Tim Banks is set to turn the page on Tennessee’s third-down problems: ‘This is a new year’
By Keith Farner
Published:
Tim Banks is well aware of Tennessee’s third-down problems on defense last season, but is ready to turn the page. It’s a new year, and while other assistants have talked about the improvements, the defensive coordinator won’t count it until the games begin.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to go out there and do it on next Thursday,” Banks said, via Volquest. “It’s something we’ve talked about, but it’s a new year. The chemistry is different and there’s some new players in new spots.”
Tennessee was No. 13 in the SEC in opponents’ third-down conversions a year ago, as opponents converted 42.13% of their third-down attempts. Banks told reporters on Wednesday that he’s seen “clues” of improvement, but stressed that they’re not going to assume a weakness before it shows in 2022 games.
“This is a new year,” he said.
In other news, Banks said:
- “I feel a ton better [about linebacker depth] than I did last year, to be honest with you.”
- “The reality is we’ll go as far as the [defensive] front goes. They’re the tip of the spear.”
- On depth: “It’s big. The style in which we play, the offense will play a lot of snaps and score a lot of points….We have worked really hard to make sure everyone is comfortable with what we are trying to do.”
- On Tamarion McDonald: “He’s always been a talented kid, he’s had limited experience playing defensive back. Every snap he took last year was an investment – now you’re starting to see some of that fruit. Big thing for him is that consistency.”
- On Kamal Hadden: “He’s very athletic and a tough kid. Has juice. Getting him back has been important to us – getting more reps and cleaning up some things. He’s worked very hard and we are excited to see him play.”
H/T Wes Rucker.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
