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WATCH: Tennessee walk-on Paul Bain ready for new perspective from coaching staff
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There were very few good moments in what was a 4-8 season for Tennessee in 2017, however, one of those moments was provided by redshirt senior defensive lineman Paul Bain, who has been a walk-on since he arrived on campus.
Bain blocked what would have been a game-winning field goal as time expired in Tennessee’s season opener against Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the Vols went on to win 42-41 in double overtime. Despite his contribution to the win, Bain only played in one more game during the rest of the abysmal 2017 season.
With an entirely new coaching staff in Knoxville, there are new opportunities across the board for any player to compete for a starting spot. That opportunity is equal for walk-ons as well, and Bain is looking forward to having a fresh start with a new perspective on how he can help his team.
Check out what Bain had to say on Sunday in a video posted by Marc Whiteman of WATE ABC Knoxville:
After blocking the game-winning field goal against Georgia Tech in last year's opener, walk-on Paul Bain only appeared in one more game. He's thrilled about the opportunity for a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/9ofWqoXCBg
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) August 5, 2018
“This is a new opportunity for me to prove myself,” said Bain, “a new set of eyes for me to be judged and looked at so I can really see where I stand in situations like this.”
“I kind of welcome that opportunity as somebody else who can come in and help me. A new perspective on the way I play.”
It is not often that college football players have many responsibilities outside of class at football activities, but life is different for walk-ons. Bain went through his daily routine class and practice routine while meeting with the media on Sunday, and explained how he balances that with his day job at Champ’s Sports.
This exchange was captured and uploaded by FOX Sports Knoxville:
Tennessee DL Paul Bain discusses what it’s like having a job, fitting in school & his athletic commitments. Great work ethic from this young man. pic.twitter.com/G2enpBktw2
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) August 5, 2018
Paul Bain only has two career tackles in his time at Tennessee and is entering his final season of eligibility. He will always be remembered by Tennessee fans for his field goal block in the game against Georgia Tech, but will have every opportunity to insert himself into the lineup and provide some more big moments for the Vols in 2018.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Lucas is a digital reporter for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, and a high school play-by-play broadcaster. Lucas has been covering SEC football for Saturday Down South since 2018.
