Blake Shelton will try to score the 27th No. 1 single of his career with the release of “Hell Right.”
The new tune, which features vocals from Trace Adkins, was penned by David Garcia, Brett Tyler and Michael Hardy, who is one of the co-writers behinds Blake’s most recent No. 1 hit, “God’s Country.”
“The first time I ever heard ‘Hell Right,’ [producer] Scott Hendricks sent it over to me—and we had pretty much decided that we were finished recording for a while, and I wasn’t even thinking about it,” says Blake. “But he said that Hardy had written a song and he wanted me to hear it, so with the success of ‘God’s Country’ and just knowing how talented that guy is, I thought, ‘Man, I better at least listen to it even though I don’t see myself going in and recording.’ About three-quarters of the way through the song, I decided, ‘Oh, my god, I’m not done recording. I’ve gotta go cut this song. It’s just so much fun and just so infectious. It seems like something that would be great to have out this summer, like, let’s do this thing, let’s get it out now.’ It’s one of the reasons that I’ve been so excited about not releasing an album because it’s awesome to be able to react to great songs and just get em out there to the fans.”
Blake invited longtime friends Trace Adkins to add his baritone vocals to the tune, much like he did for 2009 No. 1 hit, “Hillbilly Bone.”
“I decided it would be great to have Trace Adkins on this [song] just because he’s got that low, deep, big voice and he’s so great at the ad-lib stuff,” says Blake. “He just brings a certain quality to any recording that nobody else can touch. The guy’s got so much personality in his voice and the way he sings, and I still think that he’s one of the most underrated country artists out there, so I called him and asked if he would be on the record with me and he said something that was close to ‘hell right,’ but it was a different cuss word.”
On Jarret Guarantano’s improvement:
“I think the more comfortable you get in this offense, obviously you want to see that continue to develop and grow. I’m pleased with the progress he’s made. He’s bought into our system. Obviously, with the addition of coach (Jim) Chaney and bringing this new offense in, does a great job of detailing it up for all our guys. Obviously, our position coaches take the next step and really we are just an extension of Coach Chaney. This is a QB friendly offense, but it also puts a lot of responsibility on the quarterback. He’s done an outstanding job of grasping this and continuing to make progress.”
On the biggest emphasis so far Jarret Guarantano:
“I think its consistency. Right? That’s the biggest thing. As we go through camp, there’s always little things that you want to continue to work on. I talk about consistency of your footwork, anticipation, decision making, all of those things. We track every throw that these quarterbacks make in practice every single day. So, there’s always a one; decision, did you go to the right place with the ball, two; was it on target, and three; what was the result. We can’t control the result all the time, but we can control where we decide to throw the ball and whether or not it is on target. They know that they’re being challenged every day, and I point out those little things. When we’re not on target, there’s probably a reason that we are not. That’s the consistency we are looking for in footwork, base, anticipation, decision making, starting point with your eyes. All of those things go into being an elite quarterback and all of those things he has done throughout camp.”
On keeping Jarrett Guarantano on edge:
“You spend a lot of time talking to him. I think the most important thing is you have to have a relationship with your players. Each and every guy plays a little bit different, they’re all wired a little bit different, they all learn a little bit different. I think in a situation like this where you have a veteran quarterback who has taken a lot of snaps and two young kids who have not taken a snap, the challenge is always this; you have to find a way to create competition. Knowing and understanding that he’s a veteran guy and is going to be our starting quarterback, just having that relationship, talking to him about ‘hey listen, you have to approach every day like Tom Brady is in the room and you are competing against him. Elevate your game on a regular basis.’ I think he’s done an outstanding job. The leadership that he has shown this fall is leaps and bounds to what I saw last year. He’s taking a step in the right direction and we need him to do that at this position. You’ll see a more vocal guy. He is very cerebral, smart guy who can understand a lot of different things. Can compartmentalize when he needs to. He is a functional thinker. I think what happens at the quarterback position because you have so many responsibilities and there are so many variables within the offense, sometimes you get caught in your own little box. I think he’s expanded his vision and his vocal leadership. You see him encouraging guys, you see him communicating better. There is a huge, huge emphasis on verbal and nonverbal communication, and I think he he’s done a great job with that.”
On the meshing of ideas with the coaching staff:
“Well it starts with coach (Jim) Chaney. This is his offense and we are an extension of him. It is our job as coaches to reiterate and continue to teach the things that coach Chaney wants us to teach. We meet as a staff and we know what is expected out of our players, he demands it. Like I said, we are an extension of him. We spend our time if there is any difference which there hasn’t been in terms of how we want to coach a certain player, those decisions would never take place in front of a player. We are all on the same page and I really have enjoyed working with Coach Chaney. He has laid the foundation and he has an idea of exactly what he wants to do and that helps us as coaches to be able to deliver that message to the players.”
Defensive Line Coach Tracy Rocker
On the state of the defensive line:
“Well, it depends on what day. Some days it’s good, some days it’s bad, but the thing is, it’s part of football and a part of growing up. We have good days and bad days. You do see potential. It’s like a roller coaster. You start and you’re like ‘oh we’re going to have a good one’ and then it’ll come down and then it goes back up. The biggest thing we’re working on is trying to be consistent and that’s the most important thing. I feel good that we are, but it’s part of camp, it’s part of growing up. We’ve got some young guys over there.”
On what he learned from Vol great Reggie White:
“One thing I learned that Reggie White said a long time ago when I met him. I met him when I was coaching at the University of Arkansas. Reggie White came and spoke with us and the first thing I said is, ‘How you get these guys to play a little bit older?’ He said, ‘You got to tell them they’re older. You got to tell them to act like you’re older, think like you’re older and not play like you’re a freshman.’ So that’s one thing I’ve never forgot. That’s part of it. Getting them to think older, play older, and mature and grow up faster.”
On the talent level of the defensive line:
“I love the talent level. What we got is what we got and it’s up to me and the defensive coaches to keep pulling the best out of them and keep working. Hopefully, while we’re in camp, we keep putting them in different situations so that they will be ready for the season. You’ve got to know when to push and pull, but also be demanding and also know, hey, it’s part of the process of growing up. The next day, they’ll come back and they’ll fight and then all of a sudden, the wheel will come off. Then we put the wheel on, let’s go again. That’s excitement and that’s part of coaching. It’s no different than you guys. You’re raising a family, you know what’s going on. Some days, that car is going right and another day the wheel is getting wiggly. Hey, we got to straighten it up and tighten up the lug nuts and let’s go.”
On junior DL Latrell Bumphus:
“The guy that has probably stood out, that we think has the potential is (Latrell) Bumphus. Bumphus has really improved. He’s improved run and pass and getting better as a football player… One, his body has changed. Bump was a tight end and he’s kind of been all over this team. For now, he’s at the defensive line. He’s playing defensive end and it’s been really good to have him there and he seems to enjoy it. He enjoys practice. He enjoys getting better. So that’s been a plus for me. He’s embraced it. I love him in the room. He’s a great personality, does well in school and he’s caught on. He wants to be good, so that’s really good.”
On Darel Middleton and the versatility of the defensive line.
“The biggest thing is up front, we train them all in multiple positions. Darel Middleton has been playing defensive end, but he’s also played three technique tackle. We’ve worked with him there also. Everybody plays everything. The thing about Darel Middleton is he cares. He wants to be good. He’s working to be good. The biggest thing is, we play multiple defenses here. There are a lot of words to it, a lot of concepts to it. Every day he gets a little bit better and a little bit more comfortable learning. Yesterday he had a really good day. Now it’s a matter of can we have a back-to-back day. That’s the biggest thing. We have a good day here, but let’s have it back-to-back, back-to-back. The more and more we can get that, the better we’re going to be.”
Running Backs Coach David Johnson
On how camp has gone for the running backs:
“It’s been really good. Our key has been really fighting going through camp or trying to practice hard every day, just trying to come up with a mindset of no matter what’s going on, what the weather is, we’re going to continue to practice hard, be strong and practice and secure the ball. They’ve been doing a good job.”
David Johnson – Vols RB Coach / Credit: UT Athletics
On the running backs taking advantage of their reps:
“I think that’s the most important thing, for our guys to continue to get reps. Although we have the two older guys in the room with Ty (Chandler) and Tim (Jordan), but those younger guys like Eric (Gray) getting reps, Jeremy Banks getting reps. That’s what you want. That’s the only way you can get better is being on the field.”
On Ty Chandler becoming more of a pass catching threat:
“He’s been working on it during the offseason. He’s been on the indoor, on the jugs machine, daily, all through spring, but that’s one of the things that he has to improve on. If we can get the ball in his hands in space, he’s really explosive.”
On the addition of Eric Gray:
“Yeah, I think Eric’s been doing a good job, he’s still a freshman. He has a lot to learn but his work ethic is second to none. He comes in like a professional with meetings and everything, but he’s been doing a good job in camp and Ty and Tim, you know, have really been holding that room together.”
On the running back group finding a role on special teams:
“Well, if they want to play at the next level they have to play on special teams, so that’s what we’re doing, you know, offense, defense and special teams. All those guys in there. Tim, he’s really been doing an excellent job on special teams, so you want your guys to come in and be a part of special teams and understand how important it is for us to be successful.”
Over the last couple of years, Michael Hardy, known professionally as Hardy, has earned a rep as one of Nashville’s hottest songwriters.
The Mississippi native has co-penned recent No. 1 singles “God’s Country” (Blake Shelton), “Simple” (Florida Georgia Line) and “Up Down” (Morgan Wallen). Hardy also had a hand in writing FGL’s “Talk You Out of It” (currently No. 11) and Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You” (currently No. 14). In addition, Hardy is a co-writer on Blake Shelton’s new single, “Hell Right,” which drops on Aug. 16.
Blake recently shared some high praise regarding Hardy’s songwriting chops.
“The first time I ever heard ‘Hell Right,’ [producer] Scott Hendricks sent it over to me—and we had pretty much decided that we were finished recording for a while, and I wasn’t even thinking about it,” says Blake. “But he said that Hardy had written a song and he wanted me to hear it, so with the success of ‘God’s Country’ and just knowing how talented that guy is, I thought, ‘Man, I better at least listen to it even though I don’t see myself going in and recording.’ About three-quarters of the way through the song, I decided, ‘Oh, my god, I’m not done recording. I’ve gotta go cut this song. It’s just so much fun and just so infectious. It seems like something that would be great to have out this summer, like, let’s do this thing, let’s get it out now.’ It’s one of the reasons that I’ve been so excited about not releasing an album because it’s awesome to be able to react to great songs and just get em out there to the fans.”
Hardy is also a talented singer. His debut single, “Rednecker,” is currently No. 28 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Watch Hardy perform an acoustic version of “God’s Country,” a tune he penned with Devin Dawson and Jordan Schmidt that Blake Shelton took to No. 1 in July.
Our Cumulus Broadcasting Knoxville sports department staff was there as Vols QB coach Chris Weinke spoke to reporters in a group setting at UT on Thursday. Watch that interview below.
Vols QB coach Chris Weinke / Credit: 99.1 The Sports Animal
Our Cumulus Broadcasting Knoxville sports department staff was there as Vols DL coach Tracy Rocker spoke to reporters in a group setting at UT on Thursday. Watch that interview below.
Our Cumulus Broadcasting Knoxville sports department staff was there as Vols RB coach David Johnson spoke to reporters in a group setting at UT on Thursday. Watch that interview below.
Vols RB coach David Johnson / Credit: 99.1 The Sports Animal
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Led by senior wide receiver Marquez Callaway’s second-team selection as a return specialist, three Tennessee football players were named to the 2019 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team on Thursday.
Joining Callaway and capturing preseason honors were redshirt senior outside linebacker Darrell Taylor and senior defensive back Nigel Warrior, who each grabbed third-team accolades.
Callaway’s career punt return average of 13.4 is the highest among active players in the FBS. He has returned 29 punts for 389 yards and two touchdowns in his career, including an 82-yard score a year ago. He averaged 11.9 yards per punt return in 2018, ranking him third in the SEC and 13th in the nation.
Additionally, he is expected to start for a third-consecutive year at wide receiver for the Vols. He led Tennessee with 37 catches for 592 yards in 2018. The Warner Robins, Ga., native also was named to the 2019 Preseason All-SEC Second Team by the media in June.
Taylor proved to be one of the SEC’s top pass rushers in 2018 and his eight sacks last fall are the most of any returning conference player. He has 11 sacks, 16.5 TFLs, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over his 30-game career. Last season, Taylor captured National Defensive Player of the Week honors after tallying four sacks in 24-7 upset of No. 11 Kentucky. He also had a three-sack, two-forced-fumble game at Georgia. Taylor has been named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronco Nagurski Trophy and Butkus Award for 2019.
Warrior is expected to enter his third season as a starting safety for the Vols this fall after registering 169 tackles over 36 career games. The College Park, Ga., native has started 24 consecutive games. He ranked second on the Vols with 64 tackles in 2018. He finished 13th in the league with 83 stops in 2017, and added three forced fumbles.
Tennessee 2019 Preseason All-SEC Honors Marquez Callaway – Second Team Return Specialist (Media, Coaches) Darrell Taylor – Third Team Linebacker (Coaches) Nigel Warrior – Third Team Defensive Back (Coaches)
“When people listen to this record, I want them to know that I see them and hear them,” said Miranda. “I feel you, because I’m just a girl from East Texas, writing about all the things that go on in my world and in the worlds of people around me. I want people to get along, you know, just be who you are, own it and move on from the moments you couldn’t live in.”
Coinciding with today’s announcement, Miranda released a new track, “Bluebird,” which she co-wrote with Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby.
Maren Morris released a “trippy” new video for her song “The Bones.”
Directed by Alex Ferrari, the video features footage of Maren vacationing on the beach with husband Ryan Hurd. The lovebirds share plenty of hugs and kisses in the clip as Maren croons the chorus: “When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter / Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter / Let it break ’cause you and I remain the same / When there ain’t a crack in the foundation / Baby, I know any storm we’re facing / Will blow right over while we stay put / The house don’t fall when the bones are good.”
Maren co-penned the tune, which is featured on her 2019 album, Girl, with Laura Veltz and Jimmy Robbins.
Trace Adkins will co-star in the upcoming film, Bennett’s War, which hits theaters nationwide on Aug. 30.
During the flick’s L.A. premiere on Aug. 13, Trace walked the red carpet with his co-stars—Michael Roark, Ali Afshar, Allison Paige and more—as well as his longtime friend Blake Shelton, who was joined by girlfriend Gwen Stefani.
For his role on the big screen in Bennett’s War, Trace plays Cal Bennett, father of the titular character. According to the movie’s synopsis: Marshall Bennett (Michael Roark) is a young soldier with the Army Motorcycle Unit who survives an IED explosion in combat overseas, and is medically discharged and sent back to the U.S. When he gets home to his family farm, he discovers that his dad, Cal Bennett (Trace Adkins), is behind in the mortgage and may lose the farm. Against all odds, Marshall Bennett pledges to help his family by the only means he knows how, as a motocross racer.
Blake and Trace, who joined forces on the 2009 No. 1 hit, “Hillbilly Bone,” will release a new single, “Hell Right,” on Aug. 16.
“I decided it would be great to have Trace Adkins on this [song] just because he’s got that low, deep, big voice and he’s so great at the ad-lib stuff,” says Blake. “He just brings a certain quality to any recording that nobody else can touch. The guy’s got so much personality in his voice and the way he sings, and I still think that he’s one of the most underrated country artists out there, so I called him and asked if he would be on the record with me and he said something that was close to ‘hell right,’ but it was a different cuss word.”
![Miranda Lambert Announces Release Date for New Album, “Wildcard” [+Listen to New Song “Bluebird”]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/602/2019/08/05155617/Miranda-Lambert-CH.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
The upcoming album marks Miranda’s first collaboration with producer Jay Joyce and features lead single, “![Maren Morris Drops Trippy New Video for “The Bones” [Watch]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/602/2019/08/15134437/Maren-Morris_TA.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
![Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Trace Adkins & More Walk the Red Carpet at L.A. Premiere of “Bennett’s War” [Photo Gallery]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/602/2019/08/15122219/Blake-Shelton-Trace_Adkins-Gwen-Stefani-AFF.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
