Tennessee S Todd Kelly Jr. waiting to celebrate turning 21
Tennessee S Todd Kelly Jr. turned 21 last week. However, instead of celebrating with a drink, he got to work studying for this weekend’s game against No. 1 Alabama.
Sports Illustrated writer Lindsay Schnell spoke with Kelly ahead of this weekend’s matchup. Kelly said he’ll wait to celebrate his birthday until the Vols win again:
LS:Your 21st birthday was Oct. 9. What did you do to celebrate? What was your first legal drink?
TK: I actually didn’t celebrate because of the loss [to Texas A&M]. So I just rehydrated for Alabama week so I can be ready to go.
When asked who needs to step up for the Volunteers against the No. 1 Crimson Tide, Kelly said LB Colton Jumper, who is filling in for injured LB Darrin Kirkland Jr., needs to play a big role:
LS:Who needs to be an X-factor for you guys this weekend against Alabama?
TK: Colton Jumper. He’s our middle linebacker, so he has all the calls, he gets us set up and aligns us. If he plays great—which he usually does—that sets the temperament for our defense. We thrive off what he does, so if he plays well, that helps us a lot.
The whole Q&A session with Kelly is worth a read. Check it out here. And check out the Vols’ game against the Crimson Tide on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Central time on CBS.