The 2023 season was poised to be a breakout year for Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili. Things just didn’t turn out that way.
After transferring to Tennessee from BYU, Pili earned a starting role at linebacker for the Vols. But sports are nothing if not unpredictable, and Pili’s introduction to Vol fans was short-lived. After recording four tackles in the opening game versus Virginia, Pili suffered a season-ending triceps injury. But almost a year removed, he’s healthy and ready to come back for his seventh – and final – college football season.
“Yeah, it feels like forever for me,” Pili told the media on Friday when asked how long the past year has felt as he has recovered and built his body back to playing shape. “I just can’t wait to play football again and I’m excited to run through the ‘T’ with pads on. I know that’s one thing I’m looking forward to is playing in Neyland for the first time. Not being able to have the experience, you know, actually being able to play. So excited for that. Feeling good.”
Even though Pili’s debut season with Tennessee ended too soon, his years of experience were an asset to his teammates, even from the sidelines. Pili continued to serve as a team captain for the remainder of the season. He also represented the Vols at SEC Media Days in July. Suffice it to say, he’s had a lot of time to lay the groundwork for his return to the field – both physically and mentally.
“Coach (William Inge) talks about it all the time in our linebacker room, being the most prepared players on the field,” Pili said. “And I feel like that’s something I really dove into, especially with my brothers in the room and on defense. I think that’s been a real big focus. So, coming into my last year, playing college football for this long… I’m just excited to have one more opportunity to do so, to do it in front of the fans here in Tennessee, to be able to put on a show.”
As he fielded questions from the media Friday, the veteran Pili was asked about fellow linebackers Jeremiah Telander and Arion Carter. He had nothing but praise for the two sophomores.
“Jeremiah, specifically from day one, you can feel his intensity when he came in the room and when he took the field,” Pili remarked. “You can’t teach that competitive nature on the field game day. You’re going to know when Telander is on the field because of the way he plays and the way he prepares. I think that’s something I always appreciated about him is no matter what we’re doing, film practice, weightlifting, that guy’s locked in and he’s pushing everybody. That’s just his attitude and what he brings to the team.
“AC, AC, AC, he’s a freak of nature,” Pili said of Carter. “Amazing ballplayer, growing and being a good leader for our team as well. Someone who may be younger, but you can never tell by the way he works… felt like he’s taking steps towards becoming a great player and a great asset on our defense. And he’s someone that comes in every day early, locked in. You know, when I’m doing film, he’s doing film. We do it together.”
We will all be watching to see if Pili is as successful this season as so many predict he will be. Let’s hope he puts on that show he’s so eager to do. If nothing else, at least the long wait will be over.
