T.J. Parker on Chris Rumph: "He brings high intensity"

We heard from freshman defensive end, TJ Parker, ahead of the Tigers’ matchup with Kentucky in the Gator Bowl. Watch the full video or see what was discussed here!

On Coach Rumph: “He brings high intensity. He came in saying he’s gonna coach us hard, but he’s gonna love us even harder— with I love. I’m still getting to learn him, I’ve only been with him for a few days but I can feel the energy and passion that he brings.”

On guys leaving early: “Next man up. We develop depth at every position, so when someone leaves, that’s fine, we’ll have someone come in ready to play. That’s the standard when it comes to our defense and our whole team in general.”

On excitement from Coach Rumph: “I’m excited. He brings in enthusiasm and that hard coaching that we love, so it makes me want to play for somebody like that. You see your coach wanting it as bad as you do, it only amplifies the room and the love you have for each other.”

On practice: “We kinda already did that, encouraging each other and coaching each other— that’s just the culture we have in our room. But he brings that extra effort with us.”

On playing in his first bowl game: “Just finish. This is our last one, we want to make it our best game. As well as playing our best version of football. We still have to do little things and key in on details. Just continue getting better and walk out with the win.”