Fulmer Announces Hiring of VFL CJ Fayton

Fulmer Announces Hiring of VFL CJ Fayton

Posted on May 22, 2018
C.J. Fayton — VFL Coordinator / Credit: UT Athletics

Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer announced Tuesday that CJ Fayton has been hired as Director of VFL Programming.

Fayton returns to his alma mater after building an impressive resume in both collegiate athletics administration and the private legal sector. Most recently, he held the role of Associate Athletics Director at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. He served as the Scots’ Title IX Deputy Coordinator and was also the sport administrator for football, men’s and women’s basketball and golf.

In his new role with Tennessee Athletics, the three-time UT graduate and former two-sport student-athlete will administer comprehensive career and professional development programming to student-athletes across all 20 sports while also directing the Vol For Life (VFL) program and working to keep former letterwinners engaged and connected to Rocky Top.

“I am very excited to have CJ Fayton join our team,” Fulmer said. “He will touch all phases of the student-athlete experience at Tennessee, from recruiting to life after sports. CJ will work under my direction with our letterwinners for all sports, our development efforts, our alumni relations office, our marketing department and the Thornton Center.

“He brings a lot to the table as a former Vol and UT graduate with a law degree and experience in administration. He has excellent communication skills and understands how important this position is to me, as we connect our past to the future.”

A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Fayton was recruited to Tennessee as a wide receiver during Fulmer’s impressive tenure as head football coach. Fayton lettered on the gridiron from 2002-05, during which time he twice earned SEC All-Academic Team honors and was a member of two SEC Eastern Division championship teams and three teams that made postseason bowl appearances. He also was a member of the Tennessee men’s basketball team during the 2000-01 campaign, appearing in three games.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of VFL Programming for all sports,” Fayton said. “What makes Tennessee a special place is the people. To have an opportunity to work with the current student-athletes, former letterwinners and the whole VFL community is an honor. Tennessee’s traditions were built by a number of great coaches, student-athletes, administrators and fans. I’m thankful that Coach Fulmer has entrusted me with connecting that past tradition and history to our current student-athletes and program.”

After receiving his degree in Sport Management in 2005, he gained an array of administrative experience at Tennessee as a development assistant with Tennessee’s VASF staff, a recruiting assistant with the football program and a graduate assistant for football administration. He earned his Master’s degree in Recreation Administration in 2008 and a Juris Doctorate degree in 2014—both also from Tennessee. He is a current member of the New Jersey Bar and the Knoxville Bar Association.

Fayton also boasts experience as an assistant football coach at Norfolk State (wide receivers, 2010-11), a compliance assistant (Vanderbilt athletics, 2012-13) and a private-practice law clerk (2013).

 

UT Athletics

Chris Janson Shuts Down Nashville’s Lower Broadway to Send a Message in New “Drunk Girl” Video [Watch]

Chris Janson Shuts Down Nashville’s Lower Broadway to Send a Message in New “Drunk Girl” Video [Watch]

Posted on May 22, 2018

After taking “Fix a Drink” to the top of the Mediabase chart in November 2017, Chris Janson is hoping his current single, “Drunk Girl,” will find a home there.

But don’t let the two aforementioned song titles fool you. “Fix a Drink” and “Drunk Girl” couldn’t be farther apart thematically.

Fun-loving “Fix a Drink” kept the summertime party flowing with cocktails and cold beers, while “Drunk Girl” tackles a much more serious subject matter: respecting women, regardless of the circumstances.

The tune—which was co-penned by Chris, Tom Douglas and Scooter Carusoe—reinforces its theme of respect throughout the chorus: Take a drunk girl home / Let her sleep all alone / Leave her keys on the counter, your number by the phone / Pick up her life she threw on the floor / Leave the hall lights on, walk out and lock the door / That’s how she knows the difference between a boy and man / Take a drunk girl home.

“Both of my co-writers are legendary,” said Chris to Nash Country Daily. “They certainly didn’t need me in the room. I can tell you that the song basically wrote itself. We were just stewards of the ship. And I say that in regard to, sometimes songs happen like that. You can’t really twist and turn ’em. If you try, you mess ’em up. If you let them lead, they lead. We wrote ‘Drunk Girl’ from a father’s perspective. We are all dads. I would hope after hearing the lyrics, if my daughter was in that situation, I hope someone would take care of her. Being a husband, being a dad of girls, I have such a great respect for women in general. I think this song needed to be said.”

Chris released a new video for the tune, which is currently No. 27 on the Mediabase chart. Directed by Jeff Venable, the new clip features Chris playing piano in the middle of Broadway—the street that runs through downtown Nashville’s famed honky-tonk district—as interspersed footage tells the story of a woman who finds herself living out the song’s lyrics after enduring an abusive childhood and a college assault.

Watch the video for “Drunk Girl” below.

photo courtesy of Brenton Giesey/Warner Music Nashville 

Jimmy’ blog: UT allotment for Belk College Kickoff exceeds 16,000

Posted on May 22, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Tennessee’s allotment for the Belk College Kickoff exceeds 16,000.

It will be interesting to see if Vol fans snatch up those tickets before the Sept. 1 matchup against top 25 West Virginia in Charlotte.

Cole Cubelic of the SEC Network has picked the Mountaineers to win the Big 12.

The range of ticket prices varies greatly: $199 for club seats, $123 for sideline seats, $99 for end zone seats, and $65, $70 and $75 for upper deck seats.

UT’s allotment was 12,500 and UT requested almost 4,000 more for the lower level, based on previous purchases for neutral-site games by Tennessee fans. That brings the ticket total to 16,381.

Tickets to the Belk College Kickoff are on sale to members of the Tennessee Fund and season ticket holders until May 30. They will go on sale to the general public the first week of June.

Ticket requests have not been strong from Tennessee so far, but that could change, given UT’s history for recent games at neutral sites.

In 2012, UT sold more than 25,000 tickets to see the Vols play North Carolina State in the Georgia Dome.

Last year, Tennessee sold about 30,000 for the Georgia Tech game in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.

UT did negotiate student discount tickets, getting 1,100 for current students at $45 each and another 400 for incoming students. All those seats are in the upper deck.

Tennessee bought about 450 tickets for band members at $53 per ticket.

Meanwhile, Tennessee has sold about 61,000 season tickets with the deadline for renewal having already passed. Those season ticket holders will have a chance to upgrade or downgrade their tickets until May 30. Shortly thereafter, season tickets will go on sale to the general public.

UT hopes to sell about 65,000 season tickets.

Two years ago, when many favored the Vols to win the East Division, UT sold about 73,000 season tickets.

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Lady Vols Heading Back to Junkanoo Jam

Lady Vols Heading Back to Junkanoo Jam

Posted on May 22, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

BIMINI, Bahamas – The schedule and field for the women’s 2018 Junkanoo Jam at Resorts World Bimini were announced Tuesday, and the Tennessee Lady Vols are headed back to the islands.

Eight NCAA Division I women’s college basketball teams will compete in the 16th annual Junkanoo Jam, held Nov. 22-24, 2018, at Gateway Christian Academy in Bimini.

The tournament, hosted annually over Thanksgiving, will feature Clemson, Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, UAB and West Virginia. The field will be split into two divisions of four teams, the Junkanoo and Bimini Divisions, and each division will crown a champion.

Florida State, Iowa, Oklahoma and Tennessee all return to the Bahamas as past Junkanoo Jam champions, with Oklahoma winning most recently in 2015 and Tennessee seizing the Lucaya Division trophy in Freeport, Bahamas, in 2013. UT beat Virginia, 76-67, and trounced SMU, 87-47, to bring home the hardware on Nov. 28 and 29, 2013, with Meighan Simmons grabbing MVP honors.

Tennessee will be making its third in-season trip outside the U.S. during the Holly Warlick era and fourth international excursion during the past seven years. As mentioned, UT was 2-0 at the 2013 Junkanoo Jam, went 3-0 during a tour of Italy during the summer of 2015 and posted a 3-0 mark at the 2017 Cancun Challenge last fall for an 8-0 mark on foreign soil under Warlick.

The Lady Vols will return three starters and seven total letterwinners from a squad that finished 25-8 overall, 11-5 in the SEC and ended up ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll and No. 13 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.

Returning starters include 6-2 sophomore forward Rennia Davis (12.0 ppg., 7.6 rpg., SEC All-Freshman), 6-0 sophomore point guard Evina Westbrook (8.4 ppg., 4.3 apg., SEC All-Freshman) and 5-11 senior wing Meme Jackson(8.2 ppg., 4.2 rpg.), as well top reserves 5-7 sophomore guard Anastasia Hayes (9.3 ppg., 3.4 apg., SEC 6th Woman of the Year) and 6-3 senior forward Cheridene Green (4.1 ppg., 3.7 rpg.). UT also welcomes the nation’s No. 4-ranked freshman class and a 6-3 graduate transfer forward from Washington State (Lou Brown), who has 71 career starts and averaged 6.4 ppg. and 6.0 rpg. in 2017-18.

“We’re extremely excited to announce the women’s field for this year,” tournament director Becky Adams said. “These teams are some of the best programs in women’s college basketball, and we can’t wait to get them on island to enjoy everything Bimini offers.”

The Junkanoo Division features Clemson, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and UAB. The Clemson Tigers and Tennessee Lady Vols will tip off the 2018 event Thursday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m., followed by UAB and Oklahoma at 5:15 p.m. Losing teams will return to Gateway Christian Academy the following day to compete for third place with tipoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Winning teams will have a one-day respite before facing off in the division championship at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24.

The Bimini Division will tip off Friday, Nov. 23 and feature Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Iowa, and West Virginia. Eastern Kentucky and Florida State will compete in the opening game at 3 p.m., followed by West Virginia and Iowa at 5:15 p.m. Competition concludes Saturday, Nov. 24 with the third-place game at 4:15 p.m. and the championship game at 6:45 p.m.

All games will stream live at www.FloHoops.com. To access the live event coverage and replays of the Junkanoo Jam, users must sign up to become FloPRO subscribers on www.FloHoops.com.

Teams and fans will stay at the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, the official partner of the Junkanoo Jam. Built in 2016, the resort features eight restaurants and bars, three pools, a casino with a sports book, snorkeling, big game fishing, and is located less than a 10-minute walk from the game site at Gateway Christian Academy.

Located just 50 miles off Florida’s coast, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, boasting miles of pristine beaches. Known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape, Bimini showcases the history and culture of the Caribbean. Visitors from around the world travel to Bimini to enjoy its warm weather, expansive beaches and crystal-clear waters.

For more information about the 2018 Junkanoo Jam and to purchase fan packages, visit www.junkanoojam.com.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Junkanoo Division

(Nov. 22)
Clemson vs. Tennessee at 3 p.m.
UAB vs. Oklahoma at 5:15 p.m.

Nov. 23, 2018
Loser #1 vs. Loser #2 at 7:45 p.m.

Nov. 24, 2018
Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 at 2 p.m.

Bimini Division

Nov. 23, 2018
Eastern Kentucky vs. Florida State at 3 p.m.
West Virginia vs. Iowa at 5:15 p.m.

Nov. 24, 2018
Loser #1 vs. Loser #2 at 4:15 p.m.
Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 at 6:45 p.m.

All game times are Eastern and subject to change

 

UT Athletics

Thomas Rhett Says Multidimensional Ed Sheeran “Is a Huge Inspiration and Hero” When It Comes to Global Success

Thomas Rhett Says Multidimensional Ed Sheeran “Is a Huge Inspiration and Hero” When It Comes to Global Success

Posted on May 22, 2018

With No. 1 hits like “Crash and Burn,” “Die a Happy Man” and “Craving You,” Thomas Rhett’s musical portfolio is sonically diversified, which has helped him earn CMA and ACM Awards, as well as Grammy nominations. But with aspirations of taking over the musical world—like his pop hero Ed Sheeran—TR told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown that a multifaceted attack is essential.

“As an artist, I think we always love being challenged in so many different ways,” says Thomas Rhett. “And there’s so many artist these days that are doing it all. I look at somebody like Ed Sheeran as a huge inspiration and a hero to me because that guy goes out and sells out stadiums and he plays acoustic. He produces all of his own records. He writes all of his own songs. He did a guest role in Game of Thrones. I think, nowadays, as an artist, it’s tough to be only a one-dimensional artist.”

Thomas Rhett has already made multidimensional strides, including: his 2017 album, Life Changes, which debuted atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart; his face has been on boxes of Cheerios as a spokesman for Outnumber Hunger; and he’s designed a clothing line for an L.A. pop-up store.

“You’ve gotta be willing and able to do so many different things as an artist ’cause people want to see a multifaceted artist,” says TR. “Somebody who can play multiple instruments. Somebody who can also act a little bit. Somebody who is gonna do some sort of clothing line or liquor line or whatever that may be, and I think that you’re just kind of an all-around entertainer, if you will, and I think you’re gonna have to put on that hat these days to be globally successful.”

TR recently capped the May leg of his Life Changes Tour, which will kick back up in September. TR will open a number of summer dates on Kenny Chesney’s Trip Around the Sun Tour, starting on May 26 in Atlanta.

photo by Scooter / AFF-USA.com

Watch Luke Bryan Sing New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” on “American Idol” Finale

Watch Luke Bryan Sing New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” on “American Idol” Finale

Posted on May 22, 2018

Before American Idol crowned its Season 16 winner on May 21, judge Luke Bryan took the stage to perform his new single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” is featured on Luke’s 2017 studio album, What Makes You Country, which has already spawned two No. 1 singles, “Light It Up” and “Most People Are Good.”

Luke also teamed up with finalist Gabby Barret to sing his most recent No. 1 hit, “Most People Are Good.”

Luke will kick off the second leg of his What Makes You Country Tour on May 31, including more than a dozen dates at stadiums and ballparks.

“I’m excited to kick this summer tour off and get back in front of the fans,” said Luke. “To think about the opportunity to also include 13 stadiums is unreal. This lineup is going to have so much energy. Can’t wait!”

Check out Luke’s performances below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Pruitt believes grad transfers should go where they want

Jimmy’s blog: Pruitt believes grad transfers should go where they want

Posted on May 22, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Jeremy Pruitt finished his college playing days at Alabama, but he didn’t begin his career with the Crimson Tide.

Pruitt started his first two seasons at Middle Tennessee State before testing his skills at the SEC level.

He transferred to the school of his dreams and was eligible to play right away, going from Division I-AA to I-A.

“I was allowed to do that,’’ said the native of Rainsville, Ala. “They let me do it. I didn’t sit out. I went and played.

“I’m thankful that he (MTSU coach Boots Donnelly) gave me an opportunity to kind of go try to fulfill my dreams.’’

Another transfer issue has arisen that impacts Pruitt – as a coach, not a player.

Alabama backup center and graduate Brandon Kennedy wants to transfer, apparently in an effort to seek more playing time. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is blocking the move, not granting a release for Kennedy to play in the SEC or with a future Alabama opponent.

Saban did the same thing two years ago to defensive back Maurice Smith, refusing to release Smith to play for Georgia and its first-year coach Kirby Smart, who had worked for Saban for more than a decade at Alabama.

The SEC stepped in and granted Smith the chance to play right away at Georgia.

Kennedy has expressed an interest in playing at Tennessee and Auburn. The SEC likely will step in to support Kennedy – if Saban doesn’t release Kennedy.

Pruitt was asked his philosophy on grad transfers.

“Obviously, I don’t think they would be leaving a situation where they felt like they could continue to have success,’’ Pruitt said. “If they’ve earned their degree, in my opinion, they’ve earned the right to choose where they want to go by their maturity and the things that they’ve accomplished.

“We’ve had some guys that elected to leave here (Tennessee) and that’s their decision and we’ve supported them. The way I look at it, who am I to help determine where someone is going to go to school?

“They’ve earned the opportunity to pick where they want to go.’’

Whether Kennedy elects to attend Tennessee or Auburn, Pruitt is right. By graduating, Kennedy has earned the right to transfer wherever he wants and play right away.

In fact, the NCAA should have a rule allowing grad transfers to go where they want and play immediately.

And no coach – including Saban – should stand in their way.

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Ashley McBryde Announces “The Girl Going Nowhere” Tour

Ashley McBryde Announces “The Girl Going Nowhere” Tour

Posted on May 22, 2018

Ashley McBryde will be hitting the road this fall and winter for her headlining The Girl Going Nowhere Tour.

Kicking off on Sept. 5, Ashley will play more than 30 dates, including stops in Atlanta, Nashville, Philadelphia and more, as well as six international stops in England and Scotland. Dee White will serve as the opener for most of the U.S. dates.

Tickets go on sale on May 25.

The Girl Going Nowhere Tour

Sept. 5 – Terminal West, Atlanta, GA*
Sept. 6 – 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA*
Sept. 7 – Blind Horse Saloon, Greenville, S.C.*
Sept. 8 – Rome City Brewing Company, Rome, GA*
Sept. 11 – Mammy’s Kitchen, Bardstown, KY
Sept. 12 – Washington County Fair, Abington, VA
Sept. 13 – The Hamilton, Washington, D.C.*
Sept. 14 – Phase 2 Nightclub, Lynchburg, VA*
Sept. 20 – Red Rocks Amphitheater (w/Little Big Town), Morrison, CO
Sept. 22 – Arkansas State University, Mountain Home, AR
Sept. 27 – The Basement East, Nashville, TN*
Sept. 28 – Zydeco, Birmingham, AL*

(International Dates)
Oct. 3 – O2 Institute (w/ Luke Combs), Birmingham, U.K.
Oct. 4 – Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Luke Combs), London, U.K.
Oct. 5 – Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Luke Combs), London, U.K.
Oct. 7 – O2 ABC, Glasgow (w/ Luke Combs), Scotland
Oct. 8 – O2 Ritz Manchester (w/ Luke Combs), Manchester, U.K.
Oct. 10 – Islington Assembly Hall, London, U.K.

Oct. 13 – Mighty Mississippi Music Festival, Greenville, MS
Oct. 25 – Elevation, Grand Rapids, MI*

Nov. 1 – The Lyric Theatre, Oxford, MS*
Nov. 2 – The Barn at The Wicked Wheel (benefiting Girls Inc. of Bay County), Panama City, FL
Nov. 7 – Brick Street Bar, Oxford, OH*
Nov. 8 – The Bluestone, Columbus, OH*
Nov. 9 – Eight Seconds Saloon, Indianapolis, IN*
Nov. 10 – Dusty Armadillo, Rootstown, OH*
Nov. 29 – The Blue Note, Columbia, MO*
Nov. 30 – Revolution Music Room, Little Rock, AR*

Dec. 5 – Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY*
Dec. 7 – The Foundry at the Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA*
Dec. 8 – Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA*
Dec. 12 – Jergel’s Rhythm and Grill, Warrendale, PA*
Dec. 13 – Iron Works, Buffalo, NY*
Dec. 14 – The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA*
Dec. 15 – Anthology, Rochester, NY*

*special guest Dee White

photo courtesy of Katie Kessel/EB Media

Watch Darius Rucker Sing “Wagon Wheel” on “American Idol” With Finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Watch Darius Rucker Sing “Wagon Wheel” on “American Idol” With Finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Posted on May 22, 2018

Darius Rucker took the stage at the American Idol finale on May 21, teaming with finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson to sing his 2013 No. 1 hit, “Wagon Wheel.” Penned by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, “Wagon Wheel” earned Darius the 2014 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.

“It’s so inspiring to see how much talent, passion and ambition these contestants have,” said Darius. “I loved being a part of Caleb’s experience on American Idol. He’s got that old-school voice.”

While Caleb finished as the runner-up, Maddie Poppe was crowned American Idol’s Season 16 winner as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie gave her a standing ovation.

Watch Darius and Caleb Lee perform “Wagon Wheel.”

photo by Eric McCandless, courtesy of ABC

Schofield Would Need to be First-Round Pick to Stay in Draft

Schofield Would Need to be First-Round Pick to Stay in Draft

Posted on May 22, 2018
Schofield after his workout with the Nuggets

By Josh Ward | @Josh_Ward

Tennessee basketball player Admiral Schofield worked out for the Denver Nuggets on Monday as he continues to go through the NBA pre-draft process.

Schofield, who helped lead Tennessee to a regular season SEC championship last season, hasn’t signed with an agent and has until May 30 to decide if he will stay in the draft or return to Tennessee for his senior season.

All indications right now are that Schofield will return to play for the Vols.

Schofield was asked by Michael Spencer of CBS Denver on Monday what it would take for him to remain in the draft.

“Honestly, everyone wants to be a first-round draft pick, but for me, that would be it – first round draft pick,” Schofield said. “I don’t think I’m that yet, which is fine. I haven’t had a team tell me that, which is fine.

“I still have plenty more workouts to do; I’m gonna keep competing and hopefully get an opportunity, but if not, go back to school and get better.”

Schofield’s return would play a big role in Tennessee’s attempt to build on a successful 2017-18 season. The Vols have been projected as a preseason top-10 team next season by several national outlets, including CBS Sports, ESPN and The Athletic, with those projections based on Schofield returning to school.

Gary Parrish of CBS Sports ranked Tennessee No. 3 in his most recent “Top 25 (and one)” that he posted on Tuesday.

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said earlier this month during a Big Orange Caravan stop that Schofield’s experience during NBA workouts should help him if he decides to return to Tennessee for his senior season.

“We’ve talked after each one of (the workouts) and he has told me what a great experience it has been,” Barnes said, “and from his point of view it’s made him realize that a lot of the things we do has helped him get ready for this point.”

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