In a display of leadership and unity, senior tight end Kitselman expressed confidence in the Tennessee Volunteers team following the unexpected departure of quarterback Iamaleava. “Didn’t skip a beat,” Kitselman remarked regarding the team’s swift response. “Ready to roll. Excited for what’s coming.” Initially, Kitselman was not slated to join the Vols until the NCAA granted a blanket waiver for junior college players, but after two seasons at Alabama and one year at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, he found his way to Tennessee as a somewhat overlooked transfer. Last season, he started 13 games and was expected to be one of three returning starters for the Vols' offense this year.
Despite suffering an injury during spring practice, which required a procedure that kept him from practicing, Kitselman has earned the respect of his teammates for his remarkable work ethic, maturity, and blue-collar playing style. He has developed a keen understanding of the team’s dynamics and holds a commanding presence in the locker room. “Obviously I’m old – I’m really old – but I’ve been a part of some really talented teams that haven’t won a whole lot, because there were individuals on those teams,” he reflected. “And quite frankly, there’s no other group that I’d rather go to war with right now than the guys that we’ve got on this team.”
Another key player, Carter, also faced challenges this spring after undergoing a procedure that prevented him from practicing. Yet, his maturity has positioned him as a clear leader within the squad. As a sophomore, Carter led the Vols in tackles and has recently taken over the Tennessee representative role on the SEC Football Leadership Council. He echoed Kitselman’s sentiments about the team's ability to move on from Iamaleava. “I feel like we have two individuals here who can sling the ball, manage games very well, and play at a high level,” Carter stated. “It’s a next-man-up mentality, and I feel like whoever steps into that position is going to be able to go out and ball out.”
Redshirt freshman Merklinger and freshman MacIntyre are still adjusting to the complexities of college football, especially following the abrupt departure of a teammate with whom they shared not only position but also expectations. “The dinner on Thursday night had been planned for a while,” Merklinger shared. “We do that every year before the spring game. Everything was normal, and we enjoyed some great tacos.” However, neither quarterback anticipated the news that awaited them the following morning. “I didn’t have any feeling about it,” MacIntyre admitted, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation. “We found out the same time everyone else did.”
Despite the abrupt news, both players maintained focus on their upcoming practice sessions. “We went to practice, and we practiced, so I don’t think it changed anything,” Merklinger noted. After practice, Kitselman took the initiative to gauge the sentiment among other team leaders, reassuring himself that the Vols were well-prepared to handle the transition. “Nobody skipped a beat, and I loved seeing that,” he said. “It’s plug and play.”
Kitselman emphasized the importance of fostering unity within the team, particularly during challenging times. “We’ve got a lot of guys on this group that want to be here,” he said. He expressed excitement for the future, stating, “This just makes me even more excited about how we need to rally together now, even more than ever.” The departure of a player like Iamaleava, who previously led the Vols to a College Football Playoff appearance, raises concerns about potential ripple effects on the roster. The team must now reassure key players such as Mike Matthews that their performance will not be hindered by recent changes.
As the Tennessee Volunteers navigate this transitional phase, strong leadership and a cohesive team culture will be crucial in maintaining morale. “The guys who want to be here are the guys who want to be here,” Carter stressed. “We’ve built a really strong culture, tight-knit and unbreakable.” The team’s resilience will be tested, but with leaders like Kitselman and Carter at the forefront, the Vols are poised to face any challenges ahead.
Kitselman concluded with a strong message about the team’s collective spirit, saying, “This team is different. Our O-line’s close, our wide receivers are close, and our tight ends are the closest group I’ve ever been with. We’re good with whoever we’ve got back there at quarterback.” As the Vols prepare for the upcoming season, their commitment to teamwork and unity will be essential for success on and off the field.
