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Squirrel White Recognized On Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

Posted on August 7, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Wednesday that Tennessee junior wide receiver Squirrel White was tabbed to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver.

White is one of 49 players on the preseason watch list and one of eight players from the Southeastern Conference. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver.

The speedy wideout from Birmingham, Alabama, enters his third season at Tennessee after a productive sophomore campaign for the Vols last fall. White started all 13 games in 2023 and led the Big Orange with 67 catches for 803 yards as he developed into one of the SEC’s best slot receivers. His 67 receptions ranked fifth in the league and tied for the seventh-most in UT single-season history.

Known for his explosive playmaking ability and elusiveness, White has been clocked at 23.4 miles per hour on the Catapult GPS system. He has produced 10 catches of 30-plus yards, nine catches and 40-plus yards, six catches of 50-plus yards and three catches of 60-plus yards over the course of his college career.

The Biletnikoff Award semifinalists, finalists and recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Semifinalists will be unveiled Nov. 18 before three finalists are announced on Nov. 26.

The 2024 Biletnikoff Award winner will be revealed on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 12, and the trophy will be presented at The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.

2024 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Head Coach Josh Heupel
Dodd Trophy Watch List

John Campbell Jr., OL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Nico Iamaleava, QB, R-Fr.
Maxwell Award Watch List

Lance Heard, OL, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Cooper Mays, C, Sr.
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Media)
Second-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Bru McCoy, WR, R-Sr.
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

James Pearce Jr., DE, Jr.
Walter Camp Award Watch List
Lott Trophy Watch List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)

Keenan Pili, LB, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Jackson Ross, P, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Dylan Sampson, RB, Jr.
Doak Walker Award Watch List
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Javontez Spraggins, OL, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omari Thomas, DL, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Squirrel White, WR, Jr.
Biletnikoff Award Watch List
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)

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Knox County Public Library Offers Dozens of Resources for Homework Help

Posted on August 7, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— With school set to start tomorrow, Knox County Public Library wants to remind families that it offers dozens of research options to help local students get ahead.

First and foremost? A library card, which lets folks access free online tutoring, test prep courses, primary sources for historical research, and more.

“As we start out the new school year, I want to encourage everyone to make sure their library cards are up to date and active because our library system has many resources available to help students achieve academic success,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

Additionally, Brainfuse Help Now is an online, live tutoring service that helps with math, reading, science and social studies. Students can get feedback on a writing assignment, take practice tests, and more.

Gale Power Search allows students to search an enormous collection of newspapers, magazine/journal articles, and books simultaneously. And, Transparent Language Online builds all four core skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students can choose from more than 100 languages, including English and American Sign Language.

World Book Encyclopediaprovides resources for all ages with video, activities, games, and other information. It’s also available in World Book Advanced for high school students, World Book Discover for reluctant or new readers, World Book Early Learning for Pre-K to Grade 2, and World Book Kids for elementary students.

Additionally, the McClung Digital Collection is full of photographs, manuscripts, documents, and scrapbooks from East Tennessee. These primary sources are invaluable in learning about the local role in woman suffrage, the early effort to create the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the 1982 World’s Fair, the George Barber architecture catalog, and more.

These are just a handful of online resources available to help students succeed this year. The library system also offers dozens more including historic newspapers and test prep courses. For even more information, check out knoxcountylibrary.org.

Medic in Competition with Blood Assurance as Smokies Take on Lookouts

Posted on August 7, 2024

MEDIC and Chattanooga-based Blood Assurance kick off their annual competition on August 6 – 11. The center collecting the most red blood cells through the week will be the winner! This competition aligns with the Tennessee Smokies hosting the Chattanooga Lookouts at home!

Donors will receive a ticket to a Tennessee Smokies game, the August tie-dye shirt, a box of Girl Scout cookies, and a Texas Roadhouse coupon.

MEDIC offers several special incentives specifically for platelet donors including daily e-gift cards, MEDIC platelet punch card program, and the daily MEDIC gift. Platelet donors must make an appointment by calling 865-521-2684. Appointments can be made online at http://www.medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074.

MEDIC is the primary blood product provider for 25 hospitals including Blount Memorial, Covenant Health System, East TN Children’s Hospital,

Tennova Healthcare, and UT Medical Center. MEDIC recruits blood donors in 23 counties.

As a reminder, the blood, platelets, and plasma products on the shelves now are what would be used in a trauma event, and it takes at least three days for donated blood to be processed and ready for distribution.

MEDIC is an independent, nonprofit organization. Products donated through MEDIC truly help community members in East TN and Southeastern Kentucky. Products donated through any other collection activity/organization do not stay in East TN or Southeastern Kentucky. Those products are shipped out of the area and nationally.

WEBSITE: http://www.medicblood.org

Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tubner Attends SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum

Posted on August 7, 2024

Tennessee women’s basketball assistant coach Roman Tubner attended the recent 2024 Southeastern Conference Coaches Opportunity Forum.

The SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum was created as a result of SEC Bylaw 23, which was implemented in 2021 to promote opportunities in paths to leadership. The goal is to empower participants with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to progress toward head coaching positions in their respective sports.

Participants, who come from a variety of different sports and schools within the SEC, engaged in a two-day immersive professional development experience aimed at providing the knowledge, skills and resources necessary for their next career progression.

In addition to receiving welcome remarks from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, those attending heard from a who’s who of presenters and panelists. That list included Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne, Georgia Athletics Director Josh Brooks, former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, Missouri men’s basketball coach Dennis Gates and ESPN anchor/host Elle Duncan.

Topics and forums included leadership and career progression, an SEC Athletics Directors panel, what a school’s job search looks like, guidance for personal development and coaching, and the process to leading. Additionally, there was a media and communications session as well as opportunities for networking.

Tubner is in his first season at Tennessee after spending the previous three years with the women’s hoops program at Alabama. He has 11 years of experience as an assistant and has helped coach teams to six postseason tournament appearances during his career.

Courtesy / UT Athletics

Ojeda Announces 2024 Fall Slate

Posted on August 7, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Entering her ninth season at the helm of the women’s tennis program, head coach Alison Ojeda announced the Lady Vols’ fall schedule on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lady Volunteers are fresh off one of the most monumental seasons in program history. In 2023, the team notched a 22-8 record (9-4 SEC), achieving the highest number of victories in the Ojeda era for the second year in a row, and reached the Final Four for the second time ever.

“This fall is going to be an exciting one on Rocky Top for our women’s tennis team,” Ojeda said. “We have three returners who Matias Marin and I are very excited to get back on court with. We also have seven new players on our roster this year, as well as our new assistant coach Elizabeth Scotty. It’s going to be fun to get to know one another in a competitive and thriving environment.”

Tennessee will kick off its fall match play on the road, starting at the H-E-B Invitational in Waco, Texas, from September 20-22. The following week, the Lady Vols will travel to Cary, N.C., to compete in the ITA All-American Championships, which will take place from September 23-29.

The squad will travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to compete in the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championship from October 10-14. Tennessee will return home to host the UT Home Invitational from October 25-27.

Pending on the Lady Vols’ qualifications, select players will travel to San Diego, Calif., for the ITA Fall Nationals from November 1-5. Additionally, select players will compete at the ITA Sectionals in Athens, Ga., from November 7-10

The team will conclude its fall match play by returning to Waco for the NCAA Individual Tournament, set for November 19-24.

For all the latest information from Lady Vol Tennis, follow the team on Twitter/X @Vol_WTennis, Instagram @vol_wtennis or Facebook.

2024 Fall Schedule:

September 20-22 – H-E-B Invitational – Waco, T.X.

September 23-29 – ITA All-American Championships – Cary, N.C.

October 4-6 – Woman of Troy Invite – Los Angeles, Calif.

October 10-14 – ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships – Murfreesboro, Tenn.

October 25-27 – UT Home Invitational – Knoxville, Tenn.

November 1-5 – ITA Fall Nationals – San Diego, Calif.

November 7-10 – ITA Sectionals – Athens, Ga.

November 19-24 – NCAA Individual Championships – Baylor University

Courtesy / UT Athleticcs

MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee at Virginia (exhibition)

Posted on August 7, 2024

The Lady Vols are headed to Charlottesville, Virginia, for the first of two pre-season exhibition matches, squaring off with the Cavaliers in a 7 p.m. ET contest at Klöckner Stadium Wednesday night.

Live stats and live video will not be available for this exhibition match. Admission for this contest at UVA is free.

NEW FACES: Tennessee added 17 newcomers in its 2024 signing class. 10 newcomers are freshman as seven are transfers with collegiate experience.

BACK AGAIN: The Lady Vols return 13 letterwinners from the 2023 squad that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

THE LAST MEETING: Tennessee last played Virginia during a regular season matchup on Sept. 12, 2014, falling 2-1 to the eventual NCAA runners-up.

UP NEXT: Tennessee will host UNC Asheville at 1 p.m. Sunday in its final tune up before the season begins when UT goes on the road to Indiana for an 8 p.m. ET contest on Thursday, Aug. 15.

Knoxville Police Say Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence are Working

Posted on August 6, 2024

Knoxville Police say collaborative efforts to reduce gun violence in the area are paying off.

Officials say “If you look at our numbers year-to-date right now, all fatal and non- fatal are down 33 percent compared to the same time in 2023.”

Taking a look at historical data, this far into the year, KPD reported a three-year average of 47 non-deadly shooting victims and a five-year average of 45 victims.

KPD patrols three districts: East, West, and Central. In those areas, KPD selected three microzones that been impacted the most by gun violence over the last five years, upping efforts.

In the East District, a 7 and a half-block microzone located between Martin Luther King Avenue and Chestnut Street has had no shootings in the last 10 months.

The project’s focus is not only on reducing gun violence, but to provide better quality of life by working with other city partners.

Official Photo

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles Cell Phone Seized by FBI

Posted on August 6, 2024

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is speaking out after the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized his cell phone.

His phone was taken August 2nd, the day after he beat Courtney Johnston in the U.S. House primary race for District 5.

In a post on X by Ogles yesterday (Tuesday), he says “It is his understanding that the FBI is investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings.” He says that it’s been widely reported for months that his campaign made mistakes in its initial financial filings and they have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward.

Ogles added that he will be cooperating with the FBI as he claims to have been doing with the Federal Election Commission.

He says he’s confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes, and nothing more.

Ogles has represented the district since last year which includes Lewis, Maury and Marshall counties and parts of Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties in Middle Tennessee.

As the elected primary Republican candidate, Ogles will now face the unopposed candidate in the Democratic Primary, and three independent candidates.

Photo courtesy of WVLT

Amazon Officials Hope to Open East Knoxville Location this Year

Posted on August 6, 2024

Amazon hopes to have its second facility in East Tennessee up and running by the end of the year.

Amazon announced it would open a distribution site in East Knoxville on the former site of East Towne Mall in 2021 with plans to open in 2022.

Since then, it has sat empty, but an Amazon spokesperson says internal construction is ongoing and hopes to open before the 2024 holiday season.

However, an opening date has not been finalized.

This will be the second Amazon facility in East Tennessee. A fulfillment center opened in Alcoa last year.

TBI: Crossville Police Department Detective Charged with Assault

Posted on August 6, 2024

Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) A detective with the Crossville Police Department is indicted on an assault charge following an investigation.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say special agents were asked to investigate an allegation that Detective Tyrel Lorenz assaulted a man after a criminal interview on June 3.

TBI says the investigation found that Lorenz used physical force while arresting the man who was then taken to a local hospital, treated and released.

Lorenz turned himself in Monday, August 5 at the Cumberland County Jail following his indictment on one count of assault; he has since been released pending his next court date.