Jones Thankful For Resiliency, Resolve Of 2015 Vols

The day before families gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, Tennessee football coach spoke about what he and the Vols are thankful for.

"It's a time to reflect and we have so much to be thankful and grateful for in really the resiliency and resolve that this football team has shown, the growing of this football team and the growing of this football program," he said.

"I'm very indebted to all of those individuals along the way."

He shared his appreciation for the 19 seniors who will be honored before Saturday's game against Vanderbilt (4 p.m.) and run through the “T” at Neyland Stadium for one final time, young men who grew with the program in Jones' three years.

"They have left behind a great example of resolve, resiliency, sticking to a commitment, sudden change," he said. "All of these individuals that will be recognized on Saturday, they are Vols for Life and they have meant so much to us and our football program. We always talk about how everything is how you leave a program. Do you leave a program better because you were a part of that? Were you part of the building process? You are either part of the problem or you are part of the solution. And they have been part of the solution."

Jones opened Wednesday's press conference by wishing the media a Happy Thanksgiving.

"The first and most important thing is I would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving," Jones said. "I appreciate all that you do for Tennessee football and the great fan base."

The team will practice on Thanksgiving morning with a team breakfast before doing its Thursday routine and ending early for the holiday. Tennessee’s team chemistry has grown stronger as the season has progressed and Jones said that every chance the team can be together is important.

Some of the Knoxville natives on the team will host teammates for Thanksgiving, adding to the sense of family that has resonated throughout the program.

"I know with my mom and with all of the other local moms, they don't (mind) fixing a little bit more food," senior Kyler Kerbyson said. "It might be a lot more food depending on who you invite. They definitely don't mind. It's all about family and bringing those guys in that need some support on Thanksgiving."

The Jones family will be one of the local families hosting Vols for the holiday as well.

"After we leave the Anderson Training Center, I'm kind of taking the coach hat off and being a dad and having Alex and some of his teammates over to our house as well," Jones said.

When asked about his favorite Thanksgiving dishes, Jones happily listed everything that will be on his plate tomorrow.

"I'm kind of a traditionalist, but instead of turkey, I'll go with the honey-baked ham," he said. "That's kind of a specialty. The corn, the stuffing, the potatoes, the carrots and you can't forget the warm, hot rolls that come out of the oven."

Sound bites

Offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson

(On the heavy running game)

"I wasn't expecting to be running the ball this much, with the huge numbers. I knew we were going to be a good running team, and we were shooting for a 1,000 yard running back. This much emphasis on the run game has definitely been a surprise."

(On how close is this team to turning the corner)

"We are very close to turning a corner in our game, we turned the corner of making bowl game, we turned the corner of getting 8 or 9 wins. Next year we are looking for an SEC championship and top ranking."

Wide receiver Josh Malone

(On what to expect from the receiving corps next season)

"I think we're capable of big things. We've just got to get on the field and keep proving it each and every week, just take advantage of opportunities."

(On his happiness for the seniors)

"I'm definitely happy. They've been through a lot for the program with a lot of different coaching changes, different weight programs, and different coaching structures. I'm very happy that we get to send them off in the right way."