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Josh Heupel praises WR coach Kelsey Pope, explains why he has had success at Tennessee
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Josh Heupel and Tennessee have had some challenges at wide receiver over the past few years, with several injuries piling up. The Vols took a big hit this season with Bru McCoy going down with an injury.
But one person has been consistent through the challenges: wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope.
Heupel had high praise for Pope, who has been on Tennessee’s staff since 2021 and the wide receivers coach since 2022, complementing the way he sets high expectations for players.
“There were challenges last year as well and obviously we had some moving pieces with Bru going out and guys that were injured in the early part, even training camp and some guys who have been battling injuries throughout the season,” Heupel said during the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday. “We’re at the healthiest we’ve been at for a while in that room. The thing I love about Kelsey is that he’s the same guy every single day. He expects our players to prepare and practice extremely well. He’s a great teacher.”
Heupel also complimented the way Pope has been able to get players to learn and grow at Tennessee. Pope is one of Tennessee’s younger coaches, and Heupel believes that has led to him getting through to players more.
“He’s somebody through everybody’s football journey he’s able to challenge guys, but also bring confidence with guys as they’re continuing to grow as players,” Heupel said. “It’s been really important with some of the youth that we’ve had at that position. Guys that are young in their careers here and guys that are young as far as getting here to Tennessee and starting to learn and grow and getting the things we need the guys to do. Part of the reason why he’s here is who he is and how he handles every situation with players.”
Tennessee is looking to continue its solid play at the wide receiver position this weekend as the Vols take on Missouri. Tennessee is looking for another signature win heading down the back stretch of the season, and downing the Tigers would be huge.
