Brady Hoke working on making Tennessee more physical this spring: ‘We have to stop the run’
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Last offseason, Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop famously made some strong statements about his defense, claiming ‘no one would on the Orange Swarm’ in 2016. Apparently, the defenders in orange didn’t get the memo.
After surrendering over 218 rushing yards per game last season, better than only Ole Miss, Missouri, and Kentucky in the SEC, Tennessee is still looking for answers when it comes to stopping the run. According to new defensive line coach Brady Hoke, that aspect of the game is the focus this spring. Credit Hoke for not making any bold predictions this spring, instead his approach focuses on instilling the toughness day in and day out to achieve results in the fall.
“We have got to be a better run defense. That’s a big part of what we do drill-wise and what we do every day,” Hoke said Tuesday following practice. “We have to stop the run, we have to be physical up front.”
With Derek Barnett off to the NFL, one player that will need to step up in order for the defense to reach its goals this season is former junior college transfer Jonathan Kongbo. Now back at his natural position of defensive end, Kongbo will likely get the first opportunity to replace Tennessee’s all-time sack leader in the lineup. While Hoke did not coach Kongbo during his disappointing debut on Rocky Top, his new position coach spoke about a renewed sense of maturity from the hulking lineman.
“I think it’s maturity. I think it’s always hard as a junior college guy to get thrown in the mix, (being a) long way from home (for the first time),” Hoke said. “The injuries forced him to go inside (to tackle) some, I don’t think that was a love of his.”
When asked about if he’s enjoying his role as a defensive line coach, Hoke beamed regarding his position on the Tennessee coaching staff.
“That’s my funnest time of the day, when we go to meetings at 2:30 and then coming out on the field,” Hoke revealed. “My wife doesn’t like when I say that, but it’s the funnest part of the day. Even as a head coach, I coached a position, so I love it.”
If Hoke can help turn around the run defense in Knoxville this season and gain the affection of the Vol faithful, let’s hope his wife will forgive him for his comments.
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A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
