We didnt really even have a strength and conditioning coach last year.
Michael Szerszen became the associate director of strength and conditioning at Tennessee prior to the 2013 season, but he became the de facto director (without the title) following Tennessee's decision to part ways with Dave Lawson in April 2016.
Butch neglected to hire another one till he got Rock. Maybe thats why it was kind of elective if you wanted to take part in strength and conditioning last year.
I remember when Jones talked about gullickson before this season started he said, "Rock has been instrumental in keeping tabs on the players and holding them accountable. Before Rock you couldnt get Juauan Jennings in there. He was allergic to the weightroom. Now he actually loves it, and hes in there like everyone else".