Rodney Garner Tempers Expectations For His Unit

Tennessee Volunteers defensive line coach Rodney Garner met with the media on Monday morning and pushed back on the hype they're getting this offseason.

Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner is one of the smartest assistants in college football. He commands his unit and is known for letting his guys know when they can improve - spring practice is a proving ground for every defensive lineman at the Univeristy of Tennessee, regardless of who they are.

National excitement surrounds the Vols' defensive front. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. contributes to those expectations, as draft analysts say he could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the room's talents go beyond Pearce. They have many experienced veterans who have seen SEC football, but Garner isn't singing their praises yet.

"It’s like I tell them every day they go on that field," Garner explained. "We’re chasing greatness. Either we’re getting better, or we’re getting worse. We’re not going to stay the same, but I do not think that we can afford to take a day off." This comes a few days after defensive coordinator Tim Banks said that he believes the Vols can be the best defensive line in the country.

Everyone in the building seems enamored with the early returns from the group, but Garner continues to demand exellence, and that message won't change for the rest of the offseason.

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