Tennessee Reserves Will Play Key Roles Against Missouri

Johnson, Kelly, Wiesman In For Suspended, Injured Teammates

  • Thursday, November 20, 2014
  • Special to Chattanoogan.com
Freshman Jakob Johnson, of Stuttgart, Germany, will be in the spotlight Saturday as he fills in for the suspended A.J. Johnson at middle linebacker when Tennessee plays Missouri at Neyland Stadium.
Freshman Jakob Johnson, of Stuttgart, Germany, will be in the spotlight Saturday as he fills in for the suspended A.J. Johnson at middle linebacker when Tennessee plays Missouri at Neyland Stadium.
photo by Tennessee Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee coach Butch Jones and his staff preach that every member of the Vols should practice as if they were a starter. On Saturday that mantra will benefit Tennessee. Several Vols are expected to see increased roles when the Vols take on 19th-ranked Missouri at Neyland Stadium.

Here's a look at how three Vols are progressing in their increased roles heading into the key SEC match-up as the Vols seek to become bowl eligible:

J. JOHNSON READY FOR MLB ROLE

Freshman Jakob Johnson is expected to make his first career start at middle linebacker on Saturday. Johnson has continued to impress coaches with his intelligence and desire to make an impact.

"I like his intelligence," defensive coordinator John Jancek said. "I like his size. I like a lot of the things he's been able to do in a short amount of time. It's going to be fun to see him get out there and compete and see what he can do."

In preparing to start at middle linebacker, Jancek says that much of the defensive communication burden will fall on Johnson.

"It's a badge of honor to be a middle linebacker," Jancek said. "Jakob has to do it. He's put the time in. He has worked extremely hard. I know he has been up early in the morning looking at film. We've challenged him to do so and he has responded well so far. "

Linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen doesn't plan on making the transition to an increased role any easier for the freshman. However, he believes that Johnson is ready for the task.

"It's part of the system," Thigpen explained. "We're not going to change anything. We're not going to make it anymore simple for him. Here, you get what you deserve. He deserves to play this week. He's doing everything we ask him to."

With two more days until game day, Thigpen sees vast improvement in Johnson's football intelligence and is excited for the way he's responded to the opportunity.

"I keep forgetting that he's only 19 years old," Thigpen said. "I ride him and I ride him. But today I thought he responded really well. We were in meetings and he was talking like a sophomore or junior.

"I thought today he really stepped up, took command of the huddle, made all the checks, all the adjustments. I was really pleasantly surprised today that he responded the way he did. He came in last night and watched a ton of tape and made a ton of adjustments for us. I'm looking forward for the challenge for him."

WIESMAN CENTER OF ATTENTION

With starting center Mack Crowder sidelined, sophomore Dylan Wiesman will get the nod in the middle of the offensive line, giving Tennessee its sixth different starting offensive line of the season.

Wiesman has appeared in all 10 games this season, mostly on special teams and filling in at center in the win over Kentucky. He spent last season as the Vols' back-up right guard and can play multiple positions along the line.

"Depending on what happens with Mack, we shouldn't skip a beat with Dylan," offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian said. "He's a very smart football player. He brings an element of toughness and a mentality just like Mack did."

The offensive line has been versatile all season. With the various rotations and shifts up and down the line, Wiesman is the next guy ready to step up when his number is called. In addition to Wiesman, Marcus Jackson, Coleman Thomas and Kyler Kerbyson are capable of playing center.

"From training camp on, we've been working a lot of different rotations, putting guys at a lot of different positions," Bajakian said. "Our guys are capable of handling such a situation."

Offensive line coach Don Mahoney spoke about how Joshua Dobbs and Wiesman have a good working relationship.

"Throughout the spring, the summer, to this point, there is enough time they have gotten enough reps," said Mahoney. "Dylan's knowledge level, he's extremely, smart and knows all the calls. I expect him to take complete charge of the line."

KELLY JR. STEPPING UP

With veteran defensive back Brian Randolph slated to miss the first half of the Missouri game, true freshman Todd Kelly Jr. will be called upon to fill big shoes in the back field this weekend. Having made two previous starts at the strong safety position, Kelly continues to show growth and an increased understanding of the Vols' defensive system.

"I see consistency (from Kelly)," said defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. "He's getting better each and every day and he's a smart, conscientious player. He's obviously gained a lot of experience just playing from the beginning. That's what we've hoped for with our young players is that by the end of the season, they'd be able to contribute and help us."

Among the many areas of improvement, Martinez has noticed a big difference in Kelly's confidence. After displaying a bit of hesitancy early in the season, the freshman is now one of the more vocal members of the defensive backs group, which is encouraging for Tennessee's coaching staff to see.

"He's physical and he's more confident in our system," Martinez said. "That's the great thing is that with Todd, going into his 11th ballgame, he's played in every game. He's gained a lot of experience and he's made some big time plays when he's been in some big time games. He's getting more in command with our defense."

Another good sign for Martinez has been Kelly's attitude toward learning the system. As a member of a highly-acclaimed recruiting class, Kelly has been the perfect example of the type of player Tennessee is striving to bring in and develop.

"With the type of players we are recruiting at this level, you've got champion guys who want to win and you can see that from our recruiting class," Martinez said. "A lot of them have won championships and it's spreading. You can feel it. They're a highly competitive group and it's made us a lot better."

In preparing for Saturday's Southeastern Conference showdown, the final home game Vols seniors, Martinez is focusing his group on the first task at hand this week. Quality repetitions and quality performances at practice will help not only Kelly Jr., but the entire unit prepare for their turn in the back field.

"We're practicing just like we would normally," Martinez said. "We've been training guys and we look at this as another great opportunity for somebody to step up and produce."

(E-mail Larry Fleming at larryfleming44@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @larryfleming44)

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