Tennessee Vols Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Full Week 1 Press Conference Highlights
Jim Knowles believes the Tennessee Vols defense has made significant progress heading into the 2026 season - but the new defensive coordinator knows the real test begins when the games count. In his latest press conference, Knowles discussed Tennessee's defensive growth, the challenges of replacing key players, the development of several young defenders and what he expects from the Vols when they take the field. The biggest question surrounding Tennessee entering the season has been whether Jim Knowles can help transform the defense into a more consistent and physical unit. So far, Knowles believes Tennessee has made progress. The defensive coordinator praised the growth of players like Jeremiah Telander, Kaleb Beasley and Xavier Gilliam, highlighting their versatility, preparation and ability to make an impact within the system.
Video Transcript
Austin then Ben Coach, a lot of the offensive guys, the quarterbacks, some of the receivers, the offensive linemen have talked about the different wrinkles you've thrown at 'em i- in fall camp that maybe, you know, you fooled 'em some and, and those type of things.
But w- going against those players, going against Faizon, where have, where do you feel like, what's impressed you about him, as a true freshman going against your defensive mind?
You know, from what I've seen, and I don't study it, but, he is, He's cool and calm, has a lot of poise for a young guy.
And he, and he certainly can make plays with his feet, which I know all too well is, very dangerous for a defense.
So, but yeah, I've just been impressed with his maturity for a true freshman.
Both times you, you spoke this preseason, you, you talked about Jeremiah Teelender being the heart and soul of, of the defense.
What, why do you describe him as that?
Well, he's, he's m- you know, he's Mr. Tennessee.
I mean, he bleeds orange.
He, he's got a lot of energy.
He's got toughness.
He never makes excuses.
He always wants to get better.
You know, he's a throwback kind of player.
And, I think as coaches, or I guess I should say older coaches like me, you, you like to see those guys who are just tough and gritty and, who don't make excuses, you know?
Y- you're not gonna get any excuses out of him.
If he, if he makes a mistake, he's gonna fix it and, and take accountability for it, which is what you want out of all your players.
Three more.
Adam, Ryan, and Dave.
What do you want to accomplish in this first game, and how does that influence your future game plans?
I don't want to give up any yards.
I want to get a shutout.
I don't want to give up any first downs.
I want to, you know, I want to be- I want to You know, it, it When you Every game or g- you go into, you know, it's a process.
But mostly I want to teach how we prepare for an opponent, you know, how serious practice is.
I went over with the guy, practice does not make perfect, right?
That's a myth.
Practice makes permanent.
So therefore, perfect practice makes perfect, right?
So we have to instill that mentality in, game week that, you know, if you make a mistake on the We got to do it on the grass.
You got to do it on the grass in practice to expect to do it in a game.
And if you make a mistake in practice, you know, I'm gonna find out why, and I'm gonna challenge you because like I've said, when it comes to the game, if you make a mistake in the game, that's my fault 'cause I didn't get you ready.
But we're, really just trying to establish the tempo of preparation for an opponent.
It doesn't matter who we're playing.
How do we do it?
How intense is it?
The responsibilities that the players have for the game plan and the details of the game plan, how we practice, how we execute the game plan.
You mentioned that backup trio at safety of Lewis, Walton, and Burks.
What, what do you want to see from those guys over the next couple weeks to, to gain confidence and, and putting them out on the field?
Yeah, I want to see them make more plays in practice, right?
I mean, that's exactly what I talked about.
I want to see them make more plays in practice, do the right things, make fast decisions, stay on top when they're supposed to stay on top.
You know, drop it into the box.
C- you know, can they see the play and react to it?
When you face a lot of RPO, I mean, that's where the safeties, you get, you get into that bind where the quarterback's reading you.
So I want to see them do it in practice, right?
'Cause you put a guy in the game, he hasn't done it in practice, you can't expect him to do it in the game.
So, they're making progress.
They're making progress.
But we need more out of, out of them in practice.
They need to be, productive.
Last one, Amy.
Obviously last week, big news regarding Ariyan Carter's suspension being reduced.
I guess first, what was your reaction to that, and then how beneficial is that gonna be going into week two?
My reaction was hooray, hooray.
Still feel bad for him he has to miss a game but, you know, yeah, I mean, w- we, you don't want to see a leader of your team and a great player sit out any game.
So, I'm just grateful for him and for our defense.
