Tennessee football is preparing to keep the positive momentum rolling from a big win over Kentucky into a road clash at Texas A&M. To preview the game, Vols LEOs coach Andrew Jackson met with the media.

Here’s what he said.

On Jordan Norman, Mariyon Dye getting increased snaps with Tyree Weathersby out

“They’ve been really consistent, really competitive with each other about playing. And watching those guys prepare through the week, sharing information, getting each other better, keeping within our community as D-line, it’s been special.”

On the focus for Mariyon Dye this week

“The biggest thing is I think he wants to, all those guys want to go out there and play for Tyree. He’s one of the heart and soul members of our unit. And then just having the opportunity to go out there, get more snaps and take advantage of it, I think he’s ready. Now the opportunity’s there, just go get it. Just keep pushing him to be what he can be.”

On dealing with a dual-threat quarterback in Marcel Reed at Texas A&M

“Man, we’ve seen some good ones. We have to do our job to a high level. We have to be conscious of rush lanes. We have to work together as a unit.  We all got to rush together, do our jobs, have good technique. We’ve seen good ones week after week, and do amazing things in scrambles. So it’s been something that we’ve had trouble stopping. So now we’ve just got to focus in on it and do it better.”

On what he’s seen from Jordan Norman this year

“He came from a much different scheme than what we’re doing now, so he had to change some things up in his technique and how he approaches the game. But he’s done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions, getting out on the field early. So now it’s just for him taking on a bigger role and just doing those little things consistently, which he’s done week to week.”

On Mike Bethea’s role on the team

“Man, there’s something to be said about doing your job and not necessarily loving the role you have and a limited role, but a guy that could come to work every day with a smile on his face, be positive, coach other guys, work his tail off, and not complain one bit. You have to respect a guy like that, and you have to look in the mirror and say, hey, if this guy’s not complaining and he doesn’t get the same things I’m getting, then what’s wrong with me? And guys like Mike are invaluable. I’d love to have ten of them.”

On the impact of freshman Hezekiah Harris

“He’s a tremendous talent. He’s embraced coaching. He’s matured from a physical standpoint, but mentally throughout the entire season. He might not show up week to week on Saturdays, but he’s gotten better every day of every practice, and every week he’s done something better, done something a little bit more consistent. So now he’s going to have a chance to have a bigger role.”

On scheming players to get pressure off the edge vs. having great personnel

“It’s everything. I mean, obviously, there’s guys that are naturally really gifted at pass rush, and you can do a lot of things, and they can strike a lot of fear. But we’ve had tremendous defensive back play. We’ve had tremendous linebacker play, getting us in the right spot. We’ve had guys that bought into playing, doing their one-eleven. So it takes it all. I mean, we’ve had different guys get sacks from different levels of the defense, so it’s been an 11-man challenge. And we’ve done a good job of stopping the run on those early downs too, which is the crucial part to be able to have the chance to rush the passer.”

On linebacker Jeremiah Telander playing off the edge this year

“I mean, nothing but respect for the kid. I think I might be working for him one day. I think he’s going to be a defensive coordinator if he tries to coach, and I hope he hires me one day. But he’s got a really great football mind. He’s selfless, excellent teammate, does the little things correctly, in here extra, great example. I mean, he’s harder on himself than any coach could be in this building. So a guy like him, you’re going to have to kill him before you stop him.”