The 2019 Americana Honors & Awards show—the centerpiece of AmericanaFest—announced the special honorees for its ceremony on Sept. 11 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Felice & Boudleaux Bryant (posthumously): President’s Award
Elvis Costello: Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting
Delbert McClinton: Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance
Maria Muldaur: Americana Trailblazer Award
Frank Johnson (posthumously) and Rhiannon Giddens: Legacy of Americana Award
Mavis Staples: career recognition
Nashville’s 2019 AmericanaFest (Sept. 10–15) will feature approximately 500 performances from more than 250 artists at more than 50 venues, including Brandy Clark, Tanya Tucker, Corb Lund, Jack Ingram, Lori McKenna, Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Quaker City Night Hawks, Shinyribs, Aubrie Sellers, Maggie Rose, Micky & the Motorcars, Foy Vance, Brent Cobb, Shawn Colbin, Drivin N Cryin, Andrew Combs and more.
Check out the full list of nominees from the 2019 Americana Awards on Sept. 11.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“To the Sunset,” Amanda Shires, Produced by Dave Cobb
“The Tree,” Lori McKenna, Produced by Dave Cobb
“The Tree of Forgiveness,” John Prine, Produced by Dave Cobb
“Walk Through Fire,” Yola, Produced by Dan Auerbach
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Brandi Carlile
Rhiannon Giddens
Kacey Musgraves
Mavis Staples
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
I’m With Her
Our Native Daughters
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The War and Treaty
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR
Jade Bird
J.S. Ondara
Erin Rae
The War and Treaty
Yola
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Eldridge
Eamon McLoughlin
Chris Powell
Michael Rinne
SONG OF THE YEAR
“By Degrees,” Mark Erelli, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Lori McKenna, Anais Mitchell & Josh Ritter, Written by Mark Erelli
“Mockingbird,” Ruston Kelly, Written by Ruston Kelly
“People Get Old,” Lori McKenna, Written by Lori McKenna
“Summer’s End,” John Prine, Written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine
Lady Antebellum dropped an intimate video via Vevo for their new song, “Pictures.”
The new tune, which was penned by Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott with Sarah Buxton and Corey Crowder, follows the May release of their current single, “What If I Never Get Over You.” Both songs are expected to be featured on the band’s upcoming eighth studio album.
“We live in a world right now, especially with social media, where everyone’s lives can look happy and pretty,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We wrote this song to reflect on the reality that things are more complex than that. As good as something might look in brief moments, there are so many layers to who people really are and what’s really going on. I love the juxtaposition of how this song’s lyrics dig in while feeling laid-back and groovy.”
The trio’s upcoming album will be their first project since leaving Universal Music Group and signing with Big Machine.
The Academy of Country Music announced its second round of talent participating at the 13th annual ACM Honors ceremony: Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Caylee Hammack, Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Midland, Billy Joe Shaver and Chris Young.
Previously announced artists include Keith Urban, Chris Janson, Maddie & Tae, Barbara Mandrell, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes and Trisha Yearwood.
The ACM Honors, which will take place on August 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, will recognize the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 54th ACM Awards, including Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Crowell, Kye Fleming, Billy Joe Shaver, Gayle Holcomb and A Star Is Born.
Check out the list of awardees, awards and past winners below.
Brooks & Dunn and Martina McBride
Cliffie Stone Icon Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts. Past Winners: Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, George Strait, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, The Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills, Dwight Yoakam and Alan Jackson.
Gayle Holcomb
Gary Harber Lifting Lives Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. Past Winners: Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker.
Miranda Lambert
Gene Weed Milestone Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year. Past Winners: Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Gayle Holcomb, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt.
Kacey Musgraves
Jim Reeves International Award: This award recognizes an artist or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. Past Winners: Joe Allison, Bill Boyd, Garth Brooks, Steve Buchanan, Joe Cates, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Al Gallico, Merv Griffin, Jim Halsey, Alan Jackson, Ken Kragen, Lady Antebellum, Sam Louvello, Thurston Moore, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Bob Saporiti, Louise Scruggs, Dinah Shore, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jeff Walker, Jo Walker-Meador, Bill Ward and Rob Potts.
Rodney Crowell, Kye Fleming and Billy Joe Shaver
Poet’s Award: This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music. Past Winners: Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Shel Silverstein, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Guy Clark, Jack Clement, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb, Hank Williams, Matraca Berg and Norro Wilson.
Shane McAnally
Songwriter of the Year Award: This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.
Past Winners: Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Roger Miller and Rhett Akins.
A Star Is Born
Tex Ritter Film Award: This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.
Past Winners: Beer For My Horses, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Country Strong, Crazy Heart, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, Nashville, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line, among others.
photos: Miranda Lambert by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com; Chris Young by NCD
Blake Shelton will try to score the 27th No. 1 single of his career with the release of “Hell Right” on Aug. 16.
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.”
“Hell Right” will be released at 12 a.m. on Aug. 16.
Martina McBride announced she will hit the road for her ninth annual The Joy of Christmas Tour. The 14-date holiday tour kicks off on Nov. 29 in Biloxi, Miss., and makes additional stops in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and more.
“This show is so much fun to do,” says Martina. “We have everything from classic hymns like ‘O Holy Night’ to fun, big band swing classics like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.’ It’s all very visual, the songs are well-loved, and you leave with a warm feeling. I love to think of entire families—from grandparents to grandchildren—enjoying The Joy of Christmas. It’s really a show for the whole family.”
Martina’s 1998 holiday album, White Christmas, has become a yuletide standard. She released her second holiday album, It’s the Holiday Season, in 2018.
The Joy of Christmas Tour
Nov. 29 | Biloxi, MS | Beau Rivage Theatre
Nov. 30 | Lake Charles, LA | Golden Nugget
Dec. 1 | San Antonio, TX | Majestic Theatre
Dec. 3 | Tyler, TX | R. Down Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center*
Dec. 5 | Green Bay, WI | Resch Center**
Dec. 6 | Springfield, IL | Sangamon Auditorium
Dec. 7 | Prior Lake, MN | Mystic Lake Casino**
Dec. 12 | Wallingford, CT | Oakdale Theatre
Dec. 13 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met
Dec. 14 | Boston, MA | Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Dec. 15 | Newark, NJ | Union County PAC
Dec. 19 | East Lansing, MI | Wharton Center
Dec. 20 | Chicago, IL | Rialto Square Theatre*
Dec. 21 | St. Louis, MO | Lindenwood University*
Tyler Childers’ new album, Country Squire, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart this week.
Produced by Sturgill Simpson and Dave Ferguson, Country Squire moved 32,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music. The nine-song offering marks the Kentucky native’s first No. 1 album. Tyler’s sophomore album, Purgatory, peaked at No. 17 on the chart in 2017.
Aug. 14 | Sedalia, MO | Missouri State Fair
Aug. 22-23 | Tonder, Denmark | Tonder Festival
Aug. 24 | Amstelveen, Netherlands | Once in a Blue Moon Festival
Aug. 28 | Brighton, UK | The Haunt
Aug. 29 | Nottingham, UK | Bodega Social
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 | Salisbury, England | End of the Road Festival
Sept. 30 | Morrison, CO | Red Rocks Amphitheatre* (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 4 | Austin, TX | Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 5 | Thackerville, OK | Winstar Casino (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 7 | Fayetteville, AR | Town Center (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 8 | Tulsa, OK | Cain’s Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 11 | Austin, TX | Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 14 | Phoenix, AZ | The Van Buren
Oct. 15 | San Diego, CA | The Observatory North Park (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 17 | Los Angeles, CA | The Wiltern†
Oct. 18 | Oakland, CA | Fox Theater† (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 22 | Vancouver, BC | Commodore Ballroom† (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 24 | Bend, OR | Bend Concert Series @ Oregon Spirit Distillers†
Oct. 25 | Seattle, WA | Paramount Theatre†
Oct. 26 | Spokane, WA | Knitting Factory Concert House† (SOLD OUT)
Oct. 29 | St. Louis, MO | Stifel Theatre†
Oct. 31 | Chicago, IL | Aragon Ballroom†
Nov. 2 | Milwaukee, WI | Riverside Theater†
Nov. 3 | Minneapolis, MN | First Avenue† (SOLD OUT)
Nov. 4 | Minneapolis, MN | First Avenue† (SOLD OUT)
Nov. 12-15 | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | All the Best Fest
Dec. 6 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore‡
Dec. 8 | Toronto, ON | Rebel‡
Dec. 10 | Boston, MA | House of Blues
Dec. 11 | Philadelphia, PA | The Fillmore
Dec. 13 | Washington, DC | The Anthem
Dec. 14 | Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn Steel (SOLD OUT)
Dec. 15 | Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn Steel
Dec. 18 | Raleigh, NC | The Ritz‡ (SOLD OUT)
Dec. 19 | Charlotte, NC | The Fillmore‡ (SOLD OUT)
Dec. 21 | Atlanta, GA | The Tabernacle‡ (SOLD OUT)
Dec. 22 | Atlanta, GA | The Tabernacle‡ (SOLD OUT)
Jan. 17 | Dublin, Ireland | The Grand Social
Jan. 18 | Manchester, UK | Manchester Academy 2
Jan. 19 | Glasgow, UK | St. Luke’s & The Winged Ox
Jan. 21 | London, UK | O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Jan. 22 | Nijmegen, Netherlands | Doornroosje
Jan. 24 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Pumpehuset
Jan. 26 | Stockholm, Sweden | Slaktkrykan
Jan. 28 | Berlin, Germany | Franz
Jan. 29 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Paradiso Noord
*with Robert Earl Keen
†with Courtney Marie Andrews
‡with Liz Cooper & The Stampede
Brothers Osborne will commemorate their sold-out, three-night run at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in February 2019 with a new album, Live at the Ryman.
The 12-song offering, which features fan-favorites “Stay a Little Longer,” “It Ain’t My Fault,” “21 Summer” and more, will be released digitally on Oct. 11.
“The Live at the Ryman album highlights—it’s hard for me to say what our strengths are—but it highlights who we really are,” says John Osborne. “To play this place one night is a gift, it’s an accomplishment that everyone should remember, but the fact that we did it three [nights]—I still can’t wrap my mind around it.”
“Recording at the Ryman is an incredible experience,” says T.J. Osborne. “This place never loses its charm and its luster, and I hope it never does for me. It’s always a special spot.”
The Teen Choice Awards handed out hardware during its live show from Hermosa Beach, Calif., on Aug. 11.
On the country front, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay were the big winners, copping awards for both Choice Country Artist and Choice Country Song (“Speechless”).
The remix of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” which featured Billy Ray Cyrus, took home the award for Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song. Lil Nas X led all artists with five nominations.
Check out the county-centric winners below.
Choice Country Artist
Brett Young Dan + Shay WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Thomas Rhett
Choice Country Song
Maren Morris, “Girl”
Kane Brown, “Good as You”
Thomas Rhett, “Look What God Gave Her”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Miss Me More”
Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow” Dan + Shay, “Speechless” WINNER
Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song Lil Nas X (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus), “Old Town Road [Remix]” WINNER
Meek Mill (feat. Drake), “Going Bad”
Mustard & Migos, “Pure Water”
Post Malone & Swae Lee, “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Khalid, “Talk”
Post Malone, “Wow”
Charlotte, NC – December 17, 2018 – Bank of America Stadium: Alvin Kamara (41) of the New Orleans Saints during a regular season Monday Night Football game (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
Here’s a look at how the University of Tennessee players (VFLs) in the NFL fared in the first full week of the NFL Preseason. You’ll find their position on the depth chart according to the unofficial depth charts of the teams, game stats and notes on their position battles.
14 of the 36 Vols, that were on rosters at the time, started in Week 1 of the preseason.
After their Week 1 game, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed VFL tight end Ethan Wolf, who was recently released by the Carolina Panthers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after their first preseason game, signed rookie defensive back Micah Abernathy, who spent most of the offseason with the Minnesota Vikings.
After the two new VFL signings above, there are now 38 University of Tennessee players on 22 different teams in the NFL. That doesn’t count the 7 others that were at UT at one point before transferring and finishing their careers at other schools. Five different positions have the most former Vols, 5, in the league right now…P, TE, DB, DL and LB.
Tennessee Volunteers (38)
Atlanta Falcons (L to Dolphins) Luke Stocker (80) TE (2nd team TE) Started at TE Matt Simms (9) QB (4th team QB) 8 of 17 for 86 yds, 3 sacks, 3 car 13 yds
*Stocker will be the blocking TE behind and sometimes opposite starter Austin Hooper. Simms was brought-in after QB Kurt Benkert was injured in the Hall of Fame game and has since been placed on the reserve list, which could open-up the opportunity for him to stick, if they keep three QBs.
Baltimore Ravens (W vs. Jaguars) Morgan Cox (46) LS (starting LS) no stats
*He’s your Ravens long-snapper, as always.
Buffalo Bills (W vs. Colts) Jason Croom (80) TE (4th team TE) DNP
*A hamstring injury cost Croom valuable practice opportunity to prove his roster worth in the spring. The Bills then brought in 4 new TEs including two draft picks. Now Croom is in a log-jam with 6 other TEs, including Knoxville’s Lee Smith.
Carolina Panthers (W vs. Bears) Michael Palardy (5) P (starting P/H) 4 punts 41.8 yds per Rashaan Gaulden (28) DB (2nd team SS) no stats
*Gaulden is working at multiple DB positions trying to earn a starting spot. His versatility assures a roster spot at the very least.
Chicago Bears (L vs. Panthers) Tyler Bray (9) QB (3rd team QB) 8 of 17 for 85 yds, 3 sacks Cordarrelle Patterson (84) WR/KR (2nd team WR & starting KR) DNP
*Patterson is a veteran that’s set in the WR rotation and kickoff returns. Bray continues as the #3 QB with no competition behind him. He will likely make the 53 and then often inactive in game days.
Cincinnati Bengals (L vs. Chiefs) Josh Malone (80) WR (2nd team WR) Started at WR, 2 rec 23 yds
*Malone shouldn’t have a problem remaining on the team. In fact, the door is open for him to possibly start while AJ Green is out injured. The opportunity is there for Malone.
Cleveland Browns (W vs. Redskins) Britton Colquitt (4) P (starting P/H) 2 punts 47.5 yds per
*The much-hyped and more talented Browns once again have an excellent punter from Punter U.
Dallas Cowboys (L vs 49ers) Jason Witten (82) TE (starting TE) no stats
*Witten’s spot is obviously not in doubt, even though Blake Jarwin, who the Cowboys really like, got the start at TE in this game. How effective Witten will be in his return is. Doubting him may be silly, however.
Denver Broncos (L vs. Seahawks) Alexander “AJ” Johnson (45) LB (2nd team ILB) Started at ILB, 4 tackles Ja’Wuan James (70) OT (starting RT) Started at RT, no stats
*Johnson played quite a bit and will continue to get every opportunity to show he should make the final roster as a reserve LB. James is inked in as the starting RT as a high-priced free agent signee.
Detroit Lions (L vs. Patriots) Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) LB (2nd team OLB) Started at OLB, 2 tackles Justin Coleman (27) DB (starting CB) Started at CB, 1 tackle
*JRM is settled in as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor. Coleman was signed from the Seahawks after a terrific 2018, so he’ll almost certainly start at either CB or nickel CB.
Houston Texans (L vs. Packers) Zach Fulton (73) OL (starting RG) Started at RG, no stats Trevor Daniel (8) P (starting P/H) 1 punt 38 yds
*Fulton will be the starting RG again this season. Daniel has no competition as the punter this season, as he loks to build off of an impressive rookie year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (L vs. Ravens) Ethan Wolf (46) TE (4th team TE) DNP
*Wolf was signed on Sunday after the Jags’ first preseason game. This is the fourth team Wolf has had an opportunity with. The Titans, Packers and Panthers were the previous three for the now 23 year old.
Kansas City Chiefs (W vs. Bengals) Dustin Colquitt (2) P (starting P/H) 2 punts 39.3 yds per Kahlil McKenzie (66) OG (2nd team LG) no stats
*Colquitt does have some camp competition in rookie Jack Fox, so we’ll see how they plays out. Trevor Daniel won the Texans punting job in beating out future hall of famer Shane Lechler last year, so it’s possible. McKenzie is trying to hold-off several newcomers, including two rookies for the back-up guard spot.
Los Angeles Rams (L vs. Raiders) John Kelly (42) RB (3rd team RB) Started at RB, 3 car 10n yds, 2 rec 2 yds
*It’s a great sign that Kelly first showed-up 3rd on the Rams unofficial depth chart and then got the start with the Rams holding back starter Todd Gurley. There is a lot of competition for the back-up RN spots. With Gurley’s frequent knee injuries, the Rams will likely keep at least 4 RBs. A great preseason is still important for JK.
New England Patriots (W vs. Lions) Jacob Johnson (47) FB/TE (3rd team TE) Started at FB, 1 rec 5 yds
*As long as FB/HB/TE James Devlin is healthy, I would be surprised if Johnson makes the final cut. Belichick, though, has unique ways of managing his roster, so you never know if the former Vol from Germany can impress enough to stick.
New Orleans Saints (L vs. Vikings) Alvin Kamara (41) RB (starting RB/2nd team KR) Started at RB, 4 car 11 yds, 2 rec 15 yds Shy Tuttle (74) DT (4th team DE) 1 tackle Colton Jumper (51) LB (4th team WLB) no stats
*Kamara just needs to stay healthy this preseason. His current and future fantasy football owners would agree with that. Rookie Shy Tuttle’s best hope is to flash enough to earn a practice squad spot after final cutdowns. Jumper is very much a long shot to make the team.
New York Jets (L vs. Giants) Kyle Phillips (98) DE (3rd team DE) 2 tackles Matt Darr (3) P (2nd team P) 2 punts 43.5 yds per
*The other VFL rookie on NFL rosters is Phillips, who is hoping to make the team, perhaps even on the practice squad. He’s competing with 7 other DDs right now, although two of them were also undrafted free agents. Darr is trying unseat returning punter Lachlan Edwards.
Philadelphia Eagles (L vs. Titans) Derek Barnett (96) DE (starting DE) DNP Malik Jackson (97) DT (starting DT) Started at DT, no stats Alex Ellis (48) TE (6th team TE) 1 tackle
*If healthy, Barnett starts alongside VFL Malik Jackson two other former first round picks, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. Jackson is looking to bounce-back after a subpar season with the Jaguars. Ellis was signed recenty, but would be a surpise in the final 53 if he makes it.
Pittsburgh Steelers (W vs. Buccaneers) Ramon Foster (73) OG (starting LG) DNP Daniel McCullers (93) NT (2nd team NT) Started at NT, 1 tackle Cameron Sutton (20) DB (2nd team NCB & CB) Started at RCB, 2 tackles Joshua Dobbs (5) QB (2nd team QB) Started at QB, 5 of 8 for 85 yds, 2 sacks, 2 car 44 yds
*Dobbs had a TD pass and an interception called back due to penalties. Dobbs is battling Mason Rudolph for the back-up QB spot. They have shared 2nd team reps in camp. Both of them should get plenty of time in the preseason to settle that battle. Sutton, similar to Gaulden, is very versatile in that he can play outside CB, nickel CB or safety. McCullers has spent his entire NFL career as the backup NT in Pittsburgh and this year should be no different. Foster is the veteran, rock, leader of the o-line.
San Francisco 49ers (W vs. Cowboys) Emmanuel Moseley (41) CB (4th team CB) Started at CB, 3 tackles
*Moseley has had a nice camp. He’s also benefitted from injuries ahead of him at the position. He brings special teams value also, so with a strong preseason, expect Moseley to stick with the team with 1 or 2 other former Butch Jones players in Hurd and Helm.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L vs. Steelers) Micah Abernathy (44) S (3rd team S) DNP
*Was just signed by the Bucs on Sunday as the team continues to look for improved depth in a young, thin secondary. especially at safety. His familiarity of systems from Minnesota to Tampa Bay, could help him acclimate quickly and impress the staff.
Tennessee Titans (W vs. Eagles) LaTroy Lewis (45) LB (3rd team OLB) 2 tackles Jordan Williams (40) DE/OLB (4th team OLB) 1 tackle
*Unless Lewis has a great preseason, it may be tough for him to make the final 53. It will be even tougher for the newly signed Jordan Williams. The Titans adding Cameron Wake in the offseason and using a mid-round draft pick on OLB D’Andre Walker makes things more difficult. However, Walker was just placed on the reserve list, so there could still be an opportunity there.
One-Time Vols That Transferred And Finished Elsewhere (7)
Buffalo Bills (W vs. Colts) Lee Smith TE (85) *Powell HS/Tennessee/Marshall (2nd team TE) no stats
*Smith is excellent blocking TE. He should make the roster in his second go-around with the Bills.
Miami Dolphins (W vs. Falcons) Preston Williams (82) WR *Tennessee/Colorado State (3rd team WR) 4 rec 97 yds Dewayne Hendrix (73) DE *Tennessee/Pittsburgh (4th team DE) 1 FF, 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 2 QH
*How about the games these two one-time Vols rookies had in their NFL debuts with the Dolphins? I think both have a chance to make the final 53. I’d maybe give Williams a slightly higher percentage chance, but both the talent.
Oakland Raiders (W vs. Rams) Nathan Peterman (2) QB *Tennessee/Pittsburgh (3rd team QB) 9 of 12 for 66 yds 1 TD, 3 car 56 yds
*Peterman’s 50-yard scramble was a popular view on social media Saturday night. Jon Gruden said Peterman is starting to grow on him, but he’s tough for QBs to please. The question is likely to be, with the Raiders having needs at so many other positions, can they afford to keep three QBs? Carr and Glennon are surely your top two.
San Francisco 49ers (W vs. Cowboys) Jalen Hurd (17) WR *Tennessee/Baylor (2nd team WR) 3 rec 31 yds 2 TDs, 1 tackle Daniel Helm (43) TE *Tennessee/Duke (5th team TE) no stats
*Rookie Jalen Hurd had a big game in his NFL preseason debut. His first catch was a TD where he caught a pass around the 6-yard line and trucked a Cowboys defender at the one yard line to get to pay dirt for a 20-yard TD. His second TD was a back shoulder pass in one-on-one coverage in the endzone for a 4-yard TD reception. Hurd certainly looks the part. Hurd and fellow SEC WR alum Deebo Samuel have quickly upgraded the WR position in San Fransicso. Rookie Daniel Helm was recently released by the Chargers and immediately scoped-up by the 49ers. Helm could garner a practice squad roster spot if he can impress in the preseason.
Tennessee Titans (W vs. Eagles) D’Andre Payne (28) CB *Tennessee/Iowa State (5th team CB) no stats
*The rookie undrafted free agent signee has a steep climb to survive the final cut.
Knoxville Area Players That Did Not Play at UT (3)
Dallas Cowboys (L vs. 49ers) Randall Cobb (18) WR *Alcoa HS/Kentucky (starting WR) Started at WR Chris Jones (6) P *Carson-Newman (starting P/H) 1 punt 38 yds
*Cobb looks headed towards a starting WR spot in his first year in a Cowboys uniform. Jones has been terrific for Dallas, but he does have camp competition from Kasey Redfern, who averaged 49 yards per punt in the game including a 62-yarder.
Minnesota Vikings (W vs. Saints) Harrison Smith (22) S *Catholic HS/Notre Dame (starting SS) Started at SS, 1 tackle
*It appears Smith is sliding over to strong safety with the development of Anthony Harris at free safety. The veteran from Knoxville is still one of the best safeties in the NFL.
Below are some observations and notes from the University of Tennessee’s last two football practices, 7 and 8, along with comments from Jeremy Pruitt on Saturday, here in my blog, Vince’s View.
-For the second day in a row, the team was in shells rather than full pads
-The team had a much shorter practice than normal Saturday, surely in preparation for an important first scrimmage Sunday at Neyland Stadium
-Jeremy Pruitt mentioned Saturday that they want to turn the players loose to see what they can do and how they handle situations without the coaches right next to them
-Pruitt had high praise for true freshman RB Eric Gray
“Eric’s very mature. When you watch him practice and go about his business, he gets it the first time. He learns from other people’s mistakes. He’s got really good ball skills, good vision, good competitor. He jumps out there. He’s very mature when it comes to football playing ability. We’re excited about him. I think he’s had a really good camp so far. Again, this will be a guy that’s been really good at drills, really good at practice, now let’s see how he does when we get over here to the stadium. So, looking forward to seeing that.”
-I’ve said in the off-season, that I expect Gray to be in the top 2 running back rotation before long during the season. If Ty Chandler gets split-out wide a lot, you could see both of them on the field a lot together. Gray (or whoever is the #2 RB at the time) would earn plenty of carries in that scenario because Chandler is so good catch the ball and in open space.
-I know the group just lost Emmit Gooden and there are plenty of question marks about the unit, but I see improvement from many of the defensive linemen. Guys are bigger and stronger individually. I think the unit is larger in stature than it was a year ago. And, I think there are more linemen that Tracy Rocker will be willing to put on the field this year. Last season, it was Kyle Phillips, Shy Tuttle and Alexis Johnson that saw a majority of the snaps. You’ll see most, or all, of the 10 remaining linemen get some early season playing time.
-Obviously, UT needs one of those 10 DLs to be eligible, in Aubrey Solomon. Solomon has looked strong and physical in camp. There’s no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the former 5-star recruit will start, if eligible immediately as a transfer.
-DT Greg Emerson has been complimented after his reps quite a bit. He’s much more of a factor for playing time this season than he was last season. He’s likely to primarily be used inside at tackle, but he has taken reps in individual drills at end.
–Savion Williams is big (340-ish) but he’s still very inconsistent. He’ll look strong in one drill and draw the ire of Tracy Rocker the next. I would wait until team settings before expecting him to wreck the SEC and label him a star.
-Here is how the defensive linemen lined-up in one drill at Friday’s practice. These have no meaning whatsoever in whom they were paired-up with or depth chart position or anything like that. They weren’t concerned with the personnel pairings, just to get the reps in for the given calls and to do it right. I do think the positions give some insight on how much players will move around the line based on the front that’s called.
4-man fronts
LDE Ja’Quain Blakely
LDT Kingston Harris
RDT Savion Williams
RDE Matthew Butler
-Jeremy Pruitt said they aren’t very close to finding a first five on the offensive line. They have identified 10 or 11 players that are competing. With 13 OLs (counting Trey Smith) that means that there are likely two guys that are on the outside looking in for whatever reason…health, youth, ability, numbers, etc. My guess on those two are redshirt freshman Ollie Lane, who I have not seen during our viewing periods, and true freshman Jackson Lampley, who gets very limited reps. He’s usually with the walk-ons in a scout team position opposing the linemen getting reps.
-Jeremy Pruitt was asked if Jahmir Johnson can play on the right side of the offensive line. I don’t recall seeing Johnson take any right-side reps last year or this year in practices or games. He’s been at guard and tackle but all on the left side. Pruitt has talked about before that some guys can play one position either side, others can play multiple positions but on one side and others can play multiple positions on either side. Johnson has looked good this camp. If Trey Smith plays then he’s likely his backup at LG. If Smith can’t go, or is in-and-out, then Johnson will likely get the nod there. Another reason why I think Johnson hasn’t received many reps at RG is because big K’Rojhn Calbert has his hands around that position, I believe, despite strong competition from Jerome Carvin. Carvin is taking more reps now at RG after the departure of Nathan Niehaus.
-With the o-line and d-line especially, these next two scrimmages will start to separate the true playing time contenders at the start of the season
-I’ll be on SportsTalk with Jimmy Hyams for the vacationing John Wilkerson, so if you have any questions about any players or the team from my vantage point, feel free to call us at 865-656-9900 or tweet me @VinceSports
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Produced by Sturgill Simpson and Dave Ferguson, Country Squire moved 32,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music. The nine-song offering marks the Kentucky native’s first No. 1 album. Tyler’s sophomore album, Purgatory, peaked at No. 17 on the chart in 2017.
Live at the Ryman Track Listing
