Kedric Golston II is tired of being the second result on Google.
Search “Kedric Golston” and the first result won't be a freshman defensive lineman for Tennessee football. It'll be a Wikipedia page detailing someone else's career: four years playing at Georgia, 11 seasons in the NFL and most recently a few years as a high school
coach. That resume belongs to Golston's father, with whom he shares a name.It’s the second result he’s looking for. Kedric Golston II’s profile on the Tennessee roster is a blank slate – no stats, no accolades, just a brief biography. And, of course, the mandatory mention of his father.
Golston could be a contributor in 2026 for the Vols’ defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles. He made a strong impression in winter
workouts and spring practice.
He just wants to make enough of a name for himself to supplant his father on Google.
“It’s almost all my motivation, really,” Golston said on Aug. 6. “… I want my name to pop up there first.”
Kedric Golston II’s father played for Rodney Garner at Georgia
Golston knew what he was getting into with defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who isn’t known to take it easy on young players. Quite the opposite, really.
But there’s a reason he's one of the most acclaimed position coaches in the SEC. Just take a quick glance at the long list of NFL draft picks he has developed. Golston’s father is among them.
Kedric Golston played at Georgia from 2002-05 when Garner was the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by Washington, where he played for 11 seasons.
Golston said Garner was a central figure in his recruitment to Tennessee. Golston knew that Garner's style is tough love. His father coached him in a similar fashion, including as his high school head coach his junior and senior seasons at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia.
“I’ve heard the terminology from my dad being coached by Coach G,” Golston said. “Coach G probably still uses the same terminology from when he coached him back in the day.”
The soundtrack of Golston’s first two preseason practices has been Garner’s orders rising above the thud of linemen hitting blocking sleds.
“It’s going to be hard coaching, but they’re going to make you do it right,” he said.
Kedric Golston could be in line for a notable role as a freshman
Golston's potential playing time increased after Penn State transfer Chaz Coleman was medically disqualified.
Tulane transfer Jordan Norman is expected to lead at edge, and sophomore Christian Gass will factor in as well. Behind those two will be opportunities for freshmen.
Knowles' scheme could also allow for leaner rushers like Golston, who is listed at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, to interchange with bigger defensive ends to generate pressures.
“If they put me in with the ones, twos, whatever it is, I just do my stuff and know my job,” Golston said, “Everything will take care of itself.”
Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Kedric Golston II hopes Tennessee football will help him top dad on Google search
