Josh Heupel evaluates Ty Redmond, Colton Hood ahead of key roles vs. Georgia
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Colton Hood and Ty Redmond are set to play key roles for Tennessee football against Georgia this weekend.
The Vols cornerbacks have passed the test so far this season. Redmond, a true freshman cornerback, came in and played well for veteran CB Rickey Gibson after he suffered an injury in the first half against Syracuse. Colton Hood started for injured all-star corner Jermod McCoy, who is still recovering from offseason surgery – and Hood now leads the SEC in PBU’s through 2 weeks (5)
But this week offers a pretty massive step-up in competition with No. 6 Georgia coming to town.
On Wednesday during the SEC’s weekly teleconference, head coach Josh Heupel was asked about his confidence in Redmond and Hood being the primary cornerbacks against Gunner Stockton and Kirby Smart’s offense.
“I think those guys have done a really good job,” Heupel said. “Ty since January, and Colton in May when he got here. They’re smart, tough, competitive, and continue to get better every day and every week that they’ve been here. And certainly this will be the biggest test for us in this season, but I love the growth that we’ve seen from those guys.”
Heupel and the Vols coaching staff has never wavered on Hood and Redmond. Hood, a transfer from Colorado, has played at a high level since arriving, and Redmond turned some heads in fall camp before seamlessly filling in for Gibson and earning high PFF grades against both Syracuse and ETSU.
Gunner Stockton is making his first road start against the Vols this Saturday, and Neyland Stadium is sure to have an effect on the Bulldogs offense. But Kirby Smart has seen success in Knoxville and has owned the line of scrimmage. Can the Bulldogs do it again this time around?
Kickoff is set for 3:30 Saturday on ABC.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
