Tennessee tight end Trent Thomas had plenty to say this week as the No. 14 Volunteers turned the page from a road win at Arkansas and started eyeing Saturday’s showdown with No. 6 Alabama in Neyland Stadium.
The Vols are 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play after beating Arkansas 24-17 in Fayetteville, Tennessee’s first win there since 2001. Now the focus shifts to a rivalry game against an Alabama team coming off a close loss to Georgia.
Thomas, who scored the first touchdown of his college career against Arkansas, said the moment meant a lot to him.
"Yeah, it was great getting out there. First touchdown of my college career. It was a great feeling to get in the zone for the first time," Thomas said
He also explained why his presence matters to Tennessee’s offense beyond just catching passes.
"It's definitely a big threat. It opens up to some pictures for us, for our quarterbacks and for our run game. Being able to show that not only can I block, but I can also be a threat in the passing game as well," Thomas said.
For Thomas, part of the job is getting the details right before the ball is even snapped.
"Yeah, I mean, when you get the play call, you know, you got to make sure you're in your right spot and you know what you're doing and, you know, don't mess up the little things before the play starts," Thomas said.
He also made sure to give a nod to teammate DaSaahn after his strong performance.
"We all knew what DaSaahn was capable of in our position room and it was great being able to see him go out there on Saturday and perform like that. Like you said with that almost 70 yarder and then running it in at the end there was great to see for sure," Thomas said.
Thomas said the tight end room has to walk a fine line each week, knowing the offense will have designed chances for them but also understanding that games don’t always unfold exactly as planned.
"I mean, I think it's a little bit of both. You go into the week knowing that you, you know, they have some plays that are designed for us, some plays that we're looking to get open on, but also as the game develops on, you got to be able to adapt and be able to make the most of your opportunities as well," Thomas said.
He also said there’s a difference between scoring yourself and helping spring someone else loose.
"The feeling is a little different being able to get in there on your own, but at the same time, you know, I love being able to have that key block to help one of my teammates get in the end zone as well," Thomas said.
As for quarterback George, Thomas came away impressed with how he handled the game.
"I was very impressed with George and his presence in the pocket, his confidence to be able to stand in there, take some of the hits that he did, and still be able to deliver the ball. It was great to see," Thomas said.
On Alabama, Thomas said he has spent only limited time learning about the matchup, but the message inside the building is clear.
"Not much familiarity, but I've learned a little bit about it today, this morning and how big of a game this is and looking forward to coming in to Neyland this weekend and having a good opponent," Thomas said.
He described the Crimson Tide as another fast, physical SEC challenge and said Tennessee will need a strong week of work to be ready.
"Yeah, I mean, just like every week, it's a talented defense, talented SEC defense. Very fast, very physical guys.
We're going to have to have a great week of preparation. Take it day by day to be able to perform on Saturday," Thomas said.
Thomas also pointed to a step forward from George in the huddle.
"yeah, so definitely this past week he's definitely taken a step being more vocal in the huddle. You know, portraying confidence not only for himself, but for everyone around him. I feel like he's definitely took a step there for sure," Thomas said.
He added that Faizon has handled his injury situation with a professional approach.
"Yeah, I mean Faizon's a professional. He's a young professional.
He's handling the injury and everything very well. He's still very engaged in the locker room, very engaged on the sideline and in practices and uh yeah, for sure
Tennessee’s pass protection also got some attention from Thomas, who said it improved but still needs work.
"Yeah, the pass pro was a little bit better, but we still have areas we need to improve, with our eyes and with our footwork and things like that. But yeah, overall it was all right,"Thomas said.
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Tennessee Faces One Huge QB Decision Before Alabama Arrives
Josh Heupel still has not said who will get the first snap at quarterback when Tennessee meets Alabama, and that uncertainty hangs over everything the Vols are doing this week. George MacIntyre helped sharpen the conversation with a steady first career start against Arkansas, showing the kind of composure and willingness to attack downfield that can matter in a big-game setting.
MacIntyre finished 18 of 29 for 247 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, a line that reflected both the promise and the risk that come with leaning on a young passer. Faizon Brandon is still working back from injury and had been less effective in recent games, so Tennessee enters one of its biggest games without a clear answer at the sports most important position. [Read more 🡒]
Heupel Hinted At Two Big Tennessee Concerns Before Alabama
The build-up to Tennessees trip to Alabama has the feel of a measuring-stick game, and Josh Heupel knows it. With both teams sitting at 5-1 and the Volunteers headed in as the 14th-ranked team against No. 6 Alabama, the head coach spent his time with the media leaning into the standard issues that come with a rivalry of this size: preparation, execution and the need for individual players to be ready for every snap.
Heupel also touched on the matchup in a way that suggested Tennessee has already identified the places where this game could tilt, even before the teams take the field Saturday. For a Vols team trying to keep pace in the national picture, the stakes are obvious, but so is the challenge of handling an Alabama opponent that has not given many easy answers in this rivalry. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama May Be Missing The Weapon Tennessee Feared Most
Alabamas passing game may be heading into Saturdays matchup with Tennessee without its most productive target. Ryan Coleman-Williams is not expected to play because of head and leg injuries, and coach Kalen DeBoer said the receiver is also dealing with a knee issue as the Tide work through the week.
For a Tennessee defense already bracing for a major SEC test, the injury status matters because Coleman-Williams has been Alabamas leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns this season. DeBoer indicated the receiver is expected to be week-to-week after the Tennessee game, leaving the Vols to prepare for a version of Alabama that may look a little different than expected. [Read more 🡒]