The No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers head to Texas A&M this weekend leaning on running back DeSean Bishop and on two defensive ends stepping into bigger roles, Tennessee Athletics reported after Tuesday's media sessions.
Running backs coach De'Rail Sims did not hesitate when asked whether Bishop belongs in the Heisman Trophy conversation. "There's no doubt about it. He deserves it," Sims said. "When you sit up here and talk about the best player in college football for his team, it's D. Bishop." According to Tennessee, the Maxwell Award semifinalist leads the FBS in second-half carries, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and first downs.
Sims said his favorite part has been watching Bishop improve in the details. "You see his vision continue to grow. You see how his eyes and his feet are married together," Sims said. "You see him be able to find those run lanes even when it looks like there's nothing there."
On defense, Tennessee must replace Tyree Weathersby, who suffered a season-ending injury in Saturday's 34-6 win over No. 6 Kentucky. Defensive ends coach Andrew Jackson called Weathersby "one of the heart and soul members of our unit" and said the group wants to play for him.
Jordan Norman and Mariyon Dye will see more snaps. Jackson praised Norman for adjusting to a new scheme and putting in extra work. "He's done a good job getting up in the meeting room early, spending extra time doing stuff, asking good questions," Jackson said. Dye, a sophomore from Elkhart, Indiana, has six tackles for loss and five sacks.
The challenge Saturday is Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, who makes plays outside the pocket. Jackson stressed staying in rush lanes. "We have to work together as a unit, we all have to rush together," he said.
Kickoff at Kyle Field is set for 2 p.m. CT.
Sources: Tennessee Athletics