KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and defensive coordinator Bob Shoop spoke to reporters on Thursday in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio.

DeBord and Shoop shared their thoughts on where the team stands after a week and a half of fall camp.

On Friday, fans can join in on the excitement of Tennessee Football Media Day with the VFL Films-produced live show on UTSports.com at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Mike DeBord | Offensive Coordinator | Second Season

Quarterback has traditionally been one of the leadership positions on a football team. Joshua Dobbs has exemplified that since taking over the starting role, but that leadership has elevated itself to another level at the beginning of his final season on Rocky Top.

“I think that this is his last year, I think he understands that when you’re the senior quarterback, that’s your offense. You’ve got to take that role over. It doesn’t mean we don’t want leadership from others – we do. We want everyone to buy in that this is their offense, but when you are the quarterback that’s a special role. It’s like Coach Jones talks about, you are the CEO of the offense.”

Bob Shoop | Defensive Coordinator | First Season

As first-year defensive coordinator Bob Shoop continues to prepare his new unit for the season, many of the Volunteers have impressed him in practice. Team 120 is highlighted by experienced players all over the field, especially on defense. While the talent isn’t in question, the defense is still getting in the groove of a new season and is working to improve every day.

“I told the group today that I don’t think we are ahead, but I don’t think we are behind. I think we are right on schedule. Our front four has played really well. We have depth at the end. Our defensive tackle position is playing really well. Darrin Kirkland Jr. has established himself as a top-flight linebacker. We have to keep him sharp for the next few weeks. We are still working to establish depth at the linebacker. We have some good pieces to our secondary. Positional flexibility is going to be our key there. We are just trying to get the best five players on the field in the secondary for us.”

Sound Bites

Offensive Coordinator Mike DeBord
(On if freshman Tyler Bird has hit a wall)

“I have not seen the wall from my perspective, but he’s a guy that’s got great talent. He’s learning. Every day we put some new things in, every day. Again it’s that foreign language that he is learning. What I love about him is, he’s focused and he continues to make a lot of plays. We like where he is.”

(On how the tight ends have performed)

“I feel good where we are with tight end. I think Jason Croom has done a great job of really learning that position. I think Larry Scott has done a great job of coaching him. I like where we are at tight end. We’ve got great depth. We’ve got other guys that are doing a good job too.”

Defensive Coordinator Bob Shoop
(On what stands out about Darrin Kirkland Jr. and his development since last year)

“Last year, he was a true freshman, so I am sure at times it was a bit overwhelming to him. His football IQ is really high. He is taking command of the huddle, and he is a real leader out there. His pursuit to the football has been as good as anybody on the team and as good as anybody I have seen at that position in a while. It has been pretty impressive to watch.”