Tennessee's football program boasts a mix of accomplished coaches who have plenty of experience and young risers who have begun to make names for themselves.
On the staff, nobody may be more respected and knowledgeable than defensive line coach Rodney Garner, though. The 57-year-old coach is going into his 34th season as an SEC assistant after beginning his career at his alma mater, Auburn.
Following the time with the Tigers, Garner coached tight ends for the Vols in 1996 and tight ends and offensive tackles in 1997. During his first stint with Tennessee, the Vols combined for a 21-4 (14-2 SEC) record and appearances in the Citrus and Orange Bowls. He was also on the staff that won the 1997 SEC Championship.
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Following this initial tenure with Tennessee, Garner moved to the defensive side of the ball while coaching with Georgia and Auburn for over the next two decades. While in the SEC, he has helped claim six conference championships and 34 bowl game appearances. He is also responsible for seven NFL Draft first-round picks and 10 All-Americans.
Now, Garner is back at Tennessee for the second time in his storied career. He took over the role of defensive line coach when Josh Heupel arrived on campus in 2021 and has been in the spot ever since.
During this time, he has already produced multiple draft picks. His defense also led the SEC in tackles for loss last year with 7.2 per game.
Heading into the 2023 season, Garner has the unit to replicate the production from a year ago. While he loses a handful of talent including third round draft pick Byron Young, he returns plenty of experience.
Providing depth for his group is a collection of highly touted freshmen. This includes four-star Chandavian Bradley.
The freshman defensive lineman joined the team this fall after missing spring camp. However, he says he has been coached by Garner since he committed back in July of 2022.
"I love coach (Garner)," said Bradley. "Coming into the year, after signing day, he came into my school because we have other people from my school that are being recruited from my high school. I met up with him and the first thing he said is, 'You're signed now. It's over. We're not treating you like a baby anymore. I'm going to be on you about every little thing no matter what it is even though you're still in high school.' He did not lie. I got texts at least once every week. Just him checking up on me, making sure I'm doing everything that I need to do."
Three-star edge rusher Tyree Weathersby had a similar introduction to Garner.
He quickly found out that it doesn't matter if you're on campus and on the roster or still at the prep level, he's going to coach you the same as he would anyone.
"He was on me before I even got here," said Weasthersby. "He did not lie one bit. He's a very hard coach but at the end of the day he loves. He's just trying to do what he knows what we got to do to get me where I want to go."
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This form of tough coaching is fueled by love for his players, though. The tough love mentality has worked throughout his career and the next wave of athletes say it is beneficial to them, as well.
For Bradley, he even goes as far to say he enjoys being yelled at. It helps him learn what he needs to fix going forward.
"Since I've been here, he's been on it, on me, on me, on me about every little thing and I love it," said Bradley. "I went up to him after practice today and I told him thank you because that's the type of stuff that I like because it helps me learn. And I think sometimes it looks as if it gets under my skin a little bit, but in reality, in my head I'm like processing it. I genuienly like being taught that way. I like being yelled at. It's weird but I really do like it. I enjoy it."
Four-star defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs also feels as if he benefits from this style of coaching.
"I mean, there's nothing I can do about it but I love it," said Hobbs. "The way coach is, that's just the way he is. Tough love. I like it."
With experience ahead of them on the depth chart, this collection of freshman will likely have to wait their turn before making an impact for the Vols. However, with Garner as their position coach, they'll be prepared to help whenever their name is called.
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