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Butch Jones: It takes six or seven years in the SEC to build a program
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Here are the highlights from what Tennessee coach Butch Jones had to say on the weekly radio show “Vol Calls.”
While we live in a world of instant gratification, Jones — just in his 3rd season in Knoxville — scaled back expectations a little and indicated that he may need an additional three years at the least to fully bring the Vols back to prominence. Jones identified weak spots right now in the program such as the offensive line, defensive line and receivers.
Jones: "It takes six to seven years in the SEC to really build a program." Goes through positions where they are short on depth.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) November 5, 2015
Jones had high praise for true freshman linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., who he said brings it every day. He has lofty expectations for Kirkland, who’s been wearing the legendary No. 34 for Tennessee this season.
Butch Jones on Vol Calls. Said he expects Darrin Kirkland Jr. to be "one of our great leaders" down the road.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) November 5, 2015
Junior Jalen Reeves-Maybin used to wear No. 34 before allowing Kirkland to wear it but not before taking the time to stress its significance. The two have developed a strong relationship since then.
JONES: @Finally_Maybin wrote a great, long letter to @KIRK_Era about what it means to wear #34 and they have developed a great bond since.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 5, 2015
Jones was very happy to see QB Josh Dobbs connect with sophomore WR Josh Malone this past Saturday on a rare deep ball for a touchdown. Jones has been stressing all season that he wants more explosive plays out of his passing game. That 75-yard TD pass in the second quarter put Tennessee up 17-14 and was critical as it gave the Vols the lead for good in the eventual 52-21 win over the Wildcats.
Jones: "We've had some deep balls called and we haven't been able to execute them. That was big for Josh malone, it was big for Josh Dobbs."
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) November 5, 2015
South Carolina can’t hang its hat on a lot of things this season, but the Gamecocks have done a great job at covering kickoffs. Tennessee return specialist Evan Berry is the most dynamic return man in the game, but Jones concedes the fact that Berry may not be able to make an impact in this matchup. South Carolina only allows 24.5 kickoff return yards per game, 2nd-best in the SEC.
Jones on Berry: "We know his opportunities will be limited in this game. … We can't be greedy. We'll take the ball at the 25."
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) November 5, 2015
As for what the Vols will wear on Saturday against the Gamecocks, the team is still undecided and will have to deliberate on Thursday.
JONES: The orange pants are ready to go, but our players staff will vote on it tomorrow, but they prefer the all white on the road.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 5, 2015
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
