Here’s What Josh Heupel Had to Say Regarding Kicker Max Gilbert’s Recent Challenges for Tennessee Football
For Tennessee Volunteers fans, consistency on special teams can be just as crucial as it is in any other part of the game. Kicker Max Gilbert has been under the spotlight lately, and not necessarily for the reasons he’d hoped. After a string of challenges on the field, head coach Josh Heupel recently spoke about Gilbert’s performance and the team’s approach to helping him get back on track.
Addressing the Kicking Struggles
Coach Josh Heupel, known for his positive and constructive approach with his players, acknowledged the difficulties that Gilbert has encountered recently. Heupel didn’t shy away from the fact that Gilbert has been struggling to find his rhythm, noting that while it’s frustrating for both the player and the team, it’s a normal part of a player’s development.
Heupel expressed faith in Gilbert’s talent and commitment, highlighting the young kicker’s strong work ethic and dedication to improvement. “It’s all about confidence and consistency,” Heupel said. “These things take time to work through, especially for young players who are learning to handle the pressure.”
Building Confidence Through Support
A key part of Heupel’s strategy for helping Gilbert move past these challenges is ensuring that he feels supported, both by the coaching staff and his teammates. In his comments, Heupel emphasized that players need to feel confident to succeed, especially in high-stakes positions like kicker. This mental game is often just as important as physical skill, and Heupel wants Gilbert to stay focused on the basics to build consistency.
“We’re behind him 100%,” Heupel said, stressing that the team is focused on reinforcing Gilbert’s confidence and helping him maintain a positive mindset. “Every player goes through ups and downs. It’s about staying the course, and Max is doing that.”
A Process of Growth
Heupel also made it clear that the team understands kicking can be an unpredictable role, with highs and lows that are sometimes out of a player’s control. While Tennessee’s fans may be eager for flawless execution in each game, Heupel emphasized that player development is a process and that struggles are part of an athlete’s journey.
“Our goal is to support Max as he works through this period, and we believe he’ll come out of it stronger,” Heupel shared. “He’s got the potential, and we’ve seen what he’s capable of in practice. It’s about translating that into game-day performance.”
Looking Ahead
As the Volunteers look to continue their season with steady improvements, all eyes will be on Gilbert to see how he bounces back. Heupel’s comments demonstrate not only his faith in Gilbert but also his commitment to creating a positive, supportive environment that prioritizes growth over immediate results.
For Tennessee, the long-term goal remains to build a team that’s resilient and prepared for any challenge. If Gilbert can overcome this challenging stretch, he’ll not only reinforce his own confidence but also add to the team’s overall resilience.
In the meantime, Heupel’s patience and Gilbert’s determination to improve serve as reminders that in sports, as in life, perseverance and support often pave the way for success.
