just playing our brand of football, just keep taking it one snap at a time, keep attacking. And we understand it's going to be ugly, it's going to be dirty and it may be like that the whole entire game, and we just have to continue to stay with it. Seeing Daune get in there and do what he does, man, that was really good. Like, you could tell early on, as soon as he stuck his foot in the ground you knew he was gone. So, I think that was huge entirely for us as a whole entire team. That was really good for him and his confidence, as he'd done that. So, I think, like seeing him get out there and do what he does, that was awesome."
On keeping the running backs engaged and Javin Gordon and Daune Morris stepping up when their numbers are called…
"It's the same way that you have to deal with the stuff in life. It's not always going to go the way that we want it to in life. We have to deal with stuff that, you know, we have what our dreams, goals and aspirations are, and every one of them sitting in that room has goals that they want to go achieve. But it's the same deal, we're going to go through issues when we graduate from college, in our professional lives, and you just have to stay grounded and stay humble, and when your time comes, you have to make the most of your opportunities. Two weeks ago, it was JG (Javin Gordon) that got into South Carolina and had those runs. Last week it was Daune, so never knowing when your number's going to get called, always staying ready. It's the same situation in life, man, we may be down one minute, and then we may be up the next minute. You just have to stay locked in, stay focused, and they've done a good job of that."
On him taking off down the sideline on Daune's run, and if the players notice it…
"It was, and I still feel it today. They do. They notice it. They understand that I'm always with them, too, as they're sitting up there running down the sideline. I may not be as fast as they are, but I'm always going to be there with them to make sure to give them some encouragement."
On Daune Morris recognizing the open space in front of him and reading the safety on that play…
"It was him just doing a really good job of using his vision, for one. He did a really good job from the jump in terms of pressing the line of scrimmage. We had talked about that. If we get a particular pressure during that week, you know, where this ball may end up hitting at, but he did a good job of using his eyes, pressing the offensive linemen, and then he just let his God given ability to take over once he got in the open field."
On Coach Heupel mentioning things that were missed in the first half and what the overall coaching message has been…
"Yeah, the main deal with them missing a couple of reads is just pressing too much, just trying to make a big play happen. That's all it comes down to, is that their eyes were faster than their feet were at times, so they were seeing stuff that they thought was daylight, and it was false daylight. So, just trusting it, it was some flashing color at times, they were seeing things, but that's the main thing. And that's human nature as a running back. Like, at times, I get in a game, I want to press and go make a play. Just trust your eyes and trust your feet, and everything will lead you to the right spot."
On what the underappreciated qualities of Daune Morris are…
"The fact that he'll stick his face on people and be physical. You see it right there in the game where he is a lead blocker, and he goes and sticks his face on the linebacker to open up a run lane for Faizon (Brandon). It's those things that people take for granted. They always see the speed aspect, but he's powerful, too, he's physical, too. I think he's a complete package when you look at it from that standpoint. He's still growing in that aspect, but he's done a good job of embracing the physicality standpoint."
On if DeSean Bishop deserves to be in the Heisman trophy conversation…
"There's no doubt about it. He deserves it. When you sit up here and look at his whole body of work and what he's been able to do. You have the ranked teams that we've played against, how he's gone out in the second half and he's been attacking that. Him as a whole entire person, when you sit up here and you talk about, 'okay, what is the Heisman trophy?' The best player in college football. That joker's story from where he came in as a freshman to where he is now, to how he sits over there and takes over games in the second half, how he's a teammate, how he leads the team, his faith value that he's about. When you sit up here and talk about the best player in college football, okay statistically, it is what it is, but the best player in college football for his team is D. Bishop."
On his favorite part of DeSean Bishop's season thus far…
"Seeing him grow every single week. Each week is different from the previous week. And I know people look at it sometimes where he's getting this amount of carries, but he's growing in the little things. You see his vision continue to grow, (and) he was already blessed with really good vision. You see how his eyes and his feet are married together. You see him be able to find those run lanes even when it looks like there's nothing there. You see last week the dirty yards that he had to consistently get, that he did a really good job. It looked like goal line tackle at certain points in time in the open field, and he was still driving for five. And the fact that he doesn't get frustrated. If he's running for two, he's still happy because he understands that he's going to just keep chipping away at it, and he's going to end up breaking away at some point. And then just him, just how he's grown as a leader throughout the season. He's grown in the classroom tremendously in terms of understanding the game, asking a ton of questions. He keeps me on my toes because if you tell him something as a coaching standpoint, he's going to come back and ask you a question if the picture changes, 'why did that change?' So I think, just holistically, him growing throughout the season is my favorite part."
Players Mentioned
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