KNOXVILLE — Jeremy Pruitt enters year three as Tennessee’s head coach.
A staple within Pruitt’s program has been UT’s strength and conditioning program under Director of Football Sports Performance Craig Fitzgerald’s direction.
Fitzgerald has received job offers from other schools during his time at Tennessee, but has elected to remain with the Vols.
Following Tennessee’s first practice during spring football, Pruitt discussed Fitzgerald remaining at UT and consistency within the strength and conditioning program.
“I can’t say enough about Craig and his guys and what they have done over the last three years,” Pruitt said. “Our guys continue to get bigger, stronger, develop discipline and a lot of mental toughness.
“In the offseason, Craig is a guy that is in high demand. That is no secret. There have been several jobs that have been open across our league and Craig was the first guy that they called. He decided to stay here. He is in demand because he is good at what he does.”
Pruitt also discussed how Tennessee’s players have adapted and grown within Fitzgerald’s program.
“When you look at our guys, you can see in this offseason, the growth,” Pruitt said. “I think our strength staff has done a fantastic job getting these guys ready for spring ball.
“You can see it how their bodies have changed over the course of the last year. We’ve got to continue to work hard in the weight room during spring.”