Tennessee first-year defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri said he wants his players to strive for production, not just execution when they’re on the field this year.
That means gap-fitting is great, but making tackles, breaking up passes and forcing turnovers is better.
Who has stood out to him so far? He listed defensive backs Brent Brewer, Brian Randolph and Prentiss Waggner.
“But I want plays on every down,” Sunseri said.
Sunseri and the Vols’ eight other position coaches spoke to reporters after Wednesday’s practice for the first time since camp opened.
Here’s what they said:
* Offensive coordinator said the biggest difference in working with a veteran team is that “they know it’s not personal when we’re getting on their hiney.”
* Receivers coach Darin Hinshaw said he expected freshman Alton Howard to eventually make his way back to receiver, but he’s also getting work at running back.
* Sunseri said he's been thrilled with Darrington Sentimore's play. He said Sentimore has realized that “power and speed" are more important than size.
* Both Hinshaw and Chaney praised junior receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
"He hasn’t disappointed us,” Chaney said.
Much more coming later today on GoVolsXtra and in tomorrow’s News Sentinel.
Evan Woodbery covers Tennessee football. Follow him at Twitter.com/TennesseeBeat.
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 25
PUL4VOLS writes:
We fans want Production from the defense as well all across the board. GO VOLS!
mocsandvolsfan writes:
I like this article. Things sound good so far.
govolsn3 writes:
I'm ready. Bring on the"PACK"
CoverOrange writes:
Coach-speak.
gc_scvol writes:
Were those direct quotes or what? Research makes for good articles.
Awsomeorange writes:
Production is the the positive gains achieved because of the execution. And the BIG ORANGE will be a nitemare for several teams on the schedule this season. Its gonna be a great year to be a VOLUNTEER
gc_scvol writes:
+1
wallingdad writes:
"Sal Sunseri wants Vols to produce on the field this season"
Imagine that. A coach wants his players to produce on the field. what a novel concept. I am sure other teams coaches will read this and say "hey, why don't we do that too"
who makes these headlines up?
usafvol writes:
When you go away!
GreerVol22 writes:
nothing the defense does matters if we can't run the football or win the kicking game...nothing. IF at least one of those two things gets fixed this season we will be a couple of wins better...Big IF.
SavTnVol writes:
“they know it’s not personal when we’re getting on their hiney.”...."HINEY"?...really?....I don't think that was a direct quote for some reason....
crappieking writes:
We better get a head coach and a kicker ASAP.
Navaloranges writes:
"We better get a head coach and a kicker ASAP."
That was me mocking you in a fake little kids voice. Since you're the chief whiner and all. Please go ahead and post with a couple more of your screen names. I'll point them out for the new and inexperienced.
tennrich1 writes:
While I havent read down on the comments and i am sure someone by now has responded let me say to you friend....surely you understand the difference between production and execution...surely you do!!
mountainbrook writes:
Come on...you can be a better NegaVol than that. We need more production out of you if you are going to be a big time troll.
civilianvol_formerly_marinevol writes:
Glad to hear the comments about Patterson. If he can live up to the hype, Hunter has fully recovered, Rogers picks up where he left off and Bray can keep his head screwed on, SEC defensive backs should fear the Vols.
VolGrad writes:
Got both. Pay attention.
IPOrange writes:
Have you ever noticed how many journalism critics post on this site? What are you guys, a bunch of 8th grade English teachers? Just read the paper and try to learn a little bit about football beyond "Throw the bomb every play!"
OrangePride writes:
This is Coach Dooley's third season, and in all three there has been some optimism and hopes for good things on the field......but this year has been the high water mark for pre-season optimism. And with good reason. We have some excellent talent returning (OL,LB's,RCVRs, etc.) and some really good new talent that sounds exciting. I can't wait till the NC State game to see how it all looks on the field. We will know a LOT after that game, and for me, I hope it's everything this optimism suggests and more. I want to see these Vols go out and smoke somebody! GO VOLS!!
wallingdad writes:
something wrong with "throw the bomb every play?"
i did not know that. thanks!
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
Just heard Sal on the radio. Hard not to be fired up after hearing this guy. He said he sees the potential for Maggitt and Johnson to be better than the LBs he coached at Bama. Pretty strong statements. I'm fired up! Other than that, don't have much to say.
Simply_Orange51 writes:
Well, they may not have thrown it every play but there used to be a "Old Football Coach" at Florida that did OK throwing it. Seems he won a national title with a good air game but I remember he did have to mix a run or two in to keep defenses honest - if you are bad in either, SEC teams will eat your lunch.
I would think the strength of the Vol offense will be throwing the ball but they better be able to keep the defense from dropping everybody into coverage. It's been awhile since Tennessee has seen three excellent receivers on the field at the same time..... that may give some other teams something to be concerned with. Maybe it will open the running game up a little bit as well. Go Vols...... work hard and give your best on the field..... games are won that way.
voloffaith writes:
When you lose your keyboard would be a good start.....
On topic, we all know making the plays is better than just knowing how to make them...DUH...
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Good to hear about Patterson. Could it be that he is the best of all the receivers? A very nice problem to have. I really see the Vols finishing at 9-3 if Bray stays healthy. I also hope Peterman(spelling?) gets plenty of playing time first 5 games, Bray may not make it past mid-season for one reason or another.
johnlg00 writes:
We only learned anew that you are the same stale, snobby, know-nothing negavol you always were. Sunseri's intended meaning was clear; it is not enough to be in position to make the play, you must actually MAKE THE PLAY, follow through, run through the tape, FINISH, etc. First you learn where to be, then you learn what to do when you get there, then you DO IT. Over and over. THEN you will be good. The Vols are almost right there.
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