Unheralded Kendal Vickers comfortable being an unknown

[kamoshika]

It doesn't take long in visiting with the Vols most veteran defensive linemen to see his drive, his focus and the chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong. It's a mental approach that Vickers credits to his father, Lloyd Vickers, who was a 21-year veteran of the Marine Corps. “My dad has always instilled that type of mentality in me. He's never liked to lose. He's never been the type of guy to let people down. He's always told me everything you do put 110% effort into it because what you put into it is what you are going to get out of it,” Vickers said. “He has taught me that every since I was a little kid. That's probably one of the biggest things he has taught me. I have never quit anything. He wouldn't let me do that even if I wanted to. He wouldn't allow it.”

These days Vickers isn't allowing others to quit either. Tennessee’s Mr. Irrelevant is now one of the leaders of Team 121. Vickers is leading film sessions, workouts and individual position drills. He admits his new role is still a work in progress, but it's one he is definitely enjoying. “This is really the first year that I have been put in that role, and I have had to be comfortably uncomfortable. I have to get these young guys and everyone around me going. It's something I'm still learning, but I'm enjoying the process,” he said.
https://tennessee.rivals.com/news/unheralded-vickers-comfortable-being-an-unknown

 

[vol-un-tear]

He played a lot last year. He's known to Vol fans.

 

[RollerVol]

He played a lot last year. He's known to Vol fans.

lol:...yeah, that was funny, huh...dang skippy...he's no stranger to the rain...

GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Burger]

He's a solid defensive tackle who could be drafted.

 

[TNnative]

He played a lot last year. He's known to Vol fans.

Main reason we don't talk about him as much is because he stays healthy.

 

[Seattle Hillbilly]

15% body fat for a Defensive Tackle who weighs 290? That's one fit young MAN. Lets hope he's one of the Vols that explode this season and has a senior year that reflects his hard work.

 

[87&91ALUM]

I totally like this guy. Plays hard. Tough. Doesn't complain or make the news. A blue collar lineman. I have to double take when I see him wearing what seems to me to be a linebacker's number. I wish him the very best for 2017 and pro career.

 

[VolFootballIsLife]

Me Irrelevant?? Where did that come from? I've always liked the way he plays. I think he has a shot to get into the league. It seems it's his speed for a big man that always jumps out as me.

 

[Burger]

I totally like this guy. Plays hard. Tough. Doesn't complain or make the news. A blue collar lineman. I have to double take when I see him wearing what seems to me to be a linebacker's number. I wish him the very best for 2017 and pro career.

Very accurate.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

He's a solid defensive tackle who could be drafted.

Could? He should be drafted. And most likely will as long as he's healthy all season long. He was our best DT last year. And I expect him to be our best this year. I'm a very big fan of his game.

I said last year he reminds me of Ray McDonald (former Gators and 49ers defensive lineman). Very similar body types and playing styles. I think Kendal ultimately gets drafted in the 3rd-4th round and ends up having a very solid pro career.

 

[Burger]

Could? He should be drafted. And most likely will as long as he's healthy all season long. He was our best DT last year. And I expect him to be our best this year. I'm a very big fan of his game.

I said last year he reminds me of Ray McDonald (former Gators and 49ers defensive lineman). Very similar body types and playing styles. I think Kendal ultimately gets drafted in the 3rd-4th round and ends up having a very solid pro career.

He's gotta produce more on the field before I change it to should.

 

[MSME Vol]

Wasn't he a late add to the class? If memory serves we went to recruit someone else entirely and just kind of bumped into him.

 

[Burger]

Wasn't he a late add to the class? If memory serves we went to recruit someone else entirely and just kind of bumped into him.

We poached him from the Cocks.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Wasn't he a late add to the class? If memory serves we went to recruit someone else entirely and just kind of bumped into him.

He was originally committed to USCe, but ended up being a late qualifier and they didn't have room for him. We had some open spots, so we swooped in and took him on board.

I'm really looking forward to seeing if he can take the next step in 2017. He flashed at times last year, but also had some difficulties holding up against double teams at times. It should be interesting to see how he does.