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Tennessee freshman Joshua Josephs showing promise to help more sooner rather than later

On3 imageby: Brent Hubbs09/30/22Brent_Hubbs
On3 image

Tennessee freshman defensive end Joshua Josephs admits there was a moment during fall camp that he believed he could help he new team sooner rather than later. 

“I feel it was midway through fall camp. My teammates were like man you can really help us,” Josephs offered. “They were boosting me up. I realized I was giving the offense and the o-line some work. I can actually help the team this year if I stay on track and stay focused and do my thing.”

In the Vols second scrimmage of the pre-season, Josephs got some first team reps following a disruptive first scrimmage. 

In Tennessee’s 38-33 win over Florida Saturday, Josephs did what he has done in every game he has played in. He’s flashed. Against the Gators in 8 snaps, Josephs had two quarterback hits/hurries including a near safety and he had a tackle. 

In 51 snaps played on the year, he has 4 quarterback hurries, 4 tackles and a PBU. He also has four missed tackles. The Georgia native is starting to settle in.

“I feel like that is pretty fair to say,” Josephs offered. “My first couple of games there was a little hesitation on the field. But not now, against Florida, I got out there and I was playing full speed with no hesitation and doing my thing. The game has come to me more naturally over time.”

Josephs who spent the spring back home in Georgia focusing on his first step has shown plenty of explosiveness coming off the ball. At 6-3 and with a long reach, Tennessee’s freshman end looks like he has a chance sooner rather than later to cause problems for offensive tackles. 

“My long arm,” Joseph said of what fundamental work he has been focused on. “Everyone knows my wingspan is pretty big. Once I learn how to use my long arm to the full extent then I feel like I will be way more effective. I have been working on that for sure.

“This week that’s one of my main focus along will working on my pass rush moves, not just my long arms but quick speed moves. Anything to help me beat the guy I’m going against.”

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel likes what he has seen from Josephs through four games and believes Josephs along with fellow freshman Tyre West can play bigger roles moving forward this fall. 

 “I think those guys are going to continue to grow here as we go. We’re deeper and able to play more guys who are able to play harder for longer and play at a higher level. Those two guys’ continued growth here is something I’m really excited about seeing here on the back two-third of the season.” 

Josephs has added 12 pounds since he arrived on campus back in June and is focused on adding to his now 225 pound frame. Josephs doesn’t like his lack of weight has hurt his physicality of play, but knows it’s not helping either. 

“I don’t feel like it’s bad,” Josephs said. “My weight definitely holds be back a little bit not being as big. The way I play it doesn’t matter who I’m going against, I’m going to still go at you.”

And going at you means, going fast as fans saw in a near safety and another near sack against Anthony Richardson. Going fast also likely means more snaps moving forward just four games into his college career. 

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