Thousands of fans packed Nissan Stadium during Night 2 of CMA Fest on June 7 to see scheduled performances by Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church and Carrie Underwood, with surprise appearances by Joan Jett and Jon Pardi.
Check out some of our favorite photos from Night 2, courtesy of photographer Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com.
photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
As much as we want to believe in the spontaneity of Garth Brooks, most of the things the G-man does—in my opinion—are backed by plenty of forethought. It’s one of the reasons he’s a master of his craft. So when Garth speaks in hypotheticals, you can usually bet the bank it’s going to come to fruition.
Garth dropped a hypothetical nugget during his “surprise” appearance on Entertainment Tonight as Chase Rice was being interviewed by Nancy O’Dell. Chase, who is an unabashed Garth superfan, told his hero, “You are the reason I’m up here on Entertainment Tonight, so thank you.”
In return, Garth made Chase an offer he couldn’t refuse, saying, “I’ll tell ya what, let’s do a deal, okay? Let’s say if we ever did play Nissan Stadium, you want to open that show?”
“Absolutely,” replied Chase.
If you read those tea leaves, it’s not hard to reach the conclusion that Garth will bring his current Stadium Tour to Nissan Stadium.
Garth’s Stadium Tour has already visited St. Louis, Glendale, Gainesville, Minneapolis (x2) and Pittsburgh, with upcoming sold-out shows in Denver (June 8), Eugene (June 29), Boise (July 19 and 20) and Saskatchewan (Aug. 10).
Watch Garth and Chase in the clip below.
photo by NCD
![Chase Rice Drops Friendly New Single, “Lonely If You Are” [Listen]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/602/2019/06/07123945/Chase-Rice-AFF.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
Chase Rice is following up his first career No. 1 hit, “Eyes On You,” with the release of new single, “Lonely If You Are.”
Penned by Chase, Lindsay Rimes and Hunter Phelps, “Lonely If You Are” is Chase’s first new music since the release of his fourth studio album, Lambs & Lions, in 2017.
“‘Lonely If You Are’ starts out simply with just an acoustic guitar, which is a different sound for me than what people might be used to, but it also goes back to how I started in Nashville—when it was just me with a guitar writing songs,” says Chase. “Lyrically, it’s telling this special girl that even though we might not officially be together right now, ‘go ahead, have a good time with your friends . . . but when that all fades away, give me a call. I’ll be there.’ I can’t wait for the fans to hear this one.”
Listen to “Lonely If You Are” below.
photo by O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com
If you long for the days of hearing Waylon and Hank Jr. on the radio, check out Dillon Carmichael’s new single, “I Do for You.” The Kentucky native, who is the nephew of Eddie and John Michael Montgomery, can croon with the best of ’em.
Penned by Dillon and Jimmy Melton, “I Do For You” features Dillon’s rich baritone backed by pedal steel, fiddle, electric guitar, B3 organ and more. Unlike the 10 tracks on Dillon’s Dave Cobb-produced debut album, Hell On an Angel, “I Do for You” was helmed by Phil O’Donnell at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Listen to “I Do for You” below.
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com
SPARTA, Tenn. – Tennessee head women’s basketball coach Kellie (Jolly) Harper, who was born and raised in this small middle Tennessee city, was officially welcomed back to her hometown with a celebration of “Kellie (Jolly) Harper Day” on Thursday night at White County High School’s Roy Sewell Gymnasium.
Harper, who starred for the Warriors and joins her late father, Kenneth, and brother, Brent, in the school’s athletic hall of fame, entered the venue to hearty cheers from the crowd. She spent the first part of the evening signing autographs, posing for photos and catching up with old friends, neighbors, teachers and coaches. The event was part of UT Athletics’ Summer of Smokey, an initiative that aspires to make Big Orange-flavored visits to cites and towns all over the Volunteer State.
Harper’s high school coach, Steve Holland, addressed the crowd and shared stories and some of the attributes that made Harper the player she was for him and the late Tennessee legend Pat Summitt. Reflecting that Harper was like a coach on the floor as a point guard, he suspected long ago a career in coaching was on the horizon. Like the rest of the folks on hand, he was elated when he learned that Harper was returning to her alma mater to coach the Lady Vols.
Following Holland’s turn at the podium, Harper was given the first-ever key to the city by Sparta mayor Jeff Young and was the recipient of proclamations and personal gifts from state senator Paul Bailey and U.S. Representative John Rose.
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger stepped to the microphone next and made an announcement that brought the crowd to its feet and left Harper speechless for a moment. The basketball court at the new Findlay Elementary School gym is being named in her honor, a move that Lady Vol fans couldn’t help but find reminiscent of Coach Summitt, who has courts at Cheatham County High School, UT Martin and Tennessee bearing her name.
While speaking to the crowd, Harper expressed thanks for the special evening and the continued support throughout her career. She eventually transitioned into motivational mode, offering words of inspiration to those in attendance.
“Work hard, be dedicated, do things the right way,” Harper said. “You never know where your journey is going to take you. You don’t even know what your dreams are right now. If you have aspirations to be something special, just go for it.
“I didn’t even know this (UT head coaching job) was a dream, because it was Pat Summitt’s job. All of a sudden I get a phone call, and then an unbelievable opportunity and a dream that came true right in front of my eyes. It all started in this county, in this school and with you. I appreciate all of your support along the way.”
Following an interview session with members of the media from the Knoxville, Nashville, Sparta and Cookeville areas, Harper returned to the court to sign autographs and visit with everyone who stayed afterward hoping to catch up with their native daughter.
UT Athletics
Thousands of fans braved the rain at Nissan Stadium during Night 1 of CMA Fest on June 6 to see scheduled performances by Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Rascal Flatts and Florida Georgia Line, with surprise appearances by Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlile, Midland, Ashley McBryde, Brooks & Dunn, Morgan Wallen, the Chainsmokers and Hardy.
Check out some of our favorite photos from Night 1, courtesy of photographer Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com.
photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Craig Campbell found himself in a familiar role on June 4 as he hosted his 7th annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge to benefit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC).
A number of Craig’s country music-loving friends joined the fun inside Nashville’s Omni Hotel, including his wife Mindy, Jerrod Niemann, Jimmie Allen, Lauren Alaina, Adam Craig, Ernest, Trea Landon, Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, Tyler Rich, DeeJay Silver, Anna Vaus, Christen Whitney, Mark Wills and Clay Walker.
This year’s event helped raise more than $35,000 for Fight CRC, a charity organization that supports research, education and awareness for colorectal cancer. Craig’s father died from colon cancer at the age of 36. Over the years, Craig has helped raise more than $335,000 as a national spokesperson for Fight CRC.
“Once again, the cornhole tournament was a huge success,” says Craig. “Thanks to everyone who worked and participated to make it all happen. I’m so proud of what we’ve done and very excited to see what we’re gonna do. We will eliminate colon cancer one bag toss at a time.”
photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Let’s take a look at the 2019 Tennessee football roster in the summer, 5 weeks ahead of SEC Football Media Days.
Tennessee Scholarships (84)
QB 3
RB 5
WR 10
TE/HB/FB 6
OL 15
DL 12
LB 12
DB 18
ST 3
Vince’s View: The defensive back unit is huge. Yes, the UT defense has 5 DBs on the field a majority of the time, but that still gets to 4-deep on the depth chart at three spots. Those numbers tell me that there’s been some underperforming by older players and that Jeremy Pruitt is still searching for answers besides Thompson, Taylor and Warrior in the present and everywhere for the future.
Games Played/Starts By Positions
QB 21/18
RB 88/14
WR 182/67
TE/HB/FB 33/11
OL 125/69
DL 95/3
LB 137/37
DB 177/61
ST 66/0
Total: 924/280
*Only 23 players have started more than one game in college (27%)
*Only 33 players have a started one game in college (39%)
Vince’s View: The defensive line jumps out in its shortage of experience. One of those three starts combined at that position was by LaTrell Bumphus at TE. Wide receiver is full of experience. 10 players totaling 67 starts is pretty good. Tight end is also very inexperienced, overall, despite having a quality one-year starter in Dominick Wood-Anderson.
UT’s Roster by Highest Star Ratings (84)
5-stars 5
4-stars 46
3-stars 32
2-stars 1
*51 players are either 4 or 5 stars using their highest rating in any service (61%)
Vince’s View: I included the numbers based on highest rating for any single service because that’s what many reference about a player. These numbers are the reason why many Vols fans expect UT to be better than it was last year and better than the analysts think of 6 or 7 wins. It is also why ESPN’s Football Power Index has Tennessee ranked 15th. They use recruiting rankings and returning starters to help project success. If Pruitt’s staff can make a development jump of that talent in year two then UT just might give fans that much better record.
UT’s Roster by Average Star Ratings (84)
5-stars 4
4-stars 31
3-stars 47
2-stars 1
Not rated 1
*35 players are either 4 or 5 stars using the average star rating (42%)
Vince’s View: This is the more accurate star rating numbers to the Vols roster, in my opinion. It also more closely matches the performances of the players in recent years, average at best.
Potential Starters Signed By Butch Jones (12)
QB Jarrett Guarantano
RB Ty Chandler
WR Jauan Jennings
WR Marquez Callaway
WR Josh Palmer
OL K’Rojhn Calbert
DE Matthew Butler
LB Darrell Taylor
LB Daniel Bituli
LB Shanon Reid
S/NB Nigel Warrior
CB Baylen Buchanan
Vince’s View: There are certainly positions up in the air that depends on who has improved over the summer and settling guys in at specific positions. I’m also going off of a 4-2-5 defense with OLB Darrell Taylor as the 4th DE either standing up at the line of scrimmage or with his hand down. If they go with Warrior at Nickel Back then Buchanan gets bumped off for a 2nd safety, possibly Theo Jackson or eventually freshman Jaylen McCullough. Calbert is also a projection in a wide open offensive line with many unknowns including the health of Trey Smith. If he’s ready to go, he’s obviously added to this group of signed Butch Jones starters.
Other Players Signed By Butch Jones (26)
RB Tim Jordan
RB Carlin Fils-aime
WR Brandon Johnson
WR Jordan Murphy
WR Tyler Byrd
WR Jacquez Jones
FB/TE Austin Pope
FB/TE Princeton Fant
OL Ryan Johnson
OL Marcus Tatum
OL Nathan Niehaus
OL Riley Locklear
OL Trey Smith
DL LaTrell Bumphus
DL Ja’Quain Blakely
LB Will Ignont
LB Deandre Johnson
LB Kivon Bennett
LB Solon Page III
DB Shawn Shamburger
DB Theo Jackson
DB Cheyenne Labruzza
DB Maleik Gray
DB Terrell Bailey
PK Brent Cimaglia
LS Riley Lovingood
*38 of 84 signed by Jones
Vince’s View: As referenced above, Trey Smith wouldn’t be on this list if we knew for sure he was playing. Offensive linemen Ryan Johnson and Marcus Tatum are candidates to start. The second linebacker spot alongside Daniel Bituli is up in the air now with the retirement of Darrin Kirkland Jr. It could be Ignont or one of the newer Pruitt signed players. When UT is in their “base” 3-4, that changes the personnel. That moves Deandre Johnson into the starting lineup at outside linebacker or another one of the younger Pruitt signed players like freshman Quavaris Crouch (initially inside but eventually outside at LB,) JJ Peterson or who knows, freshmen summer enrolls, Roman Harrison or Henry To’oto’o.
Potential Starters Signed By Jeremy Pruitt (10)
TE Dominick Wood-Anderson
OL Jahmir Johnson
OL Brandon Kennedy
OL Wanya Morris
OL Darnell Wright
DT Emmit Gooden
DE Aubrey Solomon (not yet eligible in 2019)
CB Bryce Thompson
CB Alontae Taylor
S Trevon Flowers
Vince’s View: There’s plenty to debate among these starters as well. I’m projecting that we’ll see the two true freshmen, Morris and Wright, starting at the tackle spots. Without Trey Smith, it opens the door for Jahmir Johnson at guard. Also, if Solomon doesn’t get his expected waiver for immediate eligibility, as a transfer from Michigan, then that could change as well.
Other Players Signed By Jeremy Pruitt (36)
QB JT Shrout
QB Brian Maurer
RB Jeremy Banks
RB Eric Gray
WR Cedric Tillman
WR Ramel Keyton
WR Jerrod Means
TE Jacob Warren
TE Jackson Lowe
TE Sean Brown
OL Jerome Carvin
OL Ollie Lane
OL Chris Akporoghene
OL Jackson Lampley
OL Melvin McBride
DL John Mincey
DL Kurott Garland
DL Kingston Harris
DL Greg Emerson
DL Darel Middleton
DL Savion Williams
DL Elijah Simmons
LB Jordan Allen
LB JJ Peterson
LB Quavaris Crouch
LB Roman Harrison
LB Henry To’oto’o
DB Brandon Davis
DB Jaylen McCullough
DB Tyus Fields
DB Warren Burrell
DB Aaron Beasley
DB Deangelo Gibbs (not yet eligible in 2019)
DB Kenneth George Jr. (suspended)
DB Kenney Solomon (blue shirt, not announced yet)
P Paxton Brooks
*46 of 84 signed by Pruitt
*Vince’s View: For the exception of some older transfers, this group is littered with younger players from Pruitt’s first two signing classes trying to develop and find their way into the starting lineup. If any of the three summer enroll defensive linemen are ready to make an instant impact, there are starting positions available for the taking to change things from the current. This group will certainly have more guys slide into the starting lineup as the season goes on, either because they’ve improved or because some older Butch Jones signed players aren’t getting it done.
Summary Of All The Numbers
I say this all the time on radio and TV shows…if the Jones players were the right players that have been underdeveloped then Pruitt can win quickly, if they are wrong and can’t get better or fit what Pruitt wants then the rebuild will take longer than fans want.
If a large amount of the remaining Butch Jones players are the “right” players that were signed that can still be developed by this revamped Jeremy Pruitt staff, then you’ll see this team exceed realistic predictions.
If many of the Butch Jones signed players have peaked or others that haven’t made an impact are the “wrong” players for Jeremy Pruitt and the staff can’t find a way to overcome that, then this team will again be around .500.
On top of that, the roster turnover will take even longer. 55% Pruitt players now will need to get to 100% Pruitt players in the following two years. Problem is, coaches at major jobs like Tennessee don’t get four years to have a full roster of their own players before the winning happens.
Gotta coach’em up, right?
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net.
Darius Rucker is a man on a mission.
With his 10th annual Darius & Friends Benefit Concert on June 3 at the Ryman Auditorium and golf tourney on June 4, Darius surpassed $2 million raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This year’s concert, auction and golf tourney raised more than $425,000 for St. Jude, breaking the record of $404,000 set by last year’s shindig.
“I was struck on that first visit by how St. Jude not only cares for their patients, but also their patients’ families,” says Darius, referencing his first trip to St. Jude 10 years ago. “They believe that a financial burden is the last thing a family should face when their focus needs to be on helping a kid get better, and St. Jude makes sure that their patients never pay a dime. It’s an honor for us to be able to help them continue such an important mission.”
Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Travis Denning, Brett Young and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley performed with Darius for the more than 2,400 fans in attendance at the Ryman.
photo by Katie Kauss
River Kelly Smith, the 3-year-old son of Granger Smith and wife Amber, has died “following a tragic accident.”
Granger made the announcement via a statement released by his PR team, which you can read below.
I have to deliver unthinkable news. We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived. Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father. Riv was special. Everyone that met him knew that immediately. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed and his light will be forever in our hearts. If there are words to say more, I cannot find them in this moment. Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this.
Thank you,
Granger Smith
Our thoughts are with Granger, Amber and their children, London and Lincoln.
In lieu of sympathies, the Smith family asks that donations be made in the name of River Kelly Smith to Dell Children’s Medical Center.
photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
