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McCallan Castles reflects on his first score; Elijah Herring got a quick reminder

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•09/11/23•

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McCallan Castles Tennessee Football
KNOXVILLE, TN - August 02, 2023 - Tight end McCallan Castles #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2023 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

Through two weeks, Tennessee’s tight ends have two touchdown catches. Jacob Warren caught one in Nashville against Virginia and last week McCallan Castles thanks to an escort from Bru McCoy found the end zone for the first time as a Vol. 

“Two guys that do it right every single day,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Both have the ability to make plays. It’s been great seeing those guys get the opportunities and go execute early in the season. Those guys are a huge part of what we do in the pass game and in the run game. I anticipate those guys continuing to have big years.” 

For Castles the first trip into Tennessee’s checkerboards was a dream come true. 

“The first thing going in my head is don’t get caught, don’t get caught, then when I got into the end zone it’s crazy how much energy and excitement I had. It’s awesome,” Castles said.

Castles acknowledged his help into the end zone noting McCoy’s block. 

“I made one guys miss then I saw Bru (McCoy) driving his guy into the end zone. I think that’s more impressive than the touchdown itself, the fact he drove that guy into the endzone,” Castles offered. “It was a great block and why he’s going to be playing on Sundays because he plays so hard and gives great effort on plays when he’s not getting the ball.” 

For sophomore linebacker Elijah Herring, the role on defense has changed. Herring is now a starter after the injury to Tennessee transfer Keenan Pili. Herring played more snaps than any linebacker playing 51 plays in the win over Austin Peay. 

“It’s next man up mentality,” Herring said. “You just have to be prepared for anything that could happen. It’s a long season. I think I played pretty good. You can’t play perfect. You leave some stuff out on the field, you just have to hit it and get ready for next week and try not to make those same mistakes again.” 

Heupel said he saw plenty of good things out of his young linebackers including Herring and everyone knows that have to grow and improve weekly.

“Destructive. Communicated at a high level. He’s the young guy that his best football is gonna continue to come down the pipe. Great confidence in him,” Heupel said. “From the rest of the guys that played too, saw a lot of things that we liked. There’s a couple of things that we busted on too. Gave up a pass over the middle in the fourth quarter. But we can correct those things. And at the end of the day, that group is going to have to continue to grow up quickly. We’re gonna need all those guys as we go down the stretch.”

Herring got a quick welcome to college football on a first quarter blindside block that the sophomore said he won’t soon forget. 

“That really was a welcome to college football for me,” Herring said. It made me more aware of what’s around me. It’s something I will remember forever.” 

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