Eli Wolf wasn't about to succumb to the loaded question.
In his first news conference since arriving at the University of Georgia as a graduate transfer tight end from the University of Tennessee, Wolf was asked this week whether he had detected a difference in the programs. A reporter was quick to point out Georgia's top-five status entering the 2019 season, while the rebuilding Volunteers are coming off a 5-7 season, which was a one-win improvement from the year before.
"I'm not going to get into comparisons," Wolf said. "I have a lot of friends at Tennessee, and Tennessee did a lot for me. I'm just going to say that I'm excited to be at Georgia."
That diplomatic response came as no surprise. After all, the 6-foot-4, 236-pounder from Minster, Ohio, was selected by Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt as one of three players to represent the Vols at last summer's SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
Wolf played in all 12 games for the Vols last season, making seven starts and five catches, including a 5-yard touchdown at South Carolina, but he decided Tennessee might not be the best fit for him. The younger brother of former Tennessee tight end Ethan Wolf elected to enter the NCAA transfer portal and wound up at another Southeastern Conference school in the same Eastern Division.
"I was just looking for something for my future and the best option for me," he said. "When I entered the portal, Georgia was one of the first schools to call."
The Bulldogs were in a need for a veteran tight end in January after Isaac Nauta bypassed his senior season to enter the NFL draft pool and Luke Ford decided to transfer to Illinois after just one season in Athens. Jackson Harris was a senior tight end last season, so Charlie Woerner was the only player with notable experience returning at the position for Georgia.
Wolf played for three offensive coordinators - Mike DeBord, Larry Scott and Tyson Helton - during his time in Knoxville. His latest coordinator, James Coley, was intrigued by what Wolf could potentially offer.
"He does move well," Coley said earlier this month. "He was a wide receiver coming out of high school, so he has the ability to run routes. He has good hands, so we'll see. We'll see where he goes.
"He was very intriguing for us after seeing Isaac go to the NFL. It opens the opportunity for a lot of catches."
The Bulldogs held a closed practice Wednesday afternoon, which followed the first day of fall semester classes.
Georgia's contingent of tight ends also includes John FitzPatrick, who played sparingly against Austin Peay and Middle Tennessee State before redshirting last season, and true freshmen Ryland Goede and Brett Seither.
Wolf majored in marketing at Tennessee and is pursuing his master's degree in sports management. While he isn't about to compare the Vols and Bulldogs, he is happy his days of facing the Bulldogs are over.
"Georgia is a hard-nosed football team and always has been," Wolf said. "A culture has been instilled here by Coach (Kirby) Smart. You can ask anyone. Playing Georgia is tough."
The series between the Bulldogs and Vols is deadlocked at 23-23-2 entering their Oct. 5 showdown inside Neyland Stadium, a place Wolf once called home.
"It's going to be all business during that game," Wolf said, "but afterwards it will be great to see those guys."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.