Shoop's Speaks About His Early Impressions of the Defense

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KBVol

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#1
Some interesting comments from Shoop, especially about Abernathy who is somewhat forgotten.....


"First-year Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop hasn’t necessarily been surprised by anything he has seen during the Vols’ first two spring practices.

In some ways, Shoop said their practices Monday and Tuesday in helmets and shorts showed him “exactly what I thought” going into spring practice about what he will be working with in his new defense.

And that’s not a bad thing.


“Up front, we have really good leadership,” Shoop said Thursday just hours before Tennessee’s first spring practice in pads. “Danny O’Brien inside has done a good job. He’s one of the more experienced players. Kahlil McKenzie’s a big, giant person who, once we get into pads, he’ll get to show some of the things he’s capable of doing.

“It’s been good seeing some of the other guys move around. (Dimarya) Mixon’s a guy, certainly, who’s shown, (and) LaTroy Lewis on the edge. I think up front it’s been good.

“The guy in the back end who’s really kind of made the strongest impression and been very productive is Micah Abernathy. I really think, through the first two days, he’s probably been the most consistent performer, maybe, on the entire unit. He’s been productive. He’s very attentive, pays tremendous attention to detail and has been very precise in his techniques and fundamentals. It’s been really impressive.”

Shoop, who replaced John Jancek in January after spending the past two years at Penn State, said he already has a bit of a feel for many of Tennessee’s returning players, including proven starters such as defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cameron Sutton.

But he said it’s “really exciting for me to watch” some of the Vols’ backups who are looking to make the most of a clean slate under Shoop, including linebackers Colton Jumper, Gavin Bryant, Quart'e Sapp, Dillon Bates and Cortez McDowell.

“(Bates is) exactly what you just talked about — a guy who wanted a fresh start,” Shoop said. “And when you have the Will linebacker with the experience that Jalen does, we’re looking to assess that situation behind him. It’s very competitive between Cortez — who I think has had two really good days; he’s the one who, I think, has stepped up and played well in that backup linebacker corps — Quart’e and Dillon.

“And between those guys, they all have strengths and weaknesses, and obviously the first day in pads you’ll be able to see a little bit more.”


Shoop discusses early impressions of defense


Edit: apologies for my "Shoop's" typo in the thread title. Unsuccessfully tried to edit. Mods, can one of you guys change "Shoop's" to "Shoop"? Thanks.
 
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#2
#2
KBVol said:
Some interesting comments from Shoop, especially about Abernathy who is somewhat forgotten.....


"First-year Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop hasn’t necessarily been surprised by anything he has seen during the Vols’ first two spring practices.

In some ways, Shoop said their practices Monday and Tuesday in helmets and shorts showed him “exactly what I thought” going into spring practice about what he will be working with in his new defense.

And that’s not a bad thing.


“Up front, we have really good leadership,” Shoop said Thursday just hours before Tennessee’s first spring practice in pads. “Danny O’Brien inside has done a good job. He’s one of the more experienced players. Kahlil McKenzie’s a big, giant person who, once we get into pads, he’ll get to show some of the things he’s capable of doing.

“It’s been good seeing some of the other guys move around. (Dimarya) Mixon’s a guy, certainly, who’s shown, (and) LaTroy Lewis on the edge. I think up front it’s been good.

“The guy in the back end who’s really kind of made the strongest impression and been very productive is Micah Abernathy. I really think, through the first two days, he’s probably been the most consistent performer, maybe, on the entire unit. He’s been productive. He’s very attentive, pays tremendous attention to detail and has been very precise in his techniques and fundamentals. It’s been really impressive.”

Shoop, who replaced John Jancek in January after spending the past two years at Penn State, said he already has a bit of a feel for many of Tennessee’s returning players, including proven starters such as defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cameron Sutton.

But he said it’s “really exciting for me to watch” some of the Vols’ backups who are looking to make the most of a clean slate under Shoop, including linebackers Colton Jumper, Gavin Bryant, Quart'e Sapp, Dillon Bates and Cortez McDowell.

“(Bates is) exactly what you just talked about — a guy who wanted a fresh start,” Shoop said. “And when you have the Will linebacker with the experience that Jalen does, we’re looking to assess that situation behind him. It’s very competitive between Cortez — who I think has had two really good days; he’s the one who, I think, has stepped up and played well in that backup linebacker corps — Quart’e and Dillon.

“And between those guys, they all have strengths and weaknesses, and obviously the first day in pads you’ll be able to see a little bit more.”


Shoop discusses early impressions of defense
Click to expand...

The part about Cortez's gut disqualifying him must've been in another article. :). So Abernathy is setting himself up well for significant playing time? Maybe Sutton's heir. Push Martin just a little. Then when Shoop gets some time with Byrd this Summer? :)
 
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#3
#3
Thanks KB.

Man I am getting excited. All the actual fb threads, the talk of Hurd being even more explosive and a new look for our defense. I was impressed with Shoop at his previous stops but can't wait to see what he can do with this much talent.


Oh, right, it's only spring. 'tick-tock'
 
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#4
#4
KBVol said:
Some interesting comments from Shoop, especially about Abernathy who is somewhat forgotten.....


"First-year Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop hasn’t necessarily been surprised by anything he has seen during the Vols’ first two spring practices.

In some ways, Shoop said their practices Monday and Tuesday in helmets and shorts showed him “exactly what I thought” going into spring practice about what he will be working with in his new defense.

And that’s not a bad thing.


“Up front, we have really good leadership,” Shoop said Thursday just hours before Tennessee’s first spring practice in pads. “Danny O’Brien inside has done a good job. He’s one of the more experienced players. Kahlil McKenzie’s a big, giant person who, once we get into pads, he’ll get to show some of the things he’s capable of doing.

“It’s been good seeing some of the other guys move around. (Dimarya) Mixon’s a guy, certainly, who’s shown, (and) LaTroy Lewis on the edge. I think up front it’s been good.

“The guy in the back end who’s really kind of made the strongest impression and been very productive is Micah Abernathy. I really think, through the first two days, he’s probably been the most consistent performer, maybe, on the entire unit. He’s been productive. He’s very attentive, pays tremendous attention to detail and has been very precise in his techniques and fundamentals. It’s been really impressive.”

Shoop, who replaced John Jancek in January after spending the past two years at Penn State, said he already has a bit of a feel for many of Tennessee’s returning players, including proven starters such as defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cameron Sutton.

But he said it’s “really exciting for me to watch” some of the Vols’ backups who are looking to make the most of a clean slate under Shoop, including linebackers Colton Jumper, Gavin Bryant, Quart'e Sapp, Dillon Bates and Cortez McDowell.

“(Bates is) exactly what you just talked about — a guy who wanted a fresh start,” Shoop said. “And when you have the Will linebacker with the experience that Jalen does, we’re looking to assess that situation behind him. It’s very competitive between Cortez — who I think has had two really good days; he’s the one who, I think, has stepped up and played well in that backup linebacker corps — Quart’e and Dillon.

“And between those guys, they all have strengths and weaknesses, and obviously the first day in pads you’ll be able to see a little bit more.”


Shoop discusses early impressions of defense


Edit: apologies for my "Shoop's" typo in the thread title. Unsuccessfully tried to edit. Mods, can one of you guys change "Shoop's" to "Shoop"? Thanks.
Click to expand...

:eek:lol:
 
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#7
#7
Micah played quite a bit last season in important roles on D and ST. For some reason, he was just a player who doesn't get fan hype. Gonna make a ton of plays this season I bet and maybe be a starter, who knows.
What a blessing it is to see how this staff has literally stacked the defensive backfield on this team since , say, 2011.
 
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#8
#8
The defense this fall has the potential to be special. Nastiness all over the place. Very excited to see how they play this year.
 
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#10
#10
Its all about player-leadership.

Who is the defensive leader? Most good defenses have at least 3 leaders with one each at the DL, LB and DB levels. They're there to motivate, coach, encourage, align etc. One of these three leaders (typically a LB) is the overall leader.

If these 3 player-leaders step up (and they're the right ones to do so), then we should be in good shape considering the talent level, depth and now.....coaching.
 
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#15
#15
One thing that this whole team has is SPEED. Particularly on the defensive side of the ball. I don't know if we have had a faster defense that I remember. Maybe the 1998, 1999 and 2001 defenses come close, but I really don't think they were this fast. I remember just 3 or 4 years ago where even a decently speedy offensive player could take a sweep and beat our guys to the outside; but no more. I am very excited to see Shoops attacking defensive philosophy with this much talent and speed.
 
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#16
#16
Every time I hear Colton jumper at linebacker I'm happy for him but I still cry a little bit inside!!!! But then I hear Darren Kirkland and the smiles come back
 
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#17
#17
Brave Volunteer said:
10-3
Click to expand...


Who are the 3?

2 losses and a bowl loss? Two toughest games this year should be GA and Bama...Don't even know who the bowl team is to call a loss in it. GA is somewhat of an unknown and Bama is in Knoxville this year.

3 regular season losses? Don't see it.

Sure there is always the possibility of dropping one you shouldn't, but I refuse to count a what if we lose game.


Besides...Putting my Orange colored glasses on, I have to say, we'll be playing in at least 14 games this year. 12 regular season, SECCG and at minimum a bowl game...if not the play offs. :)
 
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#18
#18
11-3 IMO. 2 losses in regular season...Florida and Bama. Lose again to Bama in SECCG. Win bowl game.
 
#20
#20
KBVol said:
11-3 IMO. 2 losses in regular season...Florida and Bama. Lose again to Bama in SECCG. Win bowl game.
Click to expand...

12-2...GA wins in Athens...beat Bama regular season...lose to Bama SECCG....win bowl.

Rest of the country starts having nightmares and wetting the bed thinking about 2017 and UT Football.

:hi:
 
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#21
#21
Am I the only one who didn't realize Danny O was back at DT? For whatever reason I thought he was a sr last year
 
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#22
#22
I haven't seen anything that would cause me to think we lose any game. We are set up to have a special year. 15-0 NC. Just as possible as any other outcome. 1 in 16 chance, I like the odds.

Jump higher Vols.
 
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#25
#25
Iam4utalways said:
I haven't seen anything that would cause me to think we lose any game. We are set up to have a special year. 15-0 NC. Just as possible as any other outcome. 1 in 16 chance, I like the odds.

Jump higher Vols.
Click to expand...

Now you have seen something
 

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