Micah Abernathy, LaTroy Lewis, and Darrin Kirkland Jr. spoke to the media on Tuesday
Sept. 6, 2016
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Three representatives of Team 120’s defense stepped to the mic prior to practice on Tuesday to discuss the unit’s preparations for an uptempo Virginia Tech squad Saturday at the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol.
The Hokies (1-0) come into Saturday’s game having defeated FCS and in-state opponent Liberty by a 36-13 count last week. Quarterback Jerod Evans threw for 221 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for a team-high 46 yards on just five carries. Utilizing a fast-paced offensive scheme, Virginia Tech ran 89 plays last week — 27 more than Liberty’s 62 — while possessing the ball for 33:42.
Last week, a more methodical Appalachian State snapped the ball 66 times against Tennessee’s defense and maintained possession for 33:29. Noting the disparity in style of play between App State and Virginia Tech, Micah Abernathy, LaTroy Lewis and Darrin Kirkland Jr.discussed UT’s defensive adjustments heading intoSaturday’s game and reflected on the positives they took away from last Thursday’s season-opening win.
Saturday’s Battle at Bristol kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ABC with Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, and Samantha Ponder calling the action. More than 150,000 fans are expected to pack Bristol Motor Speedway in what is being billed as “College Football’s Biggest Ever” game.
LaTroy Lewis | RS Senior | Defensive Lineman | Akron, Ohio
Fielding questions about Virginia Tech’s uptempo offensive attack, redshirt senior LaTroy Lewis voiced confidence in the Tennessee defense’s conditioning level. With the defensive unit getting plenty of reps against the Vols’ no-huddle offense during the “sonic period” at practice, Lewis explained that the defensive line also seeks extra conditioning after practice.
“I feel like our conditioning right now is at a premium (level). I’m probably in the best shape of my life right now. The defensive line, every day after practice, we go and we do a mock eight-play drive after an 18-period practice just to make sure that we are in tip-top shape. That’s going to be key for us, to be able to have guys roll in and stay fresh on Saturday.”
Darrin Kirkland Jr. | Linebacker | Sophomore | Indianapolis, Ind.
With senior captain Jalen Reeves-Maybin disqualified following a first-quarter targeting penalty last Thursday, the Tennessee defense benefitted from a big showing by linebacker Cortez McDowell. The junior notched a career-best nine tackles against App State, drawing compliments from fellow linebacker and returning starter Darrin Kirkland Jr.
“His eye discipline was great. Him reading his keys was great. Just having the poise to come in in that situation was really tremendous and him being able to get those nine tackles really just helped our defense run smoother.”
Micah Abernathy | Defensive Back | Sophomore | Atlanta
Like McDowell, defensive back Micah Abernathy also notched a career performance in the opener. The Atlanta native not only logged eight tackles in his first career start, but he also delivered the decisive defensive stop by breaking up a fourth-down pass in overtime.
“That did build my confidence, but I know it’s a new week and I have to prove myself again each and every day in practice and every week in the game. So I’m not trying to forget about it, but to move on to next week.”
More Sound Bites
Linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr.
(On his expectations regarding the atmosphere at Bristol)
“I really just don’t know what to expect. I’ve seen (Bristol Motor Speedway) in pictures and on a map, but I don’t know. It’s going to be different playing on an infield. It’s kind of hard to envision, but I’m definitely excited for the experience. It’s once in a lifetime.”
Defensive back Micah Abernathy
(On his excitement for the Battle at Bristol)
“Consistency is something my parents instilled in me my entire life, so I feel like that’s something I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. Taking that off the field and bringing it on the field and in the film room, I feel like I need to do that and continue to do that through out the season.”
Defensive lineman LaTroy Lewis
(On his excitement for the Battle at Bristol)
“I remember my freshman year when they were getting the contracts and stuff ready for (the Battle at Bristol). Then it just seemed forever away, and now it’s game week. So, yeah, I’m pretty excited.”