Chris Stapleton’s Tours Have Become a Family Affair: “That’s Always Been the Goal”

Chris Stapleton’s Tours Have Become a Family Affair: “That’s Always Been the Goal”

Posted on November 28, 2018

Earlier this month, Chris Stapleton revealed during his concert at Madison Square Garden that he and wife Morgane are expecting their fifth child in 2019. Chris and Morgane also have twins sons who are eight months old and a son and daughter around ages 6 and 8.

For an artist who headlined more than 50 shows in 2018 with his wife by his side, Chris’ tours have become a family affair—both literally and figuratively—which bodes well for everyone involved, including the upcoming addition to the Stapleton clan.

“You know, our kids go on the road, my in-laws go on the road, my mom goes on the road when she feels like coming, and so we carry a good bit of actual family,” says Chris to Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown. “As an extension of that, I consider Derek [Mixon on drums] and J.T. [Cure on bass] to be family members, you know, the guys in the band, and all the guys in the crew. I want everybody to feel like they are family. We try to approach things that way. That’s always been the goal with me anytime.”

Chris and his touring family will have some downtime over the next couple of months before heading to the U.K. and Ireland in March. Chris will also perform in honor of Dolly Parton at 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year gala on Feb. 8.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Trey Smith Named to the 2018 SEC Football Community Service Team

Trey Smith Named to the 2018 SEC Football Community Service Team

Posted on November 28, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Tennessee sophomore offensive lineman Trey Smith has been named to the 2018 SEC Football Community Service Team, as announced by the Southeastern Conference on Wednesday.

The SEC names a Community Service Team for each of its 21-league sponsored sports, looking to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to his community through superior service efforts.

The other 13 members of the 2018 SEC Football Community Service Team are Joshua Casher (Alabama), T.J. Smith (Arkansas), Derrick Brown (Auburn), Fred Johnson (Florida), Rodrigo Blankenship (Georgia), C.J. Conrad (Kentucky), Blake Ferguson (LSU), Javon Patterson (Ole Miss), Gerri Green (Mississippi State), Corey Fatony (Missouri), Spencer Eason-Riddle (South Carolina), Riley Garner (Texas A&M) and Khari Blasingame (Vanderbilt).

A member of the 2018-19 VOLeader Class, Smith participated and helped coordinate the adapted Sports Festival and worked with Club Vibes, which aids visually impaired youth. Smith also assisted in the organization of Tennessee’s annual VOLoween event. Throughout the year, Smith makes time to read to children at local schools in addition to participating in Read Across America Day.

The Jackson, Tennessee, native most recently spearheaded a coat drive for Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry (KARM). Smith set up a drop off point at the Thornton Student Life Center and promoted the event on social media. Due to his efforts, over 1,000 coats were donated in five days.

On the field, Smith was an integral part of the Vols’ offensive line rotation in 2017 and 2018 before his sophomore season ended seven games in due to blood clots. He started all 19 games of his career and was tabbed to the 2018 Outland Trophy Watch List while also being named a 2018 Preseason All-SEC First Team selection. Smith earned Freshman All-America designations from both 247Sports and FWAA in his first season with the Big Orange.

 

UT Athletics

Jason Aldean Treats Nashville Fans to Free Concert [Photo Gallery]

Jason Aldean Treats Nashville Fans to Free Concert [Photo Gallery]

Posted on November 28, 2018

Pandora hosted a free “Backroads” concert that was headlined by Jason Aldean at Nasvhille’s Marathon Music Works on Nov. 27. The free concert was a celebration for fans—and Jason, who is the most played country artist in Pandora history.

“It’s cool to get to play shows like this where you know the fans are all going to be some of the biggest out there,” said Jason.

Steven Lee Olsen, who recently released his new album, Timing Is Everything, opened the show.

If you’re a fan of Jason’s music, tune in to Pandora’s “Backroads” station, which features music tailored for country listeners.

Check out some photos from the show, courtesy of Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com.

Vols in NFL Week 12 Recap: Daniel, Colquitt Rank Among Top 5 NFL Punters

Vols in NFL Week 12 Recap: Daniel, Colquitt Rank Among Top 5 NFL Punters

Posted on November 27, 2018
NFL Update Logo / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Houston Texans rookie punter Trevor Daniel is tied for fourth in the NFL with 24 punts downed inside the 20-yard line while veteran punter Britton Colquitt leads the NFL in punts (68) and longest punt (79). Colquitt also ranks second in punting yards (3,071) and punts I-20 (30).

Catch up with all of Tennessee’s former players below.

Derek Barnett – DE, Philadelphia Eagles
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 6/6, Tackles: 11 UA, 5 A, 16 Total, Other: 2.5 Sacks

Barnett suffered a season ending injury to his shoulder in Week 7.

Eric Berry – DB, Kansas City Chiefs
2018 Regular Season: No Stats Recorded 

Berry has yet to see action this season for the Chiefs. The five-time Pro Bowler has been rehabbing an Achilles injury he suffered in last year’s season opener.

Tyler Bray – QB, Chicago Bears (Practice Squad)
Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/1, Comp-Att-Int: 60-97-1, 652 Yds, 1 TD

Bray played in four preseason games for the Chicago Bears in 2018, completing 60-of-97 passes for 652 yards and one touchdown. The California native was named to the Bears’ practice squad to start the 2018 season.

Justin Coleman – DB, Seattle Seahawks
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/3, Tackles: 29 UA, 8 A, 37 Total, Other: 0 Sacks, 1 Int., 0 FF, 7 PD

Coleman made four tackles, three of which were solo, in Seattle’s Week 12 win against the Panthers. The outing marked Coleman’s third start of the season.

Britton Colquitt – P, Cleveland Browns
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/0, 68 Punts, 3,071 Yds, 79 Lg, 45.2 Avg., 30 I-20, 4 TB, 14 FC

Colquitt made four punts, landing one inside the 20-yard line, for an average of 47.0 yards per punt in Cleveland’s 35-20 Week 12 win at Cincinnati.

Britton Colquitt leads the NFL in punts (68) and longest punt (79) while ranking second in punting yards (3,071) and punts I-20 (30).

Dustin Colquitt – P, Kansas City Chiefs
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/0, 31 Punts, 1,412 Yds, 67 Lg, 45.5 Avg., 16 I-20, 4 TB, 7 FC

Colquitt and the Chiefs had a bye in Week 12 and return to action against the Raiders on December 2.

Morgan Cox – LS, Baltimore Ravens
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/0

Cox serves as the Ravens’ primary long snapper and has played in all 11 of the team’s games this season.

Jason Croom – TE, Buffalo Bills
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/1, Rec-Yds: 15-147, 9.8 Avg., 26 Lg, 1 TD

Croom totaled 16 yards on two receptions in his first start of the season, helping the Bills to a 24-21 victory over Jacksonville in Week 12.

Trevor Daniel – P, Houston Texans
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/0, 49 Punts, 2,168 Yds, 61 Lg, 44.2 Avg., 24 I-20, 5 TB, 14 FC

Daniel is tied for fourth in the NFL with 24 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. In Week 12, Daniel averaged 44.8 yards on five punts and landed two I-20 to help the Texans to a 34-17 win over Tennessee.

Joshua Dobbs – QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 4/0, Passing Comp-Att-Int: 2-3-0, 19 Yds, 0 TD Rushing Att-Yds: 2-(-4), 0 TD
Preseason: Games/Starts: 3/1, Passing Comp-Att-Int: 29-43-2, 434 Yds, 4 TD Rushing Att-Yds: 10-64, 1 TD

Dobbs completed his first career pass for 20 yards to help the Steelers defeat the Ravens, 23-16 in Week 9. The following week against the Panthers, Dobbs was 1-for-2.

Ramon Foster – G, Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/11

Foster got his 126th career start on the offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Foster is a leader for the Steelers, who hold a 7-3-1 record.

Zach Fulton – G, Houston Texans
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 9/9

Fulton started his ninth game of the season and 55th of his career in the Texans’ Week 12 win over the Titans.

Rashaan Gaulden – DB, Carolina Panthers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 10/0, Tackles: 11 UA, 3 A, 14 Total

Gaulden did not record any stats in the Panthers’ 30-27 loss to Seattle in Week 12.

Justin Hunter – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 4/0, Rec-Yds: 3-21, 7.0 Avg., 12 Lg, 0 TD

Hunter did not play in the Steelers’ 24-17 loss at Denver in Week 12.

Malik Jackson – DT, Jacksonville Jaguars
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/10, Tackles: 20 UA, 4 A, 24 Total, Other: 1 Sack, 1 PD

Jackson logged three solo tackles in Jacksonville’s 24-21 loss at Buffalo in Week 12.

Ja’Wuan James – T, Miami Dolphins
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 10/10

James made his 57th career start for the Dolphins in Week 12 at Indianapolis.

Alexander Johnson – LB, Denver Broncos
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 1/0, Tackles: 0 UA, 0 A, 0 Total

Johnson made his NFL debut in Week 9 as the Broncos fell to the Texans, 19-17.

Alvin Kamara – RB, New Orleans Saints
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/10, Rushing Att-Yds: 150-706, 4.7 Avg., 49 Lg, 11 TD
Rec-Yds: 57-519, 9.1 Avg., 37 Lg, 4 TD

Kamara rushed for 89 yards on 14 carries in New Orleans’ 31-17 win over Atlanta. The running back also had one reception for nine yards in the outing.

Kamara is second in the league in total touchdowns scored this season (15) and sixth in total points with 94.

John Kelly – RB, Los Angeles Rams
Preseason: Games/Starts: 3/0, Rushing Att-Yds: 46-197, 4.3 Avg., 40 Lg, 3 TD
Rec-Yds: 6-18, 3.0 Avg., 12 Lg, 0 TD

Kelly rushed 46 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns through three preseason games Los Angeles. The rookie running back has not seen action in any regular-season contests for the Rams.

LaTroy Lewis – LB, Tennessee Titans (Practice Squad)
Lewis was signed to the Titans’ practice squad in October. 

Josh Malone – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 7/0, Rec-Yds: 1-12, 12.0 Avg., 0 TD

Malone did not record any stats in the Bengals’ 35-20 loss to Cleveland in Week 12.

Daniel McCullers – DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 10/0, Tackles: 2 UA, 2 A, 4 Total, Other: 1 Sacks 

McCullers didn’t record any stats in the Steelers’ 24-17 loss at Denver in Week 12.

Kahlil McKenzie – G, Kansas City Chiefs
Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/0

McKenzie made four appearances in the preseason for the Chiefs and helped pave the way for 397 yards of total offense in the final preseason game against the Packers. McKenzie has not played in any of the Chiefs eight regular season games so far this year.

Emmanuel Moseley – DB, San Francisco 49ers (IR)
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 1/0, Tackles: 1 UA, 0 A, 1 Total
Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/1, Tackles: 6 UA, 0 A, 6 Total, Other: 1 PD, 1-6 Int-Yds

Moseley made his NFL debut in Week 9, making one tackle  in the first quarter of San Francisco’s 34-3 win over Oakland. He was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury in the outing.

Michael Palardy – P, Carolina Panthers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/0, 43 Punts, 1,957 Yds, 59 Lg, 45.5 Avg., 20 I-20, 3 TB, 18 FC

Palardy booted one punt 55 yards in the Panther’s 30-27 loss to Seattle in Week 12.

Cordarrelle Patterson – WR, New England Patriots
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/4, Rec-Yds: 13-120, 9.2 Avg., 55 Lg, 2 TD
Rushing Att-Yds: 37-156, 4.2 Avg., 22 Lg, 1 TD
KR-Yds: 17-525, 30.9 Avg., 1 TD, 95 Lg

Comming off a bye week, Patterson had five catches for 10 yards in New England’s win over the Jets in Week 12.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin – LB, Detroit Lions
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 8/0, Tackles: 7 UA, 4 A, 11 Total 

Reeves-Maybin did not play in Detroit’s Week 12 game against Chicago.

Luke Stocker – TE, Tennessee Titans
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/7, Rec-Yds: 11-109, 9.1 Avg., 31 Lg, 1 TD

Stocker made a 14-yard catch in the Titan’s loss at Houston in Week 12.

Cameron Sutton – DB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 11/1, Tackles: 18 UA, 0 A, 18 Total, Other: 3 PD, 1-0 Int-Yds, 1 FF

Sutton didn’t record any stats but saw action in the Steelers’ 24-17 loss at Denver in Week 12.

Jordan Williams – LB, New York Giants (IR)
Preseason: Games/Starts: 4/0, Tackles: 3 UA, 0 A, 3 Total

Williams played in all four preseason games for the Giants, making three tackles. He is currently on injured reserve for New York.

Ethan Wolf – TE, Green Bay Packers
Wolf was signed to the practice squad by the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 30. He spent the preseason with the Tennessee Titans after signing as an undrafted free agent.

-UT Athletics

 

Hoops Preview: #6 Tennessee vs. Eastern Kentucky

Hoops Preview: #6 Tennessee vs. Eastern Kentucky

Posted on November 27, 2018
Vols G Yves Pons / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Volunteers will play their 500th game in Thompson-Boling Arena on Wednesday night, as they host Eastern Kentucky for a 6:30 p.m. tip.

SEC Network will carry the broadcast, which can also be streamed online through WatchESPN. Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action. Tickets are still available online at AllVols.com.

Tennessee (4-1) is coming off a trip to New York after playing in the NIT Season Tip-Off. UT split its two games in the Barclays Center, defeating Louisville in the semifinals, 92-81, and dropping a hardfought matchup against No. 2 Kansas, 87-81, in overtime.

Grant Williams was named the SEC co-Player of the Week after the tournament, averaging 21.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. He was also named to the NIT Season Tip-Off All-Tournament Team along with Jordan Bone. Bone posted 13.5 points, 5.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game during the tournament. Against Kansas, he finished with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go along with six rebounds and five assists.

THE SERIES

  • Tennessee leads the all-time series with Eastern Kentucky, 4-0.
  • Two meetings have taken place in Knoxville (1984 and 2005). The Vols also defeated EKU in Richmond (1912) and Murfreesboro (1979).
  • The Vols own a 56-2 all-time record against current members of the Ohio Valley Conference.

A WIN WOULD…

  • Extend Tennessee’s home win streak to 12 games, dating to last season.
  • Improve UT’s record vs. current members of the OVC to 57-2.

STORYLINES

  • This is Tennessee’s 500th men’s basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena. The riverfront venue that seats 21,678 opened for the 1987-88 season.
  • The Volunteers are 370-129 at Thompson-Boling Arena.
  • Tennessee has committed fewer turnovers than its opponent in all five games this season.
  • Grant Williams leads the SEC in scoring (21.6 ppg) and ranks second in field-goal percentage (.597).
  • Grant Williams and Jordan Bone both were named to last week’s NIT Season Tip-Off All-Tournament Team.
  • Williams also was named the SEC Co-Player of the Week.
  • As a team, Tennessee leads the SEC in 3-point field-goal defense (.274), assists per game (20.6 apg) and assist/turnover ratio (1.7).
  • Four Vols rank among the top 10 in the SEC in assist/turnover ratio. Jordan Bowden ranks third (3.8), Jordan Bone is sixth (2.6), Admiral Schofield ranks eighth (1.9) and Grant Williams is 10th (1.4).
  • According to KenPom, Tennessee ranks in the top 15 in both offensive efficiency (13th) and defensive efficiency (11th).
  • VFL Scotty Hopson (2008-11) of the NBA G League’s Oklahoma City Blue was recently named to USA Basketball’s November USA World Cup Qualifying Team.

ABOUT EASTERN KENTUCKY

  • The Vols and the Colonels are set to meet for the first time in more than a decade, with UT looking to preserve its perfect record in a series that dates to 1912.
  • A.W. Hamilton is in his first year at the helm of a collegiate program after spending just one season as an assistant coach at NC State, but the two-time National Prep Coach of the Year excelled as head coach during his six seasons at Hargrave Military Academy, where he boasted a record of 237-22 and led his team to the 2016 National Prep Championship.
  • Eastern Kentucky (3-3) lost some key players from last year’s squad, but three-time All-OVC first-team selection Nick Mayo is back for his senior season. Mayo is on pace to become the program’s all-time leading scorer and is one of only six Colonels ever to record 1,500 points and 500 rebounds in a career. He also holds EKU’s career blocks record (132).
  • This season, Mayo is averaging 25.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. In a game at Chattanooga earlier this month, Mayo dropped 40 points on 12-of-23 shooting in a win over the Mocs.
  • Lachlan Anderson is another player to keep an eye on for the Colonels. The junior forward is second on the team in scoring (9.8 ppg) and rebounding (5.8 rpg).

LAST MEETING WITH EKU

  • Junior center Major Wingate scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed five rebounds to lead Tennessee to a 92-58 victory over Eastern Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena on Nov. 25, 2005.
  • Tennessee took advantage of 25 turnovers by Eastern Kentucky. The Big Orange improved to 3-0.
  • The Vols had 21 assists and 13 turnovers. Chris Lofton added 17 points, C.J. Watson 12 scored and Andre Patterson had 10.
  • Wingate, whose previous career high was 14 points against Kentucky last season, was 6-of-8 from the floor and made all six of his foul shots. Lofton, who hit 4 of 8 shots from 3-point range, had two points at halftime and was 0-of-4 from the floor.
  • Eastern Kentucky was led by Mike Rose with 13 points, and Jason McLeish and Alonzo Hird with 12 each.
  • Tennessee led 44-29 at halftime.

HOOPS RANKED HIGH ON ROCKY TOP

  • Tennessee joins Iowa as the only schools in the nation whose men’s and women’s basketball teams both are ranked in the AP top 15.
  • The Vols are ranked sixth in the country, while the Lady Vols are the AP’s 11th-ranked team.

HOME HOOPS DURING THE BARNES ERA

  • The Volunteers own a 39-11 record at Thompson-Boling Arena under the direction of head coach Rick Barnes.
  • With Barnes on the bench, Tennessee is 18-9 at home against SEC opposition.
  • The Vols’ current 11-game home win streak is longest of the Barnes era.
  • Barnes has led the Vols to a 3-3 home record against AP top-25 opponents.

-UT Athletics

 

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