Vols’ Dobbs becomes more vocal leader

Senior setting ‘higher standard’

Associated Press

Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs has added one more assignment to his long list of responsibilities.

The face of Tennessee’s program also has become the voice of its offense. Coaches and teammates say they’ve noticed a difference in him this year. He doesn’t hesitate to let the entire offense know when something needs to be corrected or when someone’s done something well.

“He’s definitely more vocal,” senior guard Dylan Wiesman said. “He stands up and he’ll get on guys and call them out. That has definitely improved. That is what’s making him a better leader.”

Dobbs, whose 22 career starts lead all active Southeastern Conference quarterbacks, downplays the changes in his approach. The senior said he has always tried to lead, ever since taking over the starting spot for good late in the 2014 season.

But he acknowledges he has made a few tweaks to his style.

“I’m just being myself, pushing my teammates, holding them to a higher standard,” Dobbs said. “I’ve always held them to a high standard and have said things when needed, but this year it’s just holding them to an even higher standard than I have in the past. I’m glad they’re seeing that and they’re responding to it well.”

No. 9 Tennessee has its highest preseason ranking