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Why Tennessee’s Kelsey Pope wants Chas Nimrod to ‘flip the switch’
Caleb Jarreau, Sports Editor Aug 8, 2024 Updated Aug 8, 2024
Chas Nimrod (81) lines up against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
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Tennessee football wide recievers coach Kelsey Pope wanted to see a mental adjustment from Chas Nimrod.
Nimrod, now a redshirt sophomore for the Vols, is always smiling and in a great mood when he is in the facility. Pope wanted that to change when Nimrod steps onto the field.
Like flipping a switch, Pope wanted Nimrod to change his persona when it is time to compete.
“I think mentally that’s where he’s transformed,” Pope said. “So it’s always those little nuggets when I see him. It may be like he’s really into books. We’ve talked about ‘The Alchemist.’ I’ve given him props and things out of that book, but those are the type of relationships that help guys grow.”
READ MORE: Tennessee defensive line blocking outside noise as fall camp continues
Flipping that switch is something Nimrod says he has done since he has begun playing. Still, a mental change helped him excel over the offseason as the fall campaign approaches.
Chas Nimrod (11) makes a catch during Tennessee’s second day of fall camp at Anderson Training Center. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.
Caleb Jarreau / The Daily Beacon
“Kind of just take it day by day, focusing on attacking the day, like, you could say meaner mindset,” Nimrod said. “But just more focused every day on my approach.”
Nimrod appeared in 13 games last season but only caught 19 passes for 194 yard and a touchdown. He could see that role grow this season with the Vols.
His work so far has gained the recognition of head coach Josh Heupel and the Vols’ staff. Nimrod has been a name the staff has brought up in meetings due to his success in the weight room and adding more muscle to his frame.
The now 6-foot-3, 196-pound receiver is feeling the effects of his offseason work.
“He’s done a great job, for one, of changing his body,” Pope said. “He’s gained a lot of muscle. He looks different on the field because of that and he’s competing his butt off right now. He’s had a really good camp. Today was probably his best practice that he’s had since he’s been here, just from a consistency and competitive standpoint.
“So I’m looking forward to seeing more out of him as he continues to train. He’s done an awesome job so far.”
Something Nimrod brings to the table for the Vols is his ability to play inside or outside in the offense. Versatility is prevalent in the wide receiver room, and the depth this season will allow for more rotations.
That is the plan, at least, for Pope in his position group. The plan last season was quickly derailed by injuries.
“I think that depth has forced those guys to put more on themselves, to learn different positions so I can add value and get on the field however that may be,” Pope said. “So even if on a given day, if you see Squirrel (White), Chas and Mike (Matthews) at a spot, those guys can go play anywhere in our system.”
Competition is not hard to find in the Vols’ receiver room — something both Pope and Nimrod admit is bettering the room. It’s a competition that Nimrod hopes to be on the right side of come Aug. 31.
Based on a small mental adjustment and praise of Tennessee’s staff, Nimrod is right on track with gaining an increased role with Tennessee’s offense.
“I feel more confident in my game, so it just helps,” Nimrod said. “I’m able to play faster and better.”
