University of Tennessee Athletics
Photo by: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
What They Are Saying: Brandon Johnson, Brent Cimaglia, Ty Chandler
September 12, 2020 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football completes its fourth week of the preseason with a scheduled closed scrimmage Saturday night in Neyland Stadium. Vol wide receiver Brandon Johnson, place kicker Brent Cimaglia and running back Ty Chandler met with members of the media on Friday.
Tennessee will go through another week of preseason practice and begin game week preparations for its season-opener. The Vols take on South Carolina in Columbia at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 26. The contest will be televised live on SEC Network.
Brandon Johnson, R-Sr., WR
On if it's been hard getting down timing and building chemistry with guys being out of practice…
"I wouldn't say we've had issues doing that. I think we've done a great job of filling in where we need to fill in and also with that playing at a high level. I think that everybody in the receiver core, they come to practice every day ready to go. So therefore, let's say a receiver drops down, there's no drop off in the level of play. Everybody is playing hard, so that kind of allows us to have the same kind of timing just in case somebody is out for whatever reason."
On the team morale over the past few days with certain players being unable to practice…
"I'd say the team morale has been high. I don't think it's really hurt what we have going. We kind of knew what we were getting into during this pandemic and we kind of knew that at certain periods of time different people may be out for X reasons. So, I feel like everybody was ready for it. I think the team morale is high because I just think everybody was ready for things that may happen."
On how the freshmen wide receivers are pushing the older guys and what he's seen out of QB Jarrett Guarantano…
"As far as the freshmen go, all the freshmen look really good. The future is super bright for all the freshmen. As far as pushing us, they're pushing us to compete on a high level every day. Also, they're challenging our leadership because with freshmen comes a certain level of leadership. You have to be able to bring young guys along, show them the ropes, teach them the right way to go about certain things. I really think the future is really bright for all the freshmen that came in.
"As far as Jarrett (Guarantano), he's become such a great leader amongst the team. He has the respect of everybody on the team and I just can't wait to see what he does this season."
On what it's been like for him mentally after not playing for a year and how he thinks he's a better player…
"As far as sitting out for a year, it wasn't fun sitting back and watching my teammates go to battle every game last season. But now that I'm in it and now that we're getting so close to game time, I'm just excited. I can't wait to go. I think that time off really just helped me take a step back and look at the game from the outside in, so to speak. It really allowed me to kind of get my game in order as far as mentally, really mentally. Working on the physical aspect as well, routes. You can never stop working in the game of football. There's so much you can do to improve yourself, rather it be mentally or physically, so I've just been working all around."
On how he's seen defensive backs Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor grow and what it's like to go against them every day in practice…
"It's crazy to see their growth. Those are just really smart players. They're pointing out different things and you just love to see their growth because right now the way they're looking, they're looking like some of the top DBs in the country. It's been cool to go up against those guys every day and just to watch their improvement up close. It's been really cool to see."
On if it's been challenging to keep everyone focused with so many things going on outside of football…
"I wouldn't say it's been too challenging just because I feel like everybody came in to camp with the right mindset. I think that goes a long way, so it hasn't really been too challenging for guys in a leadership role just because I feel like everybody kind of has their head on straight and they know what goal we're trying to reach."
On how he has had to change his approach now that he's being looked to for leadership…
"You just really have to be conscious of how you may carry yourself. Like you said, you are being watched at all times, so you have to be conscious of how you carry yourself and what kind of effort you're giving. You can't really tell anybody to do anything that you aren't doing yourself, so that's one thing. You kind of have to lead by example as well as being a motivator."
On if anything about his game has changed since last season…
"I would say just my confidence level. Confidence level. That's probably the No. 1 thing. I'm so excited just to get back out there and play man. I can't wait."
On if that confidence comes from sitting back and watching last season…
"I would say a lot of that comes from sitting back and watching a little bit. You look at things from a different standpoint when you're not actually in it. Maybe you'll be sitting back and looking at other guys you may be able to realize, 'OK, this works. Maybe this works. Different things like that.' So, I really think sitting back for a little while definitely kind of helped me improve my game."
On his confidence level that Tennessee will be ready to go for the season opener…
"I'm confident we'll all be ready by the time the game rolls around. Like I said, everybody has the right mindset. It's kind of like a next man up mindset. People have learned to be adaptable to play different positions – offense, defense – so I'm confident we'll be more than ready come the 26th."
On if he feels like his decision to redshirt last season will end up being the right one…
"I'm definitely confident it will turn out to be the right decision for me. It wasn't just a decision for myself, it was a decision for my team. I felt like I'd be better suited to help my team out this year and I don't regret anything, so I'm pretty excited."
Brent Cimaglia, Sr., PK
On if there was a specific kick that made him realize he'd be a successful collegiate kicker...
"Not really, no. I go out there, even if it's an extra point or a 50-plus-yard field goal, I have the same mentality with each field goal. I just want to make it and put my team above the other team. I kick each ball with one mentality – like this is my first kick and I'm going to make it. I don't think about any other kick at all."
On team morale through the pandemic…
"The team overall, we're all really close. For us the morale really didn't change. We have a goal and that's for us to get set for South Carolina and we're going to do that each and every day. The senior class, we stepped us as leaders. We pushed everybody. So I'd say the morale never changed."
On communicating with players that have been quarantined…
"We're all a close bunch and talk every day, even if it's to check up on them like, 'Hey, how are you doing?' We're always on a Zoom call or texting or calling each other."
On the special teams unit…
"I think overall the specialist unit, it's going to be a good year for us. We have Paxton Brooks returning – he's a great punter and kick off specialist. We have Joe (Doyle) who brings a good morale to the group. We also have Brett Graham that transferred in and he's a good character to have. It's going to be very competitive in each position, even with long snappers. We're all kind of an older bunch, but with the long snappers, there are a bunch of young guys stepping in and I'm very confident that they're going to get their job done. I'm excited to what this unit holds for us."
On if he's expanded his range during the offseason…
"I tell Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt every game day, 'Cross the 50 and I'm good.' I want to attempt it. For me, each year I want to improve on something in distance and accuracy and being very consistent is one of them. I'm very confident in the field goal unit from snap to hold, that we'll get it down and wherever we attempt it, we'll make it. I did hit one from 60 at Neyland last week."
On how many more players need to be ready to step in because of COVID…
"I don't pay attention to stuff. I focus on what I can control. As you can tell, there's a lot of uncertainty with this COVID stuff and the season. But, funny story, I was talking to my dad yesterday and he said, 'We can only control the controllables. We have to stand firm in our face and trust God because everything that is happening now is happening for a purpose and a reason.' I truly believe that so right now I'm just going to control the controllables and get ready for South Carolina."
On the nickname 'Automaglia Cimaglia'…
"It's a cool name, but I want to be something for than just a nickname or a saying. I want to go out there for a bigger reason and a bigger purpose. I don't dive into all of that. It's more about the Power T on the jersey than the last name. So I never really dove into all that."
On if Joe Doyle returning was a surprise…
"Yeah, it was a surprise. Joe's a great athlete and obviously a great friend. I've been with him every year I've been here. It's just great to have him back. The personality and character he brings to the unit – he comes in every day with a smile. I love his work mentality. He doesn't take a day off. It's always a work day for him. Honestly, it's good to have that around. It builds up confidence, not only in me, but all of the other specialists."
On if kickers are less affected by not scrimmaging…
"Scrimmages are nice for us because it gets us ready for what game-day scenarios will be like, but personally for me, I'm game day ready every day. I don't go out there just to kick to kick. I go out there to be game ready. So the scrimmages are helpful, but practices are also helpful because they hone it what I'm doing in trying to prepare for South Carolina."
On if he worked with anyone back home…
"I didn't have a field to kick on when I went back home. I was kicking, basically in a ditch in an open field and I was kicking toward the light post. My dad helped me out a lot – he was out there every day I kicked. I also sent film to Dan Orner a few days, just getting a recap of what I need help with. That time home and that time sitting in a ditch brought me back to my roots. It made football fun again. It's honestly not about where you are, it's doing what you love. Honestly, I had fun with it every day. In Florida, they have these big ditches. You couldn't put a football field out there, but it was funny we went into Home Depot and we bought a little handheld grass cutter. We cut little squares where I can kick the ball without getting too much grass. But yeah, a ditch."
Ty Chandler, Sr., RB
On Tee Hodge …
 "Tee (Hodge) is looking good, he's a great individual. I'm excited to have him in the room. He brings a positive energy, a great running back overall and I'm looking forward to watching him grow and develop at the university."
On if Eric Gray has made him a better running back …
"No doubt. Like they say, iron sharpens iron. I'm just grateful to be able to be in the room with him. He has a great skillset he brings to the game and he's even taught me things. We talk about stuff all the time and we just feed off each other. I'm grateful to be able to go out there and compete with him. I feel like he gets me better, he gets the whole team better, I love it."
On Coach Jay Graham …
"He brings a positive energy to the table. Just a great attitude overall, he's taught me a lot about angles, taking on defenders and being able to read blocks, stuff of that nature. He's improved my game a ton and helped me take it to the next level. Overall, a great mentor a great guy to learn from and I've enjoyed the time being with him."
On the offensive line …
"I'm looking forward to working with those guys again; they're a great group of guys. They come out every day and work hard. I'm grateful to be able to run behind them. They're a bunch of big guys up front and I feel like we can build off and be even better than where we were last year. We are going to keep building and I'm looking forward to it. Those guys have been working their butts off and I'm excited to run behind them."
On if the younger guys have to be ready to contribute …
"Everybody has to be ready to contribute, no matter what time it is. It could be anything. I see that happening – a lot of young guys stepping up being able to make plays down field. Young players always have to be ready to step up, it's a rough time but everybody is staying positive about it and willing to work. That's the main thing."
On what he wanted to improve the most in the offseason …
"Me personally, I just wanted to be able to finish runs and just seeing different things such as read keys and holes. Just going out and being able to execute, playing consistent. That's something I really wanted to improve on my game and even catching balls out of the backfield, just being able to take that to the next level is something I wanted to improve on and making people miss and stuff like that."
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On Jabari Small …
"Another great kid. I don't want to call him a kid; he's a great young man. He is very shifty and I'm happy to have him in the room as well. He's learning great and picking up stuff well. He's going to be a great player here and like I said, shifty little guy."
On playing an SEC schedule …
"When you say all SEC schools, everyone knows what that means. It's a grind week in and week out and I feel like that's what everyone is looking forward to. It's a lot of competition and that's what gets you better. We are looking forward to it. I'm up for the challenge, the team is up for the challenge so we just feel good."
On being a senior and his comfort into a vocal leadership role …
"I have to be. It's growing on me – just the ability to speak up and help other people. That's something that's definitely growing on me. I am comfortable doing it. I take on that challenge to speak up more and make sure people are doing the right things. If someone needs help or doesn't know what to do, I'm there trying to give my input and my knowledge to them and help them grow and develop as a player from my different experiences being on the field. I'm happy to help anytime I can just speaking up more and stepping out of my comfort zone."
Tennessee will go through another week of preseason practice and begin game week preparations for its season-opener. The Vols take on South Carolina in Columbia at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 26. The contest will be televised live on SEC Network.
Brandon Johnson, R-Sr., WR
On if it's been hard getting down timing and building chemistry with guys being out of practice…
"I wouldn't say we've had issues doing that. I think we've done a great job of filling in where we need to fill in and also with that playing at a high level. I think that everybody in the receiver core, they come to practice every day ready to go. So therefore, let's say a receiver drops down, there's no drop off in the level of play. Everybody is playing hard, so that kind of allows us to have the same kind of timing just in case somebody is out for whatever reason."
On the team morale over the past few days with certain players being unable to practice…
"I'd say the team morale has been high. I don't think it's really hurt what we have going. We kind of knew what we were getting into during this pandemic and we kind of knew that at certain periods of time different people may be out for X reasons. So, I feel like everybody was ready for it. I think the team morale is high because I just think everybody was ready for things that may happen."
On how the freshmen wide receivers are pushing the older guys and what he's seen out of QB Jarrett Guarantano…
"As far as the freshmen go, all the freshmen look really good. The future is super bright for all the freshmen. As far as pushing us, they're pushing us to compete on a high level every day. Also, they're challenging our leadership because with freshmen comes a certain level of leadership. You have to be able to bring young guys along, show them the ropes, teach them the right way to go about certain things. I really think the future is really bright for all the freshmen that came in.
"As far as Jarrett (Guarantano), he's become such a great leader amongst the team. He has the respect of everybody on the team and I just can't wait to see what he does this season."
On what it's been like for him mentally after not playing for a year and how he thinks he's a better player…
"As far as sitting out for a year, it wasn't fun sitting back and watching my teammates go to battle every game last season. But now that I'm in it and now that we're getting so close to game time, I'm just excited. I can't wait to go. I think that time off really just helped me take a step back and look at the game from the outside in, so to speak. It really allowed me to kind of get my game in order as far as mentally, really mentally. Working on the physical aspect as well, routes. You can never stop working in the game of football. There's so much you can do to improve yourself, rather it be mentally or physically, so I've just been working all around."
On how he's seen defensive backs Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor grow and what it's like to go against them every day in practice…
"It's crazy to see their growth. Those are just really smart players. They're pointing out different things and you just love to see their growth because right now the way they're looking, they're looking like some of the top DBs in the country. It's been cool to go up against those guys every day and just to watch their improvement up close. It's been really cool to see."
On if it's been challenging to keep everyone focused with so many things going on outside of football…
"I wouldn't say it's been too challenging just because I feel like everybody came in to camp with the right mindset. I think that goes a long way, so it hasn't really been too challenging for guys in a leadership role just because I feel like everybody kind of has their head on straight and they know what goal we're trying to reach."
On how he has had to change his approach now that he's being looked to for leadership…
"You just really have to be conscious of how you may carry yourself. Like you said, you are being watched at all times, so you have to be conscious of how you carry yourself and what kind of effort you're giving. You can't really tell anybody to do anything that you aren't doing yourself, so that's one thing. You kind of have to lead by example as well as being a motivator."
On if anything about his game has changed since last season…
"I would say just my confidence level. Confidence level. That's probably the No. 1 thing. I'm so excited just to get back out there and play man. I can't wait."
On if that confidence comes from sitting back and watching last season…
"I would say a lot of that comes from sitting back and watching a little bit. You look at things from a different standpoint when you're not actually in it. Maybe you'll be sitting back and looking at other guys you may be able to realize, 'OK, this works. Maybe this works. Different things like that.' So, I really think sitting back for a little while definitely kind of helped me improve my game."
On his confidence level that Tennessee will be ready to go for the season opener…
"I'm confident we'll all be ready by the time the game rolls around. Like I said, everybody has the right mindset. It's kind of like a next man up mindset. People have learned to be adaptable to play different positions – offense, defense – so I'm confident we'll be more than ready come the 26th."
On if he feels like his decision to redshirt last season will end up being the right one…
"I'm definitely confident it will turn out to be the right decision for me. It wasn't just a decision for myself, it was a decision for my team. I felt like I'd be better suited to help my team out this year and I don't regret anything, so I'm pretty excited."
Brent Cimaglia, Sr., PK
On if there was a specific kick that made him realize he'd be a successful collegiate kicker...
"Not really, no. I go out there, even if it's an extra point or a 50-plus-yard field goal, I have the same mentality with each field goal. I just want to make it and put my team above the other team. I kick each ball with one mentality – like this is my first kick and I'm going to make it. I don't think about any other kick at all."
On team morale through the pandemic…
"The team overall, we're all really close. For us the morale really didn't change. We have a goal and that's for us to get set for South Carolina and we're going to do that each and every day. The senior class, we stepped us as leaders. We pushed everybody. So I'd say the morale never changed."
On communicating with players that have been quarantined…
"We're all a close bunch and talk every day, even if it's to check up on them like, 'Hey, how are you doing?' We're always on a Zoom call or texting or calling each other."
On the special teams unit…
"I think overall the specialist unit, it's going to be a good year for us. We have Paxton Brooks returning – he's a great punter and kick off specialist. We have Joe (Doyle) who brings a good morale to the group. We also have Brett Graham that transferred in and he's a good character to have. It's going to be very competitive in each position, even with long snappers. We're all kind of an older bunch, but with the long snappers, there are a bunch of young guys stepping in and I'm very confident that they're going to get their job done. I'm excited to what this unit holds for us."
On if he's expanded his range during the offseason…
"I tell Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt every game day, 'Cross the 50 and I'm good.' I want to attempt it. For me, each year I want to improve on something in distance and accuracy and being very consistent is one of them. I'm very confident in the field goal unit from snap to hold, that we'll get it down and wherever we attempt it, we'll make it. I did hit one from 60 at Neyland last week."
On how many more players need to be ready to step in because of COVID…
"I don't pay attention to stuff. I focus on what I can control. As you can tell, there's a lot of uncertainty with this COVID stuff and the season. But, funny story, I was talking to my dad yesterday and he said, 'We can only control the controllables. We have to stand firm in our face and trust God because everything that is happening now is happening for a purpose and a reason.' I truly believe that so right now I'm just going to control the controllables and get ready for South Carolina."
On the nickname 'Automaglia Cimaglia'…
"It's a cool name, but I want to be something for than just a nickname or a saying. I want to go out there for a bigger reason and a bigger purpose. I don't dive into all of that. It's more about the Power T on the jersey than the last name. So I never really dove into all that."
On if Joe Doyle returning was a surprise…
"Yeah, it was a surprise. Joe's a great athlete and obviously a great friend. I've been with him every year I've been here. It's just great to have him back. The personality and character he brings to the unit – he comes in every day with a smile. I love his work mentality. He doesn't take a day off. It's always a work day for him. Honestly, it's good to have that around. It builds up confidence, not only in me, but all of the other specialists."
On if kickers are less affected by not scrimmaging…
"Scrimmages are nice for us because it gets us ready for what game-day scenarios will be like, but personally for me, I'm game day ready every day. I don't go out there just to kick to kick. I go out there to be game ready. So the scrimmages are helpful, but practices are also helpful because they hone it what I'm doing in trying to prepare for South Carolina."
On if he worked with anyone back home…
"I didn't have a field to kick on when I went back home. I was kicking, basically in a ditch in an open field and I was kicking toward the light post. My dad helped me out a lot – he was out there every day I kicked. I also sent film to Dan Orner a few days, just getting a recap of what I need help with. That time home and that time sitting in a ditch brought me back to my roots. It made football fun again. It's honestly not about where you are, it's doing what you love. Honestly, I had fun with it every day. In Florida, they have these big ditches. You couldn't put a football field out there, but it was funny we went into Home Depot and we bought a little handheld grass cutter. We cut little squares where I can kick the ball without getting too much grass. But yeah, a ditch."
Ty Chandler, Sr., RB
On Tee Hodge …
 "Tee (Hodge) is looking good, he's a great individual. I'm excited to have him in the room. He brings a positive energy, a great running back overall and I'm looking forward to watching him grow and develop at the university."
On if Eric Gray has made him a better running back …
"No doubt. Like they say, iron sharpens iron. I'm just grateful to be able to be in the room with him. He has a great skillset he brings to the game and he's even taught me things. We talk about stuff all the time and we just feed off each other. I'm grateful to be able to go out there and compete with him. I feel like he gets me better, he gets the whole team better, I love it."
On Coach Jay Graham …
"He brings a positive energy to the table. Just a great attitude overall, he's taught me a lot about angles, taking on defenders and being able to read blocks, stuff of that nature. He's improved my game a ton and helped me take it to the next level. Overall, a great mentor a great guy to learn from and I've enjoyed the time being with him."
On the offensive line …
"I'm looking forward to working with those guys again; they're a great group of guys. They come out every day and work hard. I'm grateful to be able to run behind them. They're a bunch of big guys up front and I feel like we can build off and be even better than where we were last year. We are going to keep building and I'm looking forward to it. Those guys have been working their butts off and I'm excited to run behind them."
On if the younger guys have to be ready to contribute …
"Everybody has to be ready to contribute, no matter what time it is. It could be anything. I see that happening – a lot of young guys stepping up being able to make plays down field. Young players always have to be ready to step up, it's a rough time but everybody is staying positive about it and willing to work. That's the main thing."
On what he wanted to improve the most in the offseason …
"Me personally, I just wanted to be able to finish runs and just seeing different things such as read keys and holes. Just going out and being able to execute, playing consistent. That's something I really wanted to improve on my game and even catching balls out of the backfield, just being able to take that to the next level is something I wanted to improve on and making people miss and stuff like that."
Â
On Jabari Small …
"Another great kid. I don't want to call him a kid; he's a great young man. He is very shifty and I'm happy to have him in the room as well. He's learning great and picking up stuff well. He's going to be a great player here and like I said, shifty little guy."
On playing an SEC schedule …
"When you say all SEC schools, everyone knows what that means. It's a grind week in and week out and I feel like that's what everyone is looking forward to. It's a lot of competition and that's what gets you better. We are looking forward to it. I'm up for the challenge, the team is up for the challenge so we just feel good."
On being a senior and his comfort into a vocal leadership role …
"I have to be. It's growing on me – just the ability to speak up and help other people. That's something that's definitely growing on me. I am comfortable doing it. I take on that challenge to speak up more and make sure people are doing the right things. If someone needs help or doesn't know what to do, I'm there trying to give my input and my knowledge to them and help them grow and develop as a player from my different experiences being on the field. I'm happy to help anytime I can just speaking up more and stepping out of my comfort zone."
Players Mentioned
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