Jackson Sees Growth, Versatility from LEO Group After First Practice in Full Pads

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football practiced in full pads for the first time this spring Monday, as the Volunteers completed their fifth session of the 2026 slate with an emphasis on physicality in the trenches.

Following practice, LEOs coach Andrew Jackson pointed to a well-rounded group up front, highlighting a blend of speed and power that has stood out early in spring practice.

"They're an eager group, and there's a lot of football savviness and knowledge within the group," Jackson said. "There's different various body types between the ends and the LEO room. You have guys like Chaz Coleman who are quicker, faster, right? You have guys like Mariyon Dye and (Tyree Weathersby), who are stronger, power guys. So, we've got the perfect combination of mixture of bodies to be able to mix in there, but they're all heads-up, conscious as kids and able to pick up the stuff rather quickly."

That versatility has begun to translate into production, particularly in passing situations, as the Vols continue building chemistry along the defensive front.

"It's coming along," Jackson said. "We actually had a really good day. We went some more third-and-longs on Saturday, had a really good day providing pass rush. Xavier Gilliam actually was a guy that flashed big-time in practice the other day, rushing from the interior. It's coming along; it's really more so getting them to work together as a unit more so than seeing individual rushes. We have guys making sacks here and there, but making sure we're balanced in the pocket and playing team ball is really the goal of what we're looking for."

As spring continues, Tennessee's defensive line will look to build on its early progress, focusing on cohesion and consistency while capitalizing on its diverse skill set. The Vols return to the practice field Wednesday, gearing up for a closed scrimmage on Thursday inside Neyland Stadium.

Full comments from Jackson's Monday media availability can be viewed below.

Tennessee Football Press Conference | March 23, 2026

LEOs Coach Andrew Jackson

On his approach to the start of spring practice and coaching the entire defensive line…
"First off, starting to teach them the scheme and get to know everybody. So it's actually been an opportunity for me to spread out to just beyond the LEO room and meet some of the D-linemen, and then get into some of how (defensive line coach Rodney Garner) does things, but from the players' perspective. So it's been good. It's been a little bit hectic, but we're hitting the ground running. It's nothing I've never done before, but it's been a fast pace, for sure."

On the challenges of coaching the entire defensive line room…
"Just using the same verbiage. I mean, football coaches, we have 1,000 different ways to say the same thing. So number one, not trying to trick the kids up and use the same language has been tough. Trying to add the way I do things, and mixing has been a little bit of a challenge. But Coach Garner is such a good coach, and he's got these guys where they're able to really coach me on how they do things and how the process goes, and we've all been able to get on the same page rather quickly in one week."

On his working relationship with Rodney Garner while he has been absent…
"Well, you know Rod, he's not laying low, but he's been on Zoom, so sometimes it sounds like the voice of God's above us when we when he starts yelling in there on the Zoom. So he's been involved plenty. So just, thank God. You know, through COVID, Zoom technology, everybody's gotten real efficient at that. So it's been pretty smooth to easily keep him involved as much as we can, even though he's not here in the physical."

On his assessment of the LEO group…
"They're an eager group, and there's a lot of football savviness and knowledge within the group. There's different various body types between the ends and the LEO room. You have guys like Chaz Coleman who are quicker, faster, right? You have guys like Mariyon Dye and Tyree (Weathersby), who are stronger, power guys. So, we've got the perfect combination of mixture of bodies to be able to mix in there, but they're all heads-up, conscious as kids and able to pick up the stuff rather quickly."

On his coaching style compared to Coach Garner's…
"I mean, he's definitely got a different intensity than I do. I'm a little more of a Zen master than he is, so we're on different ends of the spectrum, but it's good. I think we'll be good Yin and Yang, good-cop, bad-cop type of deal when he gets back for sure."

On what he wants to accomplish this spring…
"Obviously, just pick up on the fundamentals and techniques. The playbook will come along, which the guys have picked up rather quickly, but just mastering our technique. By the last week of spring, we just want to see everything done cleanly."

On what he's seen from Chaz Coleman, Christian Gass and Kedric Golston II…
"Chaz is everything as advertised. He's got the quickness, the speed, and the size. Gass, it's good to see him out there running around healthy for the first time. He's gaining confidence in what he's doing every week. And then for a young guy, Kedric Golston II, he's got all the tools. I know it's a little bit fast for him at times, but he's going to be a great one."

On what Jordan Norman provides for the defensive front…
"He's versatile. I think he's a guy we can see at both spots, playing the field end and playing the LEO position. He's quick, he's fast, he's smart. He's learning the way we do things, playing a little more different style, as far as getting vertical up the field more, but he's the kid where you're going to like what you see from him in the fall."

On his unit's ability to rush the quarterback…
"It's coming along. We actually had a really good day. We went some more third-and-longs on Saturday, had a really good day providing pass rush. Xavier Gilliam actually was a guy that flashed big-time in practice the other day, rushing from the interior. It's coming along; it's really more so getting them to work together as a unit more so than seeing individual rushes. We have guys making sacks here and there, but making sure we're balanced in the pocket and playing team ball is really the goal of what we're looking for."