I wish to return back to Tennessee Volunteers…

admin | December 21, 2023 | Tennessee Volunteers | No Comments

The Tennessee defender’s motivation for coming back to the state should serve as a stark warning to other transfer players.

For the first time since he declared he would be returning to UT for the 2024 season, Tennessee Vols linebacker Keenan Pili met with reporters on Monday.

In 2024, Pili, a transfer from BYU who sustained a season-ending injury in the Vols’ opening victory over Virginia, will be a seventh-year senior.

He gave an explanation of his desire to play one more season in Tennessee on Monday. His justification ought to serve as a warning to other transfer players who might be thinking about the Vols.

“Just diving into Tennessee, this program, it was really easy for me to say I’d love to come back,” Pili said. “Who wouldn’t want to spend an additional year here? That, I believe, had to do with the fact that a large part of me wanted to stay rather than go. I love my teammates, the culture that was brought to this place, the coaches, and the coaching staff—I know I say that all the time. And I believe that’s a major reason why I enjoy it here and why I would want to come back.

Pili gave Tennessee’s coaches credit for creating the UT culture during the past few years.

Pili remarked, “I’ll just give the coaches credit for what they built from the start.” “I was obviously not here when they first arrived, but from what I’ve heard from the players since then, there’s been a significant shift in culture. That’s probably why, during my visit, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh yeah, I could be here, I could play here.” I wanted to commit there because of this.”

It’s evident that players enjoy being a part of Tennessee’s unique culture at the moment. When the Vols take the field in the fall, Pili, who is married, will be 26 years old. Next season, he might be an NFL player. But he’s opting to play his final season of eligibility in Tennessee. Pili’s choice demonstrates that the conversation about Tennessee’s culture is genuine and not just platitudes. And for transfer players who might be thinking about Tennessee, that should be an allure.

WATCH: Tennessee Defensive Players Talk at Vol Football Media Day | Rocky Top Insider

In addition, Pili disclosed on Monday that he sustained the injury that ended his season during the first quarter of the Virginia game, although he continued to play into the second half.

Keenan Pili Describes His Choice To Go Back To Tennessee
After missing the majority of the season due to injury, linebacker Keenan Pili of the Tennessee Volunteers will make a comeback for his final season of eligibility.

Linebacker Keenan Pili of Tennessee met with the media on Monday and gave an explanation of his decision to rejoin the team in 2024. After a stellar career at BYU, Pili moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. He performed as expected by the Vols coaching staff, making a big impression on tape against Virginia.

Keenan Pili, Tennessee, Linebacker

But soon after, he suffered a tricep injury that ended his season. Pili was still eligible for one more season, but the NFL was drawing near. He made the decision to go back and finish the tasks he had set out to accomplish while on Rocky Top, increasing his chances of being chosen.

Football in Tennessee is almost done with the offseason. After finishing the regular season, the Vols are concentrating on building their roster for the 2023 campaign. With all of the most recent NFL Draft announcements and portal entries, Volunteer Country has the fans covered. The portal window is open from January 2 to December 4. Players will have to wait until May, after spring practice, to access the transfer portal if they do not transfer during that window.

Tags:Keenan Pili, Tennessee Volunteers, Virginia Tech

SPORTFREE

I wish to return back to Tennessee Volunteers…

About The Author

sportfree

Add a Comment

Related Posts

About The Author

sportfree

Add a Comment