University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Report: Spring Goals
March 08, 2016 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Spring practice serves as both a proving ground and a time of reflection and self-improvement for players young and old.
On Tuesday, the Vols enjoyed a second-straight day of 60-degree weather for practice and afterwards Jason Croom, Darrin Kirkland Jr., Kahlil McKenzie and Cameron Sutton spoke with reporters. Each shared what the start of spring ball means for both individual and team goals in 2016.
#23 Cameron Sutton | Senior | DB | Jonesboro, Ga.
With the talent to play at the next level now, cornerback Cameron Sutton decided to forgo entering the upcoming NFL draft to return to Rocky Top for his senior season with the Volunteers.
Sutton on his decision to return to UT for the 2016 season: "I sat down and talked with my family, Coach Jones and the rest of the staff. That played a big part of it. Another part was my love for this university and for this team and where it is going. That played a big factor in why I came back."
#18 Jason Croom | RS Senior | TE | Norcross, Ga.
Jason Croom enters his redshirt senior season making a position change from wide receiver to tight end. He has played receiver throughout his entire football career. Croom has committed the last few months to the switch to tight end, adding muscle his 6-5 frame to weigh in at 250 pounds and working on his blocking technique.
Croom on where the idea came from to switch from receiver to tight end: "It has always been something that has been put in my ear, being a bigger receiver most of my life. I brought it up to Coach Jones. I said, 'What do you think about me going to tight end next fall?' He said, 'Let's try it out this spring.' Here we are, experimenting."
#34 Darrin Kirkland Jr.| Sophomore | LB | Indianapolis, Ind.
Darrin Kirkland Jr. enters his second spring practice with the Vols and the "Mike" linebacker aims to master new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop's defense and lead UT to continued success. With a strong team foundation of having a business-like mentality, the team practices critically to achieve those goals in the fall.
Kirkland on correcting mistakes from the 2015 season: "I'm trying to completely re-master the defense so when I get to the fall every troubleshooting problem that I have can be corrected by myself and not by relying on the coaches or Jalen Reeves-Maybin. I really just want to do everything myself and be a leader on the defense."
#1 Kahlil McKenzie | Sophomore | DL | Walnut Creek, Calif.
Sophomore defensive lineman Kahlil McKenzie is in his first spring training camp with the Vols. With a year of college football under his belt, he's ready to raise the bar this spring.
McKenzie on his mindset entering his sophomore year: "Whenever you get a year under your belt, you just improve. I'm just looking forward to not being out there for the first time, but being out there for the second time, just having a new set of eyes on everything. I'm excited for that."
"It's just an opportunity to work my craft every day, getting out here with the extra reps. I've been able to get my conditioning better - steps, reps, all that kind of stuff. I'm just working to be better and perfecting my craft."
SOUND BITES
DB Cameron Sutton
(On what he sees in the program's direction)
"We had a successful year last year, but that is obviously not where we want to be. [Jalen Reeves-Maybin and I] were two leaders on Team 119. We came back to continue to lead and push guys. With the guys we are bringing in and bonding them with the guys we have now, we could put together something special."
TE Jason Croom
(On how he has prepared to block bigger defenders, such as defensive ends and linebackers)
"It is going to take repetition, but it has been going smoothly because I have been working on it all off-season, all winter."
LB Darrin Kirkland Jr.
(On the strengths that Kahlil McKenzie brings to the team)
"He lost weight and he is more powerful and explosive. He's a man amongst boys and just a big body. He's like a freight train in front of you and it's great that I have him for my time here. I'm glad I'm not playing against him. He's a great teammate and friend, I'm glad that I have him on my side."
DL Kahlil McKenzie
(On if he's assumed a leadership role on this team)
"Everyone's working to be a leader on this team. You'll see it when you're out here. Everybody's going to get on everybody. Everyone's going to try to hold each other accountable. That's something that we all try and do - make sure that everyone tries to be the best player that they can be out here."
