Transfer defensive backs Jalen McMurray and Jakobe Thomas took to the podium on Friday as Tennessee football prepares for its season opener.
Both from Group of Five backgrounds, the two transferred from Temple and MTSU, respectively. After arriving in December, they have now completed spring and fall camp as members of the Vols’ roster.
Several months have passed since spring camp concluded, while fall camp most recently closed the door. When the team takes the practice field on Monday, all eyes shift to game preparation for week one.
For McMurray and Thomas, it’ll be the first time they take the field at Neyland Stadium. Between the fans and the atmosphere, McMurray can already see the difference in Philadelphia and Knoxville.
“It’s different. Obviously in Philadelphia you have the city and the people, but here I’ve loved every second,” McMurray said. “When you are walking around campus, going to class, even when you walk in here you really feel the feel for sports as a whole and how together and invested everyone is. I’m really excited to be able to play in front of all those people.”
Thomas played his prep football in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he earned a spot to play collegiately at MTSU. Despite growing up a Vols fan, Thomas will be stepping foot into Neyland for the first time on Aug. 31.
“I grew up a Tennessee fan, but I never got the chance to come to Neyland,” Thomas said. “I’ve always watched the games from the outside in.”
The day cannot come soon enough for the redshirt junior defensive back.
“Next Saturday will be my first time stepping in with a full crowd and actually being able to be a part of the experience,” Thomas said. “… I’m counting down. I’m super excited. They say Vol fans are the craziest, so I’m so excited to just walk into Neyland and play a game.”
Wide receiver praise
As defensive backs, the primary job is to blanket opposing wide receivers in coverage. Transferring from Group of Five programs to the SEC means playing against receivers with entirely different game speed.
“The speed was definitely different,” Thomas said. “Practicing every day against the best receivers in this conference is definitely different. It’s slowed down now, I’m used to it. But it’s definitely a blessing to go against guys that are at the top level, day in and day out.”
Practicing against the talent daily brings the best out of both sides. As a defensive back, it does not matter which receiver they are facing because they know it’s going to be a challenge.
“Whoever steps on the field,” McMurray said when asked about a particular receiver that stands out. “I know it’s cliché, but I feel like every single one of them brings something special to the table. Whoever hops out there when I’m out there, I know I’m gonna get some bump — and they know they’re gonna get some bump from me.”
McMurray also gave the most praise to the corps, setting heavy standards heading into the season.
“I might be biased, but I feel like they’re the best in the nation,” McMurray said. “They complement each other so well — fast, physical — from top to bottom.”
Game week preparation continues next week before the season kicks off in six days.
