As a first-year head coach who has been a defensive assistant his entire career, it’s fair to wonder how much input Jeremy Pruitt has in Tennessee’s offensive play-calling.

Pruitt was asked about that during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, which comes a few days ahead of the Volunteers (5-5, 2-4 SEC) hosting Missouri (6-4, 2-4) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. While Pruitt said he leaves the play-calling up to offensive coordinator Tyson Helton, he clarified that he doesn’t just ignore the offense when it’s on the field.

Pruitt also discussed his team’s response to upsetting Kentucky, the development of a few players and more during the teleconference. You can read his responses below.

Since the UK win, is the team more confident?

  • No. Our guys have been working hard all season to get an understanding of the expectations. I think they’ve done that all year. The longer they play in the system and together, that creates confidence. Going into the 11th week, they have more understanding of what we want to do.

On winning out in November, how does that help the program?

  • Well, we are focused on Mizzou. We have to focus on the details of execution. I think if we do that each week, that will lead to good things and help us in recruiting.

How much input do you have in offensive play-calling?

  • Well, you know, being an assistant coach and a defensive play-caller, we go through it all during the week. You have a plan with plays that you like depending on the situation. Once we put the game together, just about anyone can call the plays. By no means do I have input on offensive play-calling.

How much do you communicate with OC Tyson Helton during the game on offense?

  • I’m not focused on the defense. I’m focused on our football team and what gives us the best chance to win. That’s what you have to do to be at your best.

On LB Darrell Taylor and his development:

  • He is like everybody else in our program; as the weeks go by, he understands more what we are trying to do. He is gaining confidence, he has a good motor, works hard in practice, good practice player. I’m excited about his future as long as he keeps working hard and doing what we ask him to do.

On the offensive line:

  • From where we were at in spring practice to now, there have been many moving parts. We’ve tried to create depth, moving guys from one side of the ball to the other. Our guys have bought in, learned new positions, learned multiple positions.

On WR Jordan Murphy:

  • I think Jordan Murphy is a guy that has really good ability. He was hurt against Auburn, had a setback there, but he has playmaking ability and we’ve known that. But now it’s about getting him the ball.

Any players that you will play but still plan to redshirt?

  • No. We are playing everyone that gives us the best opportunity to win. We are aware of how many games guys have played in and if they can redshirt, if we want to apply that rule.