University of Tennessee Athletics
Postgame Quotes: Vols 55, Western Carolina 10
September 19, 2015 | Football
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Tennessee head coach Butch Jones
(Opening Statement)
"First of all, really, really proud of our players. I thought they had a workman-like approach, a professional mentality all week long. It started in our week of preparation. I thought we had a very good week of preparation, so I was really, really proud of them and their approach all week long. I thought our team showed some maturity in growing up. I believe we had 16 true freshmen play tonight. A lot of our special teams were comprised of underclassmen and true freshmen. It's great to see Preston Williams do some things for us. Great, great story and very fitting, LaDarrell McNeil, first game back and has a big interception and a big return. Very, very fitting for that young man. Love him and it was great to have him back. Evan Berry with the big kickoff return. John Kelly, we have three running backs; we have four. Joe Young did a very good job as well and obviously we know what we have with Alvin [Kamara] and Jalen [Hurd]. Alvin gave us a spark as well as a punt returner, so we have some good competition there, which is great.
"Some storylines, third down defense, I believe we held them to one out of twelve. I thought field position, we basically controlled the field position game all night. We still have to come away with more touchdowns but I thought we had some short fields and we capitalized on it. We were plus-three in turnover margin.
"One of the biggest stats we talk about is first down efficiency. That's a run or a pass of four yards or more and that keeps you on schedule, keeps you on track. We were 72% on first down efficiency. But we have some things that we need to continue to work on and strive to get better, particularly offensively on third down, defensively, still leveraging the football and tackling.
"We have to get some things cleaned up on our kickoff team too. We had some new faces on there. But I think in summary, a workman-like victory. We got a lot of individuals quality reps. They were able to put their football identity on video, so now we're able to go back and evaluate exactly where they are at. A lot of individuals played two quarters or more.
"I was really, really excited about the play of Quinten Dormady. I thought Quinten did some very, very good things. All three of our backs got some dirty yards. I believe we had no tackles for loss or negative yardage plays for them. Darrin Kirkland [Jr.] is a true freshman, I thought he did some good things. So a lot of things are moving forward but we have to still continue to get better in a hurry. We start SEC play now. We still have to improve and correct a lot of things for us to continue to grow and elevate our play as a football team. So, I'll answer any questions that you may have."
(On Darrin Kirkland Jr.)
"[Kirkland] brings another level of athleticism. His speed, actually a couple times with leverage, he overran it. But he has very, very good instincts and just a body of work in practice. He's very athletic. So, again, just his body of work in practice and I thought he did some really good things."
(On if Preston Williams' biggest impact is stretching the field)
"Well actually he's really good in the intermediate throws, in quick game, in curls, in outs, in comebacks. But he's just so long, he can play the ball in the air, and he can run. It was great to really get him going tonight, two touchdowns. One on a scramble drill with Quinten [Dormady] and then obviously the deep ball. But we're going to need him to continue to progress and that was great to see with him. And I will tell you, here's a young man who had zero training camp, so every practice repetition that Preston has is critical because he didn't have a training camp. So again these live-game repetitions are big for him."
(On Quinten Dormady's touchdown pass to Preston Williams)
"Quinten's had a very, very good training camp. He's had very good practice habits. He's been consistent all year, and to get him those valuable repetitions - we have a lot of confidence in him and that confidence has been earned by him by his performance in practice and also by his performance in meetings and his leadership qualities."
(On what was going through his head during LaDarrell McNeil's interception)
"The first thing I was thinking was go score, and then take care of the football. But again, it's a great story of resiliency, perseverance. It was a very trying two weeks for him and his family, and then the emotion of your football career's not over with, you don't have to have surgery, and just getting him back in to the fold. We wanted to ease him into the game tonight. We didn't want to give him an inordinate amount of reps, just because he hasn't played football in a while. Very fitting, though. He does his due diligence and video study and all that, so it was very rewarding when he had that interception."
(On how ready this team is for the grind of SEC play compared to the last two years' teams)
"You just used the adjective grind and I agree, it's going to be a grind. Our maturity, especially from our younger players, they don't understand what it's like yet to go through an SEC grind and an SEC schedule with playing on the road and then playing at home. This league is so balanced but the different nuances, you have to be able to adapt and adjust week in and week out with schemes and you have to be flexible. This is a big week for us because also it's exam week. So it's going to be big that we win in the classroom and that we manage our business in preparation. But this football team is very close, they have a lot of belief. They're very, very resilient and I knew that by their approach coming on Monday, but they've showed that resiliency. Now are we going to be tested? Absolutely. Every game has the ability to go down to the final play of the game. We have to make sure that we have great weeks of preparation, we get some of our health back, and we continue to create depth."
(On his level of confidence entering SEC play compared to the previous two years)
"Oh it's much different. We expect to win. I believe that's this football team, they expect to win. Now you have to earn victory every time you go out there, you have to prepare to play your best game. Those are the two things I asked our players. I asked everyone in that room. I said, 'Ok, first of all if there was one word that would describe your play tonight off your football identity, what would it be? And then what would be our group identity of nine for nine, being nine strong at power of the position?' So on Monday they'll present their one-word adjective that describes their style of play. But we have great expectations, our players understand that. This group just comes to work every day, but we're going to be challenged. I'm proud of them, I'm proud to run out with them, and I know they give us everything they have each and every day. This team works hard. They have great work capacity and I'm grateful to them, and we have good leadership."
(On how beneficial being able to rest guys in the second half was)
"Critical, because basically they played two games last week when you look at some of them having over 100 reps, when you include their snaps, when you include their special teams snaps and it's a long football season. It's only game three. Having them on the sideline was obviously very, very beneficial but also beneficial to get Austin Smith in there, to get some of the youngsters in there so they can have those live game repetitions as well. The Shy Tuttles, the Kalil McKenzies, you know all those individuals. I thought it was good, Kyle Phillips, he did some good things. That was critical to get them rest but also get the youngsters reps too."
(On importance of turning turnovers into points)
"Absolutely critical. It's everything what you do with the football when you have sudden change, when you have a short field. Football is a game of momentum and you are responsible for creating your momentum and so when our defense did a great job of being opportunistic of taking the ball away or fielding a position gain with the return game, you have to turn those into seven points. Not three points but seven points. So I thought for the most part we did a good job. Obviously, we had to kick a field goal, but you know we still needed points. But we turned them into seven points tonight which was big. I don't know if I said this starting off, but how about our crowd? From the Vol Walk to another great home-field advantage. I just want to say thank you to our student body and all of Vol Nation for coming out and continuing to support our football team. That was big for us as well."
(On having Eric Berry here)
"He is obviously very, very special to all of us and for him to be able to be on our sidelines and witness Evan [Berry] having a touchdown. That was a very, very special moment for them. But just having his presence, it was very exciting."
(On Evan Berry's return)
"Combination of both. It was a short kick so he had to come up and field it but it was a play in the play, 63 effort, didn't stop. A lot of people assumed he was down and he's very, very strong as we all know and once you get him in the open field he has great speed."
(Using Alvin Kamara as a punt returner)
"We have to pick our spots. I think we have two, really three, very, very quality punt returners, really four with Alvin and Cam [Sutton], Josh Smith and then Johnathon Johnson as well."
(On confidence level after seeing players play two quarters)
"It's great and it'll be a great evaluation tool for us to come back and evaluate Chance Hall and Charles Mosley and Ray Raulerson, you know some of those guys of live game repetitions, of Dontavius Blair and really be able to see. I'm really, really encouraged with John Kelly. You know John Kelly could run the football and we're going to need some running backs. So I thought there was a lot of positive. Justin Martin extended his snaps, Stephen Griffin. I can go on and on. Micah Abernathy, you know all those are valuable repetitions.
(On biggest offensive difference this week)
"Consistency. We worked on it. We still had a couple drops, particularly on third down. Like I told you before, drops in our offense are like a turnover. They stifle momentum. We have to catch the football consistently. We did that for the most part tonight. I thought our receivers did a very good job of running after the catch. We took hat was given to us, so that was great."
(On Josh Dobbs' performance)
"We wanted to get him going and I thought Josh did a good job of managing the game and making good decisions with the football. So, you know, when to hand the ball off, when to run the ball, when to throw the ball out on the perimeter. So, I thought he did some good things decision making as well as Quinten [Dormady] did as well."
(On emotions before running through the T) "Well, it's very special. It's a tradition that we're very, very proud off. It's an honor and a privilege to run through that T every time you run through it. I challenged our football team with the mental effort, the mental intensity, the mentality it takes to play winning football and four quarters of football and that was our theme this week--four quarters of football and going back to work and holding that snap and clear mentality. It was big game for us to see how we would respond. I thought our competitive character was challenged a little bit and how we prepared this week and how we come out and our approach to this game and I thought our kids did a great job. Our coaching staff did a really good job of preparing our players as well."
(On Eric Berry running through the T)
"He can run through the T as many times as he wants. He has that right and he has that privilege. He's earned that."
(On guys getting rest)
"Management. Both of them could have played but when you play a long football season and they had some aches and pains so just to be able to hold them back was really beneficial."
(On injuries this game)
"Not that I know of right now. Which, you know, it was a physical football game. Coach has done a great job there. We talked before the game about a culture and building a program and everyone wants it now and it takes time. I have a lot of respect for what he's building at Western Carolina and they're a physical football team and they play hard. They have my utmost respect, but in terms of injuries, I think we're pretty good."
Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara
(On taking advantage of an opportunity to return punts)
"We work on it at practice every day. When my number got called to do that I was ready. Just catch it first that's all I was really worried about, whatever happens after that, happens."
(On whether he was disappointed when a second punt return for TD was called back)
"It comes with the game, I wasn't really too disappointed. It was just good to get out there and get a feel for returning punts."
(On being part of team's first punt return and kick return in same game since 1950)
"That's obviously great, making some history. On Evan [Berry]'s kick return I called it. I saw him break out on a short kick I just put my hands up, `I'm like yup, touchdown'. It's funny it happened that way, he was kind of backpedaling, he didn't know where he was for a second and he broke out, so it was good to have that."
(On his 50-yard punt return for touchdown)
"Punt return and kick return are just about making people miss. You have all that space to set guys up and trying to give them a couple moves to open up some more room for you to run. Just catching the ball first and getting my eyes downfield really helped me."
Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs
(On needing a win like this after last week's tough loss to Oklahoma)
"It's always great to come out and get another win. We talked about never feeling that feeling we had last week again. We came out and we were obviously just frustrated about last week, so coming out tonight and getting a win was big for us and is big momentum to carry us forward."
(On how well the team practiced this week)
"I knew people would be hungry to get back on the field, but I mean that's a given. We're all competitors as I always say so after a game like that you just want to get back out on the field and play football again. Our team did a great job of approaching this week hungry to get better and we'll have to do that this upcoming week as well."
(On if throwing the ball early in the game gave the team confidence after struggling to pass last week)
"We have confidence either way, so it really doesn't matter what play it is, we have confidence and when it's called we're going to have confidence with the play. It was great to come out tonight and execute well, that was big. The receivers made plays. They caught the ball and made plays after the catch, which was big."
(On how much he is looking forward to the Florida game next week)
"I'm looking forward to every game. I was looking forward to this game and I'm excited for the next game, playing Florida, because it is the next game. It'll be exciting to get back on the field."
(On the importance of capitalizing off the turnovers and scoring points off them)
"Yeah that's huge. We talk about playing complimentary football, so when the defense gets a big turnover and gives us a short field, we have to go out and capitalize on it. We did an effective job of that tonight which was crucial for us."
Tennessee quarterback Quinten Dormady
(On his first touchdown drive)
"We were on our own ten, so we took a shot play to try to get us out of there. Preston [Williams] ran under the ball and made a great catch. And then on the broken play, I just rolled right to escape pressure and he was standing there wide open, so I just got it to him."
(On his expectations for how much he would play during the game)
"I was prepared. I didn't know how much time I was going to get. Getting two quarters was some good game reps. I feel pretty condiment in how I played."
(On talking with Joshua Dobbs about his performance)
"He just congratulated me on my first touchdown and all that, but we talked throughout the game on what we were seeing, and that was the same way when I got in. We'll talk about this for a couple days and then we'll move forward."
Tennessee offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson
(On the value of young offensive linemen getting to play)
"It really is huge for those guys. It's a confidence boost for them too. They can understand the offense a lot better. I know when I was a redshirt freshman and playing my first game, it was really exciting and nerve-racking. It's great to actually get out there in front of the fans and play in Neyland Stadium."
(On Butch calling this a workman-like victory, getting up for this game being sandwiched between Oklahoma and Florida)
"It all started with great practices this week. I mean, every day we were all locked in and getting some work done. There was no complaining, there was no `woe is me' or `it's hot out', or `I don't want to practice.' With that positive mindset you can really do a lot of things."
(On being better equipped to deal with SEC play coming)
"Just, we are year older and having all these guys with a year experience and an understanding of game situations. We know how to take it down the field with a minute left and score> we know how to play in overtime. We know how to run the ball versus all these different defenses, passing t ball getting out in the perimeter to these wide receivers. The defense has been in all kinds of situations where they've been able to bounce back so, all that experience really helps you and helps you understand the kind of stuff you're going to see in SEC play."
(On having big returns)
"It's great. I was actually talking to Coach Mahoney before the game started at the pre-game meal. I said, `Wouldn't it just be awesome if Evan [Berry] took a kick back and we just went out there for field goal, that would just be great wouldn't it?' He actually did it. All the offensive linemen were running full speed because we were excited that it is one play we're out. If these guys can help us with that, then all the merrier."
Tennessee defensive back LaDarrell McNeil
(On his interception)
"It was very exciting. I wasn't expecting to make a big play or catch any interceptions tonight. I was planning on just easing my way back on the field and getting the feel back for it. But when I made the big play it got the sideline hype. It got me hyped. I was jacked. It was a great feeling."
(On thinking he wasn't going to play this year and getting back on the field)
"It was a very tough time of my life. Once I heard the news, and told the news to the guys, especially the defensive backs, they were very excited. They were more excited than I was. I was just happy to be back on the field."
(On not knowing if he would be able to play again)
"It was tough because I worked all my life up until this moment. It was very tough for me. I'm glad I have the teammates I do. They were there to lift me up. Especially my coaches, they were there by me to support me. I'm just very grateful for them."
(On the moment the team learned he would get to play)
"It was a moment during a team meeting and I was cleared to play. Everyone was standing up and clapping because they kind of knew what I had been through. They were with me through the whole journey. It was just a great feeling to hear it and just to get back on the field, to be out there with my teammates and my brothers."
Tennessee defensive back Evan Berry
(On taking a kick back with his brother in the stands)
"It was obviously amazing. He doesn't come to many games; he got an opportunity to come because he had a Thursday night game. I give my best every game, but knowing he was coming I just tried to make something happen and it happened. So it was a great feeling."
(On talking to brother Eric Berry after the game)
"I did. He was obviously excited, but he talked a little trash. He said he would've caught me. I denied it, but he was obviously excited."
(On being sick)
"A little bit. I got a little sinus infection, but nothing too major."
(On awareness level during return)
"To be honest, I didn't know where I was. I know that I needed to get to the opposite end zone. Whatever step I take needs to be towards the end zone so I just kept it moving."
(On LaDarrell McNeil's return)
"It's obviously a good feeling knowing that he probably wasn't going to play again and he came back and made the plays he's supposed to make. He wasn't timid, he was a little nervous at first and I kind of talked to him and said, `You have done this for four years, it's the same old game. Just go out there and make plays.' And he did exactly that."
Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir
(Opening statement)
"Congratulations to Tennessee. They are a physical football team. They are a hard-nosed team. We knew that coming in. We knew that they had a disappointing loss last week. It wasn't going to be a week off for Tennessee. They were going to fix whatever things that they needed corrected, and they did that. I thought our guys battle. We just put ourselves in a bad, bad situation offensively. Anytime you turn the ball over against any team, let alone an SEC team, they are going to make you pay, and they did. Our coverage teams in the kicking game had been really good, but we got hurt bad. When you give them two turnovers and two touchdowns in the kicking game, you are just spotting an unbelievable good football team 28 points. In games like this, we just want to go play good. We want to execute, and run our offense, defense and kicking game. Obviously, Tennessee had a lot to do with it, but we killed ourselves tonight too, and you just can't do that. We have to play our very, very best to go in and have a shot and compete in this kind of arena. We have done that before, but we didn't do it tonight. We have an open date. We have to go back and clean some stuff up, and get ready for a conference run. I do want to say that Coach Jones and the Tennessee Vols are a class-act. We have been treated with greatest of respect and class, and that says a lot about the University of Tennessee. We wish them nothing but the best."
(On changing quarterbacks in the middle of the game) "We are moving the ball. Troy Mitchell has been with us for a long time. He came in with our staff and has done a lot of great things, but at the end of the day, it is about moving our offense. It wasn't all Troy. I take the blame. We got way too quick to say we can't run the football. We weren't going to rush for 300 yards, but as a staff, I don't think we gave our players a very good chance offensively to be successful. That is my fault. We have to be able to run the ball. I don't care if it is against two SEC teams. We have to be able to run the football. We got away from it way too fast. Troy got out of rhythm, so we brought in Wes Holcombe. We have a long season ahead of us, and I thought Wes did a nice job. He managed our offense and moved it down the field a little bit. Detrez Newsome had that long run. I don't care if that was their fourth team. The fourth team for Tennessee is still pretty good football players and some of the nation's finest. There were a lot of bright spots but just not enough."
(On Newsome's game)
"Well, Detrez is a workhorse. I love the guy. He is a blue-collar mentality guy. The offensive line opened up some holes. He didn't just do that on his own. I am proud of Detrez. That is going to give us a lot of confidence in running the football."
(On Tennessee's front seven)
"What they do well is playing hard. We knew that coming in. I had said that all week. They play hard, and they match their head coach's mentality. I don't know Butch Jones, but I would like to come over here and visit because I like the way he runs his football team. They are going to play hard. That will give them a chance to do a lot of great things in the SEC. They have a good front seven. They make mistakes. Now when you get in the SEC, are those mistakes magnified against a Florida, Georgia or South Carolina? They are going to be just fine right here in Knoxville. They have the right guy. Coach Jones is a class act, and I appreciate the opportunity to play here at Tennessee."
(On working on things during open date before conference play)
"We have to work on fundamentals and doing the little things right. We are going to have this open date to get back to basics. If a team beats you, they beat you, but if you help that team beat you. You can't turn the ball over. Then our tackling on special teams was just atrocious. We have a lot to work on. This open date comes at a good time. I think we came out pretty healthy from the ballgame. We have a lot to work on."
(On Tennessee's secondary)
"They do a nice job. They'll play man coverage and they'll challenge you. They're good tacklers. We knew they were good coming in here, you know we've got two pretty good receivers. The biggest thing is we've lost a little bit of confidence getting those big guys the ball. They had some good games last year, one of them being Alabama. It's just a mixture between the quarterback and our receivers right now, and that's why this open date comes at a good week to get that straight. And the other part about your passing game, when you can run the ball it sure opens up that passing game. So we're going to get back to running the ball. I think we've gotten to a point as a staff where we pass the ball to open up the run and I can tell you we're going to change that."
