Now work begins for new Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. The rebuilding in Knoxville will not be easy, and the program still has a few unknowns left behind following the recruiting investigation.
With several players still in the transfer portal, work begins on putting the guys on to get back to school. For the players on this list, learning a new system and culture begins today.
The reception of Heupel by the players was extremely positive by those who addressed it, very different from the reception of VolTwitter. Remember, Danny White interviewed these guys last week and asked them for specific qualities they would like to see in their next coach. White called the meeting again today, saying several players were calling another offensive direction. This is reflected in some of the comments of the former players of today.
Yesssirrrr let’s put some points up! ✌
– Darel E. Middleton (@ Darel__) 27 January 2021
Kaidon Salter, now Tennessee’s highest remaining commitment in the 2021 class, expressed his support for the lease. Heupel has numerous examples to help develop fellow soccer players into colleagues.
Alontae Taylor, one of the now veteran voices, says Heupel is “what we needed.”
We had what we needed, not the outsiders who thought we needed it!
– Alontae Taylor (@taeetaylor) 27 January 2021
Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who will fight for the starting spot in Knoxville in the spring, also approves. His adjustment in Heupel’s system provides a direct contrast to Harrison Bailey, who has not yet commented on the lease.
All the attention now falls on hiring Heupel’s coordinator. Will he keep Kevin Steele? Can he lure Jeff Lebby away from Lane Kiffin? Jeremy Pruitt was definitely green light to spend a lot of money on his assistants. Now let’s see what Heupel does next.