Tennessee’s defensive line would have been a team strength without a much ballyhooed defensive tackle transfer that had already proved himself in college. Still, teams don’t turn down players like Jaxson Moi.
“I knew when I hit the portal that I wanted to be a part of a really explosive defense with a lot of D-line production,” Moi said on Wednesday when asked about his decision to transfer from Stanford. “I had seen that it was very prominent here at Tennessee with coach (Tim) Banks’ defense.
“I also wanted to be a part of a great culture. I’m a really big people person. I’m a big locker room guy, so really getting to know coach (Josh) Heupel and his staff that he’s built and the players that are in this locker room, there was no better place for me.”
Credit Moi for not being afraid of competition. The Vols have four defensive tackles on the roster that have played extensively and are expected to play key roles for the Vols in 2024. Where does that leave Moi?
“It’s been a great learning experience for sure,” he said. “I knew if I came here I was going to have to compete, but I know at the next level I’m going to have to compete, so I’m not afraid of competition.
“It’s been great. The older guys, we’ve been able to compete, but I would say that it’s been competitive, not combative. We lift each other up. We want to do great, but we don’t want anyone to do bad. Honestly, great atmosphere and great environment for sure.”
That atmosphere starts with Heupel, but the philosophy is certainly shared by Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner.
“I was really excited about Jaxson when he went in the portal and us recruiting him and all that,” Garner said. “I had one plan for him. He came in and he’s probably exceeded what I had in mind, so he’s sort of deviated my plan.
“I think Jaxson is going to be a really good player for us, and obviously he’s going to be a tremendous leader. He’s going to be able to command respect in that locker room from everybody. His teammates respect him. They like him, all of them do, so I couldn’t be more excited to have him in my room than any other guys.”
That’s strong praise for a player who just arrived on campus this year. Looking for Tennessee’s next standout player and, perhaps, its next star. Take a gander at Moi, who is suddenly no longer flying under the radar.
