Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee Vols player explains how simple process inside Neyland Stadium gets him ready to play on Saturdays

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated Nov 5, 2024 1:28 PM ET

It's a dream of many Tennessee Vols fans to be on the field at Neyland Stadium, warming up for a big game as the fans fill up the stadium. Running through the T to the roar of 100,000+ fans.

For Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas, that same dream is now a reality for him. And it's something he doesn't take for granted as a player.

Thomas was asked this week why he's the first player on the field to warm up after the team arrives at the stadium following the Vol Walk. Thomas said watching the fans fill up the stands inside Neyland Stadium and the pre-game environment is something that helps get him going for the game.

"I've just always dreamed of being here, so I take advantage of every moment I get to be in the stadium as a player. Because I know my time here is short, probably like everyone else's. Just being able to embrace the environment and watch the stands fill up, it just helps me get my mood and get my mojo going. I don't like to be dressed up for too long anyways."

Thomas, who is from Tullahoma, announced in December 2023 that he would be transferring to Tennessee from MTSU. He admitted that Tennessee was his dream school, so when Josh Heupel called him after Tim Banks visited him, he immediately offered his pledge to join the Vols.

“I’m going. I told my dad that the night of. What originally happened was coach Banks came down to Middle and we went and ate at IHOP and we sat and talked ball for 30 to 45 minutes. He left and I’m like I don’t know if I’m ever going to hear from him again. And then I was sitting in bed on night, and me and my dad were talking about where we were going to go and how things were going to [go] and my phone starts going off from an 865 number. It’s not coach Banks. It’s coach Heup and soon as we started talking, I was like, yeah, there is no question, I’m going. I don’t even have to go visit. I wanted to go here my entire life.”

As such, the Vols got a player who bleeds orange as much as anyone on the roster. You never have to worry about those types of players living up to the slogan they tap each home game "I will give my all for Tennessee today".

Between former walk-on Will Brooks and Thomas, Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks are proving that hard work and dedication to the program pays off on their roster more than what a player might have in recruiting stars.

For those fans who arrive early on Saturday and see #9 out on the field getting ready, just know that you're a small part in a Tennessee kid living out his dream.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: