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 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.

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 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.

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.

As for what the Vols will wear on Saturday against the Gamecocks, the team is still undecided and will have to deliberate on Thursday.