Game slowing down for Kongbo; Buchanan credits Sutton
The expectations for junior college players are always high. Coaches don't sign junior college players to come in and watch. When you are the top junior college player in the country by most recruiting services, the expectations are through the roof.
That's certainly been the case for defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo.
“It's been a humbling experience for sure,” Kongbo said of his transition to Tennessee. “As for as expectations, I believe I have higher expectations on myself than anyone has on me. Coach is always on me about just chilling out a little bit, but I feel like that's my edge that helps me.”
While the 6-6, 270 pound may not be chilling out. He is settling in on the field as the game is starting to slow down for him.
“I just think it's familiarizing myself with the playbook,” Kongbo said. “The first step is knowing your assignment and I'm starting to make that transition into playing fast. I feel like that's where the improvement is coming from.”
Saturday in the Vols 28-19 win over Ohio, Kongbo got his most extensive work of the year. He recorded three tackles and was clearly more active.
“I felt like today (Saturday) was the first time that I have been out there where I received the call and knew exactly what I was doing,” Kongbo said.
Part of that work included playing defensive tackle, a position that has been difficult for Kongbo to adjust to and one he resisted a bit in the pre-season.
“I have definitely gotten more comfortable with it. The first game, I felt kind of uncomfortable at the tackle position,” Kongbo offered. “Just going through practice with coach Stripling and coach Shoop, we talked about what I can do in there. I feel much more comfortable in there now.”
Whether it's defensive end or tackle, Kongbo's ability is evident. His production is improving and his opportunities are only going to grow.
“As the weeks progress I can see coaches having more trust in me with playing time. I'm just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that I get and go out there and show out,” Kongbo said.
BUCHANAN FOLLOWING SUTTON'S LEAD
Baylen Buchanan was the first newcomer this pre-season to lose his black helmet stripe and it was senior cornerback Cam Sutton to removed it. Saturday it was little brother Buchanan trying to step in and fill the void of Sutton, who's out for an extended period of time with a foot injury.
Buchanan had 5 tackles and a pass break up in his first significant playing time, production he credits to Sutton.
“He told me to lock in,” Buchanan said of Sutton's advice. “Cam has been an older brother to me since I got here, just helping me with the playbook and answering all my questions. He just told me that I had it.
“I had prepared all week watching film, studying my assignments. So when Cam went down it was like, 'Ok, I have to step in.' I just didn't want to let my team down.”
Buchanan seemed to improve throughout the game and following the win, felt good with what he accomplished in his first real playing time.
“After the first drive it started to kind of slow down for me,” Buchanan offered. “I just tried to do my assignment and tried to do my job and everything fell into place.
“I kind of came into the game thinking they were going to pick on me a little bit. At the same time, I wasn't nervous. I just did my job and tried to do what I was supposed to do.”