Tennessee defensive end Jonathan Kongbo is putting the hype behind him

Jonathan Kongbo wanted to live up to the hype.

As the No. 1 junior college prospect coming out of Arizona Western College last year, Kongbo desperately wanted to show he was worthy of the recognition.

But the Tennessee defensive end endured his share of mental, physical and emotional struggles adjusting to the Division I level in a football-crazed town that was far from home.

“I let it get to me too much, the pressure and what everyone expected. So it definitely was something on my mind coming in,” Kongbo said Thursday after the Vols completed their eighth spring practice. “I feel different coming in this year. I am not really paying attention to all that.”

The 6-foot-6 Kongbo has dropped from 285 pounds to 265 this spring. Injuries required Kongbo to move from defensive end to defensive tackle last season. The change didn’t sit well with Kongbo at first.

But having moved back to defensive end this spring, the redshirt junior believes it could have been a blessing in disguise.

“Honestly playing inside I got to learn a lot,” Kongbo said. “I think it helped me step my game up as far as being more physical and what not.”

Kongbo is relatively raw compared to his peers.

He began playing football as a senior at Holy Cross High in Surrey, British Columbia. Kongbo began his college career at the University of Wyoming. He redshirted as a true freshman and transferred to Arizona Western to play before arriving at UT.

“It was definitely a big learning experience coming in and never playing in the SEC. It will definitely wake you up when you are there as far as going up against better athletes,” Kongbo said. “I think the biggest thing is just details, maybe a bit more film work than JC and beforehand. But one guy that really helped me throughout all this was Derek Barnett. He really took me under his wing and just kind of gave me the ins and outs.”

UT head coach Butch Jones, defensive coordinator Bob Shoop and new defensive line coach Brady Hoke have all praised the strides Kongbo has made in his maturity.

“I feel like I am finally at home,” Kongbo said. “I feel I finally set down. There was a time last year I really didn’t feel at home at all times. But as far as maturing, I just know my environment and kind of how to act around here.”

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Kongbo caused a bit of a stir last season when he posted a tweet featuring a pair of cleats hanging by their laces with “All things must come to an end” written alongside.

Many wondered if it meant Kongbo was quitting football. But Kongbo said it signified a loss in a FIFA video game involving Barcelona and Arsenal.

“It was a good game of FIFA,” Kongbo said with a smile. “I lost, so one thing I know is don’t always take (to) Twitter when you are upset.”

The fallout made Kongbo realize he wasn’t in Canada anymore. Things involving football players are a bit more scrutinized in SEC country.

“I feel like one part I am to blame is kind of (my) maturity at times,” Kongbo said. “And as far as people’s reaction, it is Tennessee, right? Should have known.”

In UT’s victory over Missouri late last season, Kongbo returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown. His teammates mobbed him in the end zone, happy to see Kongbo rewarded after such a rough transition.

“It was really the first game I settled being inside and paying inside,” Kongbo said. “I felt comfortable and took the majority of reps in there, so for me it was a good boost of confidence and it also let me know I could play at this level.”

UT offensive line coach Walt Wells has seen a change in Kongbo when the linemen go head-to-head in practices.

“The big thing about Jonathan now is he’s practicing hard,” Wells said. “He’s always had high motor and gone after things, but he is practicing hard with a purpose now and he’s developing moves, he’s developing counter moves, and he’s playing hard in the run game.”

Kongbo had a chance to see his family twice last season when the Vols hosted Alabama and during the bowl week.

Although his head was spinning last year acclimatizing to football, academics and a new culture, Kongbo has found strength in the adversity.

“I think it was just a learning experience. There were times last year it was really tough for me,” he said. “I think one thing I learned is perseverance and keep working hard.”

Now that Kongbo feels more comfortable on and off the field, he’s hoping it shows in his play during the season. But after all the early hype and expectations, he’s keeping his aspirations simple.

“It sounds cliche, but to be the best me I could be, take every day and get better at least at one thing,” Kongbo said. “That is kind of the approach I have taken so far.”