DeSean Bishop’s “Straight Business” Mindset: A Throwback Approach to Football

Tennessee Volunteers running back DeSean Bishop has captured attention not only for his on-field performance but also for his no-nonsense, “straight business” approach to the game. When asked why he forgoes gloves—a common accessory for modern running backs—Bishop’s response was telling: “Just get that feeling of the ball, that grip I do on the ball… If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. That’s kind of my mindset… I’m not here to look the best, dress the best, I’m just here for straight business.” This mindset, rooted in practicality and focus, has made Bishop a standout player and a symbol of Tennessee’s gritty, throwback football identity. This article explores Bishop’s journey, his unique approach, his impact on the Volunteers, and how his mindset resonates in today’s game.

From Walk-On to Scholarship Star

DeSean Bishop’s story is one of perseverance and hometown pride. A Knoxville native and former star at Karns High School, Bishop arrived at Tennessee in 2023 as a preferred walk-on with little fanfare. Despite being a two-time Tennessee Mr. Football winner with an astonishing 8,347 rushing yards—second-most in state history—and 102 touchdowns, he was under-recruited, with offers only from mid-major programs like Coastal Carolina. Choosing to bet on himself, Bishop joined the Volunteers without a scholarship, determined to prove his worth.

His hard work paid off. After a redshirt freshman season in 2023 sidelined by injury, Bishop emerged in 2024 as the team’s second-string running back behind All-SEC star Dylan Sampson. His breakout performance came against Kent State, where he rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, including a 47-yard score. By January 2025, Tennessee rewarded his efforts with a scholarship, a testament to his relentless drive. Bishop’s journey from walk-on to scholarship player embodies the “straight business” ethos he brings to the field.

The No-Gloves Philosophy

Bishop’s decision to play without gloves is a striking departure from the norm in modern college football, where sticky, high-tech gloves are nearly ubiquitous among skill-position players. In an interview after Tennessee’s 45-26 win over Syracuse in the 2025 season opener, Bishop explained his choice: “I feel like I actually have a better grip when I don’t have gloves… Just started practicing, catching without the gloves. Just get that feeling of the ball, that grip I do on the ball.” This approach, honed during offseason practices, reflects his belief in simplicity and functionality over flash.

The no-gloves philosophy paid dividends against Syracuse, where Bishop caught two passes for 44 yards, including a 23-yard grab and a 21-yard reception, showcasing his sure hands in the passing game. His reasoning—“If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”—underscores a pragmatic mindset that prioritizes results over aesthetics. Bishop added, “I’m not here to look the best, dress the best, I’m just here for straight business. I feel like that’s what that represents out there. Shows that I’m here to get the job done.” This attitude has earned him respect from coaches and teammates, who see him as a throwback player in a modern era.

A Throwback Mentality in a Modern Game

Bishop’s “straight business” mindset harkens back to an earlier era of football, where grit and fundamentals often trumped style. Tennessee running backs coach De’Rail Sims described him as “an old school throwback player… that guy that you can just keep hitting and hitting and hitting and he just keeps getting stronger and stronger as the game goes along.” This assessment highlights Bishop’s physicality and endurance, qualities that shine in high-pressure situations.

In an era dominated by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, social media branding, and flashy accessories, Bishop’s focus on the essentials—gripping the ball, running hard, and executing his role—stands out. His approach resonates with Tennessee’s blue-collar fanbase, who see him as a local hero embodying the Volunteer spirit. As a Knoxville native, Bishop’s connection to the community adds depth to his mindset: “A lot of kids in Knoxville would love to have the opportunity that I have. Not a lot of people from my city get this opportunity.”

On-Field Impact in 2024 and 2025

Bishop’s contributions in the 2024 season demonstrated his value to Tennessee’s offense. Despite missing three games due to a lower-body injury, he finished second on the team with 455 rushing yards on 74 carries, averaging an impressive 6.15 yards per carry—third-best in the SEC and sixth among FBS freshmen with over 70 carries. His standout games included:

• Kent State (September 14, 2024): Bishop ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, including a 53-yard and a 47-yard score, proving his explosiveness in a 71–0 rout.

• Alabama (October 19, 2024): Averaging 7.2 yards per carry, Bishop rushed for 36 yards on five attempts in a win over the No. 7 Crimson Tide.

• Vanderbilt (November 30, 2024): Returning from injury, Bishop carried 13 times for 61 yards, showcasing his durability in the regular-season finale.

In the 2025 season opener against Syracuse, Bishop continued to make an impact, contributing both as a runner and a receiver. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield—bolstered by his no-gloves grip—added a new dimension to Tennessee’s offense, which is looking to incorporate more running back involvement in the passing game. His performance earned him praise from head coach Josh Heupel, who noted Bishop’s efficiency and effectiveness in scrimmages and games.

Leadership and Growth

Beyond his on-field contributions, Bishop has emerged as a leader in Tennessee’s running back room. Running backs coach De’Rail Sims highlighted his growth in 2025: “He’s taken a step in terms of leadership… He’s been a dynamic guy in the room, in terms of holding guys accountable.” This leadership extends to pass protection, where Bishop has improved significantly, earning praise for his physicality and eye discipline.

Bishop’s development is a testament to Tennessee’s coaching staff and their ability to nurture talent. After missing his true freshman season due to injury, Bishop used his redshirt year to refine his skills, particularly in pass-catching and blocking. His ability to step into a larger role in 2024, despite injuries to teammates like Cameron Seldon, showcased his readiness to seize opportunities. Sims called him “the spark plug,” noting his consistent improvement in practice.

The Bigger Picture: Tennessee’s Running Back Room

Bishop’s emergence bolsters Tennessee’s running back depth, a critical factor as they navigate the SEC’s grueling schedule. With Dylan Sampson, the SEC’s 2024 rushing and scoring leader, departing after the season, Bishop is poised to compete for the starting role in 2025 alongside Peyton Lewis and transfer Star Thomas. His 455 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, despite limited carries, position him as a frontrunner for RB1.

The Volunteers’ running back room has been a strength, with Bishop, Sampson, and Seldon providing versatility. Bishop’s ability to handle increased touches, as seen in his 16-carry, 65-yard performance against Oklahoma in 2024, suggests he can shoulder a larger workload. His no-gloves approach enhances his reliability as a pass-catcher, a skill that could make him a three-down back in Heupel’s fast-paced offense.

Challenges and Future Potential

While Bishop’s mindset and performance are impressive, he faces challenges in maintaining consistency. Injuries derailed parts of his 2024 season, including absences against Mississippi State, Georgia, and UTEP. A lower-body injury against Kentucky in 2024 forced him out in the second quarter, highlighting the need for durability. Tennessee’s coaching staff is working on conditioning to ensure he can withstand the physical toll of SEC play.

Looking ahead, Bishop’s potential is immense. His 6.15 yards-per-carry average in 2024 ranked among the nation’s best, and his ability to break off big runs—like his 53-yard touchdown against Kent State—suggests he could become a star. As Tennessee aims for a deeper College Football Playoff run in 2025, Bishop’s “straight business” mentality will be crucial, especially in high-stakes games against Oklahoma, Florida, and Alabama.

Resonating with Vol Nation

Bishop’s local roots and gritty approach have endeared him to Tennessee fans. As a Karns High School alum, he represents the dreams of countless Knoxville kids. His scholarship announcement in January 2025 was a moment of pride for Vol Nation, with fans on X celebrating his journey from walk-on to key contributor. One post read, “DeSean Bishop is the heart of Knoxville football—pure grit, no flash, just results.” His no-gloves stance and “straight business” mantra have become rallying cries for a fanbase that values authenticity.

National analysts have also taken notice. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum praised Bishop’s throwback style, calling him “a player who embodies what Tennessee football is about—hard work and heart.” His performances in scrimmages, often highlighted by Heupel as standout moments, have earned him a reputation as a practice warrior, further solidifying his place in the program.

The Broader Impact of Bishop’s Mindset

Bishop’s approach reflects a broader trend in college football: a return to fundamentals in an era of glitz and glamour. While NIL deals and personal branding dominate headlines, players like Bishop remind us that success often comes from mastering the basics. His decision to forgo gloves isn’t just a quirk—it’s a statement about prioritizing performance over appearance. This mindset aligns with Tennessee’s culture under Heupel, who has built a program around discipline and execution, as evidenced by their No. 17 Coaches Poll and No. 22 AP Poll rankings in 2025.

Bishop’s philosophy also resonates with younger players. His leadership in holding teammates accountable, as noted by Sims, sets a tone in the running back room. As Tennessee prepares for a pivotal 2025 season, Bishop’s example could inspire others to adopt a similar focus on results over style, strengthening the team’s identity.

Conclusion

DeSean Bishop’s “straight business” mindset, epitomized by his no-gloves approach, has made him a rising star for the Tennessee Volunteers. From a walk-on to a scholarship running back, his journey reflects perseverance, grit, and a commitment to fundamentals. His 455 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, along with his contributions in the 2025 season opener, showcase his on-field impact. As Tennessee eyes a deep playoff run, Bishop’s leadership, physicality, and throwback mentality will be vital. His story, rooted in Knoxville pride and a relentless work ethic, embodies the Volunteer spirit and positions him as a cornerstone of Tennessee’s bright future.