4-star DL Dominic Bailey – UT Signee 11, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Dominic Bailey

DL – St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD) 6’3, 293
Committed: 2/16/2019
Stars: 4 – 247Sports Composite / 4 – Rivals / 4 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Bailey was one of the first members of this class for Tennessee and will help fill a position of need. Defensive line is probably the biggest focus for Jeremy Pruitt this year. Bailey, who plans to enroll early, has the size and athleticism Pruitt values.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: I spoke with Bailey last week and he’s pumped to get to Rocky Top. He’s a big believer in Pruitt, Ansley and Rocker and believes the trio can elevate his game at UT. He’s mobile and has an opportunity to play anywhere form a shade to a 7 technique.

Highlights

Interview with Bailey’s High School Coach Henry Russell on SportsTalk

Article on Dominic Bailey (12-12)

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
2020 Under Armour All-American Bowl Selection
No. 20 ranked defensive tackle in the nation in 247 composite rankings
First Team All-Conference selection in 2017 and 2018
Helped lead the Panthers to an 11-1 record and No. 4 national ranking by MaxPreps in 2019
Anchored defense that allowed only 4.8 points per game in 2019
Played three seasons at Wicomico High School in Salisbury, Maryland prior to transferring to St. Frances Academy

3-star DL RJ Perry – UT Signee 10, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

RJ Perry

DL – Fairfield Preparatory School (Fairfield, AL) 6-6, 299
Committed: 12/18/19
Stars: 3 – 247Sports Composite / 3 – Rivals / 3 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Perry brings legitimate SEC size to the table on the defensive line. The Vols need as many big bodies on defense as they can find. Perry should help the Vols as many defensive linemen will leave the program following the 2020 season.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: Reginald ‘RJ’ Perry is a big guy with great size. It’s a good pickup for Tennessee right now but will be even better a season down the road. Expect Perry to be a role player for Tracy Rocker this season before seeing his value enhanced in the years to come.

Highlights

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
Starred in both football and basketball at Fairfield HS
2018 ASWA 5A Second Team All-State in Football
2018 ASWA 5A First-Team All-State in Basketball
2018 All-Birmingham Second-Team HS Football Team
2018 Stats: 43 total tackles, 27 TFL, 7 sacks
AL.com’s 101 Best Athletes from 2018-19

Play It Forward: Carly Pearce Hopes You Hear Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope”

Posted on December 18, 2019

NCD is closing out the year with our “Play It Forward” segment, which beckons our featured artists to recommend a singer or song that mainstream country fans may not be familiar with.

Today’s recommendation comes from Carly Pearce.

“I’m a huge Gabby Barrett fan,” says Carly. “I think Gabby is a star. She has two songs out that are amazing. ‘I Hope’ is a big ol’ hit. She’s got another song called ‘The Good Ones’ that will blow you away. I’ve played a few [writers] rounds with her. I’m going to champion Gabby this year.”

Watch the videos for Gabby’s “I Hope” and “The Good Ones” below.

Play It Forward

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

3-star RB Tee Hodge – UT Signee 9, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Tee Hodge

RB – Maryville (Maryville, TN) 6’1, 220
Committed: 6/28/2019
Stars: 3 – 247Sports Composite / 3 – Rivals / 3 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Hodge could provide Tennessee with the big back it has lacked since Jeremy Pruitt took over at Tennessee. Hodge comes from a winning high school program and offers versatility. He could play running back or linebacker in college.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: Tee Hodge was recruited to play running back in college but has the size and athleticism to help at linebacker as well. He should be an instant contributor on special teams next season, but his role could grow even more. Hodge, who has battled injuries throughout his prep career, possesses the size (230 pounds) to be UT’s ‘bigger’ back.

Highlights

Group interview with Tee Hodge on Signing Day at Maryville

Interview with Hodge’s High School Coach Derek Hunt with John Wilkerson

Interview with Tee’s High School Coach Derek Hunt on SportsTalk

Article on Tee Hodge (12-15)

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
Four-year starter at Maryville High School
2019 Tennessee Division I Class 6A State Champion
2017 Tennessee Division I Class 6A State Champion
2019 Stats: 1,006 yards on 143 carries, 14 TDs
Nephew of Super Bowl champion Randall Cobb

2-star LS Will Albright – UT Signee 8, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Will Albright

LS – Greeneville (Greeneville, TN) 6’1, 213
Commit 6/12/2018
Stars: 2 – 247Sports Composite / 2 – Rivals / 2 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Albright is a good athlete from one of the top programs in the state of Tennessee. Albright is a top long snapper who will play at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio next month.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: Will Albright has the chance to see early playing time at long snapper with the absence of Riley Lovingood next season. Albright was a playmaker for Greenville High School and showed great athleticism at wide receiver and the defensive backfield. Getting down the field on punts will be no problem for Albright.

Highlights

Will Albright’s Interview on SportsTalk

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
2020 All-American Bowl Selection
Was named the No. 1 long snapper in the country by the All-American Bowl
Is listed as the No. 5 rated long snapper in the nation by ESPN and 247
Excelled at the Rubio Long Snapping 2019 Summer Tour in Holmdel, New Jersey
Also played linebacker in high school where he won a state championship in 2018

3-star QB Jimmy Holiday – UT Signee 7, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Jimmy Holiday

QB – Madison Central (Madison, MS) 6’0, 190
Committed: 12/18/19
Stars: 3 – 247Sports Composite / 3 – Rivals / 3 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Holiday is a high school quarterback who will help make Tennessee a more athletic team. The Vols worked hard to steal him away from TCU. Holiday has elite speed and could help Tennessee on offense or defense.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: Jimmy Holiday wanted to play quarterback in college. He may get that opportunity to start out at Tennessee, but his athleticism should force the coaching staff’s hand in finding a quicker path to the field. Holiday can play receiver and defensive back and adds great depth for Tennessee. Speed kills. Can’t coach it and Holiday has it.

Highlights

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
Led Madison Central to a 9-3 record his senior year
Passed for 3,507 yards and 37 TD and rushed for 3,568 yards and 51 TDs in three seasons
2019 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game
218 Clarion Ledger Second-Team All-State Offense
2018 Clarion Leger All-State Selection
2018 Mississippi Region 2-6A Offensive MVP
2017 & 2018 Mississippi 6A North State Championship Runner-Up

3-star OL James Robinson – UT Signee 6, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

James Robinson

OL – Carver (Montgomery, AL) 6’4, 343
Commit 8/1/2019
Stars: 3 – 247Sports Composite / 3 – Rivals / 3 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Robinson was a big priority for Tennessee in the class. He has the look of an SEC lineman, and Tennessee’s coaches like his tenacity and the way he plays. He’ll have a chance to grow into a high-level SEC offensive lineman.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: Tennessee already lost two to the transfer portal and could lose two more scholarship offensive linemen during the offseason. Robinson’s size gives him a chance to add depth early on and has the upside to find the field during his time in Knoxville.

Highlights

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
Consensus Top 50 offensive line prospect according to recruiting services
The Montgomery Advisor 2019 “Big 12”
2018 Class 5A-7A All-Metro Honorable Mention
Athletic offensive lineman had offers from over 30 schools

3-star DB Doneiko Slaughter – UT Signee 5, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Doneiko Slaughter

DB – Roswell (Roswell, GA) 6’0, 185
Committed: 12/14/2019
Stars: 3 – 247Sports Composite / 4 – Rivals / 3 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Tennessee needed to land Slaughter after defensive back Mordecai McDaniel switched his commitment to Florida. Slaughter is a former Arizona State commitment would could play cornerback or safety for Tennessee.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: UT had a pair of defensive backs decommit late in the process, so gaining Doneiko Slaughter was a must for Jeremy Pruitt. Slaughter is good against the run and plays bigger than his frame. He’s improved his coverage skills and will provide depth early on for Tennessee’s defensive-minded coaching staff.

Highlights

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
Helped Roswell to an 8-3 season in his senior campaign
Led team to Georgia AAAAAAA Round of 16
2019 4-AAAAAAA First-Team All-Region Defense
2018 4-AAAAAAA Second-Team All-Region Defense
2019 4-AAAAAAA Champion
Led team with eight sacks in 2018
Two-year starter for Roswell High School

4-star DB Key Lawrence – UT Signee 4, Profile/Analysis/Highlights

Posted on December 18, 2019

Key Lawrence

DB – Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 6’2, 202
Committed: 6/24/2019
Stars: 4 – 247Sports Composite / 4 – Rivals / 4 – ESPN

Josh Ward’s Analysis: Lawrence is one of the top athletes in this class and a high priority in the state of Tennessee. He’ll have a chance to come in and compete for playing time with the departure of Nigel Warrior. Lawrence will at least add immediate depth in the secondary.

Eric Cain’s Analysis: A top-3 rated player in the state of Tennessee, Lawrence will provide an immediate impact for the Volunteers next season – albeit even if only depth early on. The athlete from the mid-state is used to having the ball in his hands and turned in one of the better offensive performances across the state this season. Jeremy Pruitt loves defensive backs with ball skills. Lawrence should be an instant fit to his scheme.

Highlights

Interview With Lawrence’s High School Coach Roc Batten

Quick Facts From UT Athletics
2018 TSWA Second Team All-State Division II-AAA
Participated in Nike’s “The Opening” where he ran a 4.5 40-yard dash and recorded a 41-inch vertical leap
No. 66 rated player in the country and the top-rated player in the state of Tennessee in 247 composite rankings
2020 All-American Bowl Selection
2020 Polynesian Bowl
2018 First Team All-USA Tennessee First Team
Led Ensworth to the Tennessee Division II-AAA playoffs semifinals in 2019, totaling 37 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss
Had 766 rushing yards and seven scores as a junior in 2018

Thomas Rhett Taps Jon Pardi for Lite New Single, “Beer Can’t Fix” [Listen]

Posted on December 18, 2019

Thomas Rhett will try to score his 15th No. 1 single with the release of “Beer Can’t Fix,” featuring vocals from Jon Pardi.

The new tune, which will impact country radio on Jan. 6, is featured on TR’s new album, Center Point Road. The 16-song album takes its name from the street in his Tennessee hometown that shaped much of TR’s life experiences.

Penned by TR, Julian Bunetta, Zach Skelton and Ryan Tedder, “Beer Can’t Fix” was inspired by a golf outing.

“I was playing golf with one of my producers, Julian Bunetta, in Knoxville and we were both playing terribly, so we decided to drink a beer and suddenly we both started playing much better,” Thomas Rhett says. “Julian looked at me and said ‘Well, ain’t nothing a beer can’t fix’ and we both were like, ‘We have to write that.’ As soon as it was done I knew I wanted Jon on it. It’s basically about not taking life too seriously, and I just knew Jon’s voice would be the perfect addition to the song.”

Listen to “Beer Can’t Fix” below.