University of Tennessee Athletics
Media Monday: Players Preview OU Game
September 08, 2014 | Football
Check out what players Pig Howard, A.J. Johnson, Cameron Sutton and Corey Vereen had to say about facing Oklahoma.
JUNIOR WIDE RECEIVER Pig Howard
(On quarterback Justin Worley's improvements)
"Justin has always been a leader. You see his leader role a lot more just in what he demands. He's poised, he's consistent, always talks positive regardless of whether it's a bad play or a good play. He's just all-around the voice the offense needs."
(On whether he feels pressure to fill Von Pearson's role)
"No, we have a lot of mature younger guys as well who are ready to fill his shoes. Von is a big part of the receiver corps as well, but Coach Jones and his staff did a great job of bringing in other great talent. I think all around there is not any more pressure on me. Everyone has a job to do and if we continue to play for each other, we'll be alright."
SENIOR LINEBACKER A.J. Johnson
(On whether he has concerns for the freshmen playing at Oklahoma)
"Concerns? I doubt that. I know [Oklahoma] has a good, hostile environment and I feel like they're going to make us play better. We're used to a hostile environment just because we play here in Neyland , so the young guys will be ready for that. We practice it in practice with the loud speakers, the baby noises and all types of noise, so they're ready."
(On teammate Corey Vereen)
"He's just improved on the little things. He got better with his hands and he knows what to expect on every down; first, second and third down. He just became a better player. He's faster, he's stronger and making more plays."
SOPHOMORE DEFENSIVE BACK Cameron Sutton
(On playing a significant amount of reps)
"Not really tired, just trying to help in any part of the game, just trying to help this team out. As far as recovery, just coming in getting in the cold tub, staying in the treatment room, continuing to stretch and things like that. Just keeping my body in tip-top shape."
(On playing on the road)
"Road games are big, you just have to come in there and be confident. They are going to have the crowd on their side. We just have to go out there, play our game, have a great week of practice and preparation throughout the week. Just go out there and play our game.
(On Sterling Shepard)
"He is a definitely a complete receiver. Has a knack for the ball, plays well with the ball in the air. Just as a secondary we have to do a good job containing him. They are going to get their plays, we know that as a defense. We just have to limit those plays, explosive plays."
SOPHOMORE DEFENSIVE LINEMAN Corey Vereen
(On what has helped the defensive line this season)
"I think it is just our overall effort to the ball and just our total swarm and everything. We stressed that a lot this offseason and during camp. I think it is just our swarm to the ball and playing as one unit. That really helped us."
(On Oklahoma's offensive line)
"I looked at them last night, the are definitely a bigger group, across the board they are a lot bigger, 6'3", 6'4", 6'6", well over 300 pounds. So they are a big group, they are going to be trying to learn on you in the run game. We are going to have to anchor down and get ready for that run game."
(On Oklahoma)
"When I think of Oklahoma, I think of one team, they are sound, they don't make a lot mistakes. They are explosive, they have a lot of skill. But we are not making this a conference thing, we just see them as a really good football team that we have to play."
