University of Tennessee Athletics
Photo by: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Brandon and Deandre Johnson Eager for Home Opener
September 29, 2020 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Reigning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Deandre Johnson and fellow senior wide receiver Brandon Johnson discussed game week preparation with media members on Tuesday as the Volunteers approach their home opener against Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon ET. For Brandon, it will be his first outing at Neyland Stadium since Sept.14, 2019, against Chattanooga. In the game, he scooped up the ball after a punt block by Tyler Byrd to score a 24-yard touchdown in UT's 45-0 win.Â
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Brandon Johnson, R-Sr., WR
On how excited he is to play in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, even with limited fans...
"We're super excited, there is nothing like playing in Neyland, it'll definitely be different without all the fans, but there's still nothing like playing in Neyland, and I am super excited for it."
On if he envisioned having a big role this year...
"Yes, that's always something to envision. As a football player in any circumstance, you're always dreaming of making plays and being able to help your team. It's a blessing. I thank God that I'm able to do so."
On how he thinks this program has learned how to win big games, especially in the second half...
"We just buy in to Coach Pruitt and what he is telling us, we put on more steam that is what we do. And if it is not going our way, Coach Pruitt always tells us to find a way to win, no matter what it is or what the score says you got to find a way to win. I think as a team we are really buying into that, and that is how we have come out on top."
On how much Tee Martin has been an influence on him even when he redshirted last season...
"Tee is a great coach and he has been nothing but supportive of me through last year when I wasn't playing and has never treated me different. He is a great coach and I love him and I just appreciate everything he has taught me from football, and even just regular life; he is a great coach."
Deandre Johnson, Sr., OLB
On being named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week…
"I felt great, but I know that there are many more games to go, many more, tougher opponents to face. It's something that I'm glad I got it, but I want more man. This group wants more, and this team wants more wins."
On returning to Neyland Stadium for the home opener…
"It's definitely going to be different for us, but I just want to thank the fans. They're sticking with us through all this. We're just happy to get back in front of our fans and to get ready to play football in Neyland. I'm so excited. It's been a long time coming. Those people (the fans) have been working as hard as us to make sure they're staying safe so I can't wait."
On the confidence level of the team heading into the Missouri game…
"One of the biggest things we focused on this offseason was just coming together as a unit. Guys are just buying in to the program, buying in to what Coach Pruitt is saying every day and it's just coming to light. These guys are working hard, busting their tails off and we just want to win, so it's coming to light."
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Player Quotables and Full Video
Brandon Johnson, R-Sr., WR
On how excited he is to play in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, even with limited fans...
"We're super excited, there is nothing like playing in Neyland, it'll definitely be different without all the fans, but there's still nothing like playing in Neyland, and I am super excited for it."
On if he envisioned having a big role this year...
"Yes, that's always something to envision. As a football player in any circumstance, you're always dreaming of making plays and being able to help your team. It's a blessing. I thank God that I'm able to do so."
On how he thinks this program has learned how to win big games, especially in the second half...
"We just buy in to Coach Pruitt and what he is telling us, we put on more steam that is what we do. And if it is not going our way, Coach Pruitt always tells us to find a way to win, no matter what it is or what the score says you got to find a way to win. I think as a team we are really buying into that, and that is how we have come out on top."
On how much Tee Martin has been an influence on him even when he redshirted last season...
"Tee is a great coach and he has been nothing but supportive of me through last year when I wasn't playing and has never treated me different. He is a great coach and I love him and I just appreciate everything he has taught me from football, and even just regular life; he is a great coach."
Deandre Johnson, Sr., OLB
On being named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week…
"I felt great, but I know that there are many more games to go, many more, tougher opponents to face. It's something that I'm glad I got it, but I want more man. This group wants more, and this team wants more wins."
On returning to Neyland Stadium for the home opener…
"It's definitely going to be different for us, but I just want to thank the fans. They're sticking with us through all this. We're just happy to get back in front of our fans and to get ready to play football in Neyland. I'm so excited. It's been a long time coming. Those people (the fans) have been working as hard as us to make sure they're staying safe so I can't wait."
On the confidence level of the team heading into the Missouri game…
"One of the biggest things we focused on this offseason was just coming together as a unit. Guys are just buying in to the program, buying in to what Coach Pruitt is saying every day and it's just coming to light. These guys are working hard, busting their tails off and we just want to win, so it's coming to light."
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Players Mentioned
FB | Jaxson Moi Media Availability (10.21.25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB | Edrees Farooq Media Availability (10.21.25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB | Kelsey Pope Press Conference (10.21.25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB | Levorn Harbin Press Conference (10.21.25)
Tuesday, October 21
