From coaches today...
" Azzanni was raving about Tyler Byrd when I had a chance to talk with him during his media session. Says he just doesn't act like a freshman and definitely going to help them this year. Said that Martinez still jokes with him regularly that 'you stole a 1st round draft pick from me.'
Azzanni added that before Brandon Johnson got sidelined he had already proven that he belonged. Very excited about Johnson.
Z got downright salty when he was asked about the wide receiver rotation, just came out and acknowledged that he couldn't believe how popular/controversial that topic was. He then gave a very detailed answer indicating that more than ever his rotations were based on the sports science stuff the Vols have embraced. Noted that one day this week the data showed that Preston Williams ran 850 yards in five plays. Doesn't want his guys playing more than 5 or 6 straight plays in games and noted that was a common practice in no-huddle offenses.
Didn't really throw out a number for what his ideal rotation was, just said that he would play as many guys as were ready and could help them, even if that was just four or five. Felt right now they were probably six deep.
Martinez said that they're not settled on DB starters right now, but noted that he felt like they legitimately had 'double-digit' guys who he felt good about playing.
Thigpen couldn't say enough about Kirkland and the progress he's made this offseason. Felt like he was off the charts as a freshman and has made tremendous strides since then. Said 'I've been coaching a long time and I can tell you, he's special.'
Strip's eyes just light up when you ask him about Kendall Vickers. Says he's a poster child for the program with the way that he's developed over the course of his career, gotten better every year and just dedicated himself in the weight room. Claims that Vickers weighed around 220 when he got here, now in the 290 range. Also, as he has said before, called him the most technically and fundamentally sound player on the defensive front.
Strip added that the difference between his defensive line meeting room when he looks around it now compared to three years ago is 'night and day.' Cautions that he still has some young guys that have to prove it on Saturday, but not shy about saying they have a chance to be elite up front, especially at end.
On the Kongbo front, Strip like everyone else, said that physically there's no doubt whatsoever that he has what it takes to be an impact player in the SEC. However, also pumped the brakes, saying that people don't realize how hard it is to get all the details and techniques down for a guy to be successful at this level and use his physical gifts."
- Rob Lewis
