Photo courtesy: UT Athletic Dept.
When Vols defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri made the decision to come to Tennessee this offseason he not only left the defending champs, but his son as well. When the Vols take on top-ranked Alabama on Saturday Sal will see his son Vinnie lined up against him.
"It's going to be extemely hard to go over there and hug that kid knowing that he's on one side of the field and i'm on this side," Sunseri says.
Sal says one of his favorite years in coaching was last year when he got a chance to coach his son. A feeling Vinnie shares.
"Honestly growing up I told myself that i would work as hard as i could and be able to play for my dad one day," Vinnie says. "I got to do that last year and it was probably the best year of football i've ever had."
Now spending time with Dad is something Ashlyn Sunseri is enjoying, a volleyball player for the Lady Vols.
"I'll come in during the day in between classes and he loves being able to see me," Ashylyn says.
Sal loves having his little girl around. "I get a chance to hug her and she's excited about being here in Knoxville. She loves being on the volleyball team with coach (Rob) Patrick and she has that where she can come home and see her Mom and her Dad. You know her mom does her laundry for her so that's pretty good. Last year it was Vinnie and now it's her so she's reaping the benefits of having Dad around."