Derek Barnett has ended the two-year draft drought for the University of Tennessee in the NFL Draft.
Vols DE Derek Barnett selected No. 14 overall by Philadelphia Eagles. Highest UT draft pick since 2010, Eric Berry who went 5th. #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/tXNr9EMswN
Vols DE Derek Barnett selected No. 14 overall by Philadelphia Eagles. Highest UT draft pick since 2010, Eric Berry who went 5th. #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/tXNr9EMswN
*(Note: After the 1st round, the only thing I would change from this pre-draft post is replacing the Texans with the Cardinals for Josh Dobbs, since Houston took QB Deshaun Watson in the 1st.)
Absent from having a player selected in the NFL Draft since 2014, the Tennessee Volunteers are relevant in the draft proceedings again, and in a pretty big way. The ability for Butch Jones and the UT football coaches to sell getting his players to the NFL in recruiting is now there.
The Vols should have 5-to-7 players selected. 6 is the number I anticipate. Six draft picks would be the most for UT since 2010 when Eric Berry was the first Vols player selected in that draft, #5 overall by the Chiefs. Should the number rise to seven drafted, that would be the most players selected from Tennessee since the 2003 draft when eight were taken.
Where are the best team fits for each of the University of Tennessee players expected to be drafted in this week’s NFL Draft?
Here are my final matches of UT players with NFL teams. This is a combination of player skills, team needs at that position and available draft picks in their projected range. These matches are more about what makes the most sense for each player and team combined rather than a mock draft prediction.
5 Best Fits For The Vols
Derek Barnett
DE, Jr, 6’3, 265
5 Best Team Fits: New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Detroit Top Fit: New Orleans Saints Summary: The Saints need difference-makers all over the defense. A pass-rushing, high-motor, identity-generating DE like Barnett would be a great start. I believe Barnett is more likely to be drafted by a 4-3 defensive team. That doesn’t mean 3-4 teams don’t like him or won’t draft him, I just think the chances are greater for the 4-3 teams because he’s a more natural fit in that defense. Typically 3-4 teams want much bigger ends than Barnett. If a 3-4 team wants to use him as a lighter, more explosive end (i.e. Chargers with Joey Bosa at 269) then it makes perfect sense. If a team projects him as an OLB that rushes the passer some and drops some, like the Texans initially did with Jadeveon Clowney, I think that’s a mistaken use of his talents. The five teams listed are all 4-3 teams with high needs at DE, but there are more that will be interested in the Vols all-time sack leader. Last Vols Player The Saints Drafted: WR Robert Meacham – 2007 (1st Rd, #27 overall) Predicted Round: 1
Alvin Kamara
RB, R-Jr, 5’10, 215
5 Best Team Fits: Green Bay, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Philadelphia Top Fit: Indianapolis Colts Summary: All these teams could utilize the dual-threat ability to run and pass-catch that Kamara brings to the table. I would imagine the Colts address defense in the first round, but then get Andrew Luck a talented offensive weapon he desperately needs with their second pick. The Colts utilize the screen game, and Kamara would excel in that offense. Plus, how great would it be for Kamara to possibly work with future hall-of-famer Frank Gore and a top-tier quarterback in Andrew Luck? Kamara would also be reunited with former Vols teammate, LB Curt Maggitt. The Saints need a compliment to Mark Ingram, and they were the first to hold a private workout with Kamara, so that’s a strong possibility as well. Last Vols Player The Colts Drafted: OL Jacques McClendon – 2010 (4th Rd, #129 overall) Predicted Round: 2
Joshua Dobbs
QB, Sr, 6’3, 210
5 Best Team Fits: New Orleans, Cleveland, Houston, LA Chargers, NY Jets Top Fit: Los Angeles Chargers Summary: The projection for Dobbs has changed more from teams looking to upgrade their back-up quarterback situation (Colts/Titans/Seahawks) to teams with high needs for a starting QB right away or in the near future. The Browns obviously worked closely with Dobbs at the Senior Bowl, but it certainly sounds like Cleveland will address the QB spot early in the first round, somehow. The Chargers worked Dobbs out before UT’s Pro Day. LA is certainly looking for the successor to the aging Phillip Rivers. The teams that are most desperate for a QB may draft one in the first round before they get to Dobbs’ range. If Dobbs does go to one of those QB-less teams he could end-up in a position where he immediately gets to compete for a starting job. I think a situation where he can be a back-up and learn for a year or two (LA) would be best for all. As you’ll see below, the last Chargers draft pick, was also the last Vols QB selected in the NFL Draft. Last Vols Player The Chargers Drafted: QB Jonathan Crompton – 2010 (5th Rd, #168 overall) Predicted Round: 3
Cameron Sutton
DB, Sr, 5’11, 182
5 Best Team Fits: Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Tennessee, Kansas City, San Francisco Top Fit: Baltimore Ravens Summary: With Sutton’s character, toughness and mentality, he has Steelers/Ravens/Patriots written all over him. I didn’t include the Patriots because they have other higher priority needs unless they trade Malcom Butler. The Steelers would be a great scheme fit as well, but they’ve invested numerous draft picks and free agent signing since last year. They may go in another direction even though Mike Tomlin got a first-hand look at Sutton and the Vols at UT’s Pro Day. Baltimore has to upgrade their secondary across the board, and Sutton has shown the ability and willingness to play outside corner, nickel or safety. The Ravens zone scheme projects well to how the NFL sees Sutton. Another plus for Baltimore is the three draft picks they have in his round range in the 2nd or 3rd round. With the depth of DBs in this draft, he could slip to the fourth. Sutton also brings great punt return potential to add to his value. There hasn’t been a huge buzz about Sutton, but I think that’s by design with teams not wanting to alert others around the league about the player they love. He’s such a good football player though that it was extremely difficult to cut the list down to five. I could have easily listed 12-15 teams as fits here. Last Vols Player The Ravens Drafted: DT Aubrayo Franklin – 2003 (5th Rd, #146 overall) Predicted Round: 3
Josh Malone
WR, Jr, 6’3, 200
5 Best Team Fits: LA Rams, Baltimore, Arizona, Buffalo, Chicago Top Fit: Arizona Cardinals Summary: This is one of my favorite team/player fits among the Vols. The Cardinals need to improve their wide receiver group. Larry Fitzgerald is likely in his final year. The rest of the group is fast, but small overall. Malone could fill that Michael Floyd role they no longer have. What better receiver and NFL player could Malone have to learn the ropes from then Fitzgerald? Bruce Arians gets the Cardinals front office to draft off talent, and Malone absolutely has that. Malone believes in himself as well. He’s coming off of a year where he improved greatly and produced with 50 catches and 11 touchdowns. I think he’ll be a better NFL receiver than any of the most recent WRs from the U. of Tennessee. Last Vols Player The Cardinals Drafted: DT Dan Williams – 2010 (1st Rd, #26 overall) Predicted Round: 3
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
LB, Sr, 6’0, 230
5 Best Team Fits: Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, Detroit, Miami Top Fit: Atlanta Falcons Summary: The draft is wide open for team potential for Reeves-Maybin because of his third-day round projection, his versatility and his ability to play elite special teams. It’s impossible to know how his medical concerns impact every NFL team on their draft board. The Falcons do have an outside linebacker need. Atlanta also doesn’t get as caught-up in size as some teams, but prefer speed, leadership, toughness and productivity. Atlanta has shown that by drafting plenty of productive SEC defenders in recent years like Deion Jones, Keanu Neal and Jalen Collins. Reeves-Maybin would instantly improve special teams on a Super Bowl contender close to home. This would be a very nice fit. Last Vols Player The Falcons Drafted: DE Demetrin Veal – 2003 (7th Rd, #238) Predicted Round: 6
Other UT Players To Watch For NFL Draft/UDFA
Jason Croom: TE, R-Sr, 6’5, 246
Corey Vereen: DE, Sr, 6’2, 249
Dylan Wiesman: OL, Sr, 6’4, 310
Malik Foreman: DB, Sr, 5’10, 190
LaTroy Lewis: DE, R-Sr, 6’4, 256
Teams with a lot of picks are always ones to watch as greater possibilities to land a player. The Bengals and Browns have the most draft picks at the moment with 11. The Broncos, Chiefs, Redskins and 49’ers are next with 10 selections. The Falcons and the Bills have the fewest currently, with only 6 draft picks.
Enjoy the draft. I’ll have a recap of what happened after the draft for UT and SEC players.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Several former Tennessee football standouts will look to hear their names called over the next three days during the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The first round of the draft will take place on Thursday, April 27, and begin at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds are on Friday, April 28, starting at 7 p.m. ET. On Saturday, April 29, coverage of the fourth through seventh rounds begins at noon ET. ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network will have live coverage of the three-day event.
Tennessee football’s official social media accounts, @Vol_Football on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/VolFootball, will also have live, up-to-date coverage the Vols who are selected in this year’s draft.
VFL Derek Barnett has a first-round grade from various scouts and analysts and accepted an invitation to attend Thursday’s first round in Philadelphia. VFL Films and Vol Photos will be with Barnett during this exciting first step of his professional career.
Tennessee NFL Draft History
Tennessee last had a player selected in the NFL Draft in 2014 when the Miami Dolphins selected Ja’Wuan James with the 19th pick the first round, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Zach Fulton with the No. 193 overall pick in the sixth round and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Daniel McCullers with the No. 215 overall pick in the sixth round.
UT has had two first-round draft picks in the same year nine different times (1984, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2010) with the last time in 2010 (Eric Berry, Dan Williams).
The last time UT had 5 or more players drafted in a single year was 2010 (6). The last time UT had 7 or more players drafted in a single year was 2003 (8).
Eleven defensive linemen have been drafted in the first round in UT history with the last coming in 2010 (Dan Williams).
Nine running backs have been drafted in the first two rounds in UT history. The last first-rounder was Jamal Lewis in 2000 when the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the fifth overall pick. The last second-round UT running back was Montario Hardesty, who the Cleveland Browns took with the No. 59 overall pick.
Since 1998, four Tennessee quarterbacks have been drafted. In 1998, the Indianapolis Colts selected Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick. In 2000, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Tee Martin with the No. 163 overall pick (fifth round). In 2008, the New York Jets selected Erik Ainge with the No. 163 overall pick (fifth round). In 2010, the San Diego Chargers drafted Jonathan Crompton with the No. 168 overall pick (fifth round).
VFL Eric Berry (first round, fifth overall to the Kansas City Chiefs) was the last Tennessee defensive back to be selected in the first three rounds.
Tennessee last had three defensive players selected in the same draft in 2007, when the Green Bay Packers took defensive tackle Justin Harrell in the first round (No. 16), the Kansas City Chiefs took defensive end Turk McBride in the second round (No. 54), the St. Louis Rams took cornerback Jonathan Wade in the third round (No. 84) and the New Orleans Saints took linebacker Marvin Mitchell in the seventh round (No. 220).
VFLs Receiving 2017 NFL Draft Buzz
Derek Barnett Defensive End
Tennessee’s 2016 Consensus All-American has a first-round grade following his outstanding junior season and impressive showings at the NFL Combine, UT Pro Day and individual workouts. ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have Barnett as their No. 13 overall player in their final top 300 rankings and NFL Network Mike Mayock has him rated at No. 17 in his top 100. From 2014-16, Barnett played in 39 games, totaling 197 tackles (131 solo) and a Tennessee program-record 33.0 sacks. He tallied a career-best 13.0 sacks, including the 33rd of his career against Nebraska in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl to break the previous record of 32.0 held by the late great Reggie White since 1983. Barnett’s 52.0 career tackles for loss rank second in Tennessee history only to Leonard Little’s program-record 53.0.
Alvin Kamara Running Back
Kamara has received first-round and second-round buzz and many analysts have been impressed by his speed and versatility. McShay has him as his No. 40 overall player and No. 4 overall running back. Mayock rates Kamara as his No. 27 overall player. He was one of Tennessee’s four team captains in 2016 and again proved to be one of the SEC’s most dynamic playmakers. As a redshirt junior, he ran for 596 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 carries (5.8 average) and caught 40 passes for 392 yards (9.8 average) and four scores. He also returned 18 punts for 184 yards (10.2 average). Kamara led the Vols with 1,188 all-purpose yards (seventh in the SEC) in 2016 and tallied 13 total touchdowns, which tied for third in the SEC. Kamara set a new Tennessee record with 312 all-purpose yards against Texas A&M on Oct. 8, rushing for 127 yards on 18 carries and catching eight passes for 161 yards. He and Jamal Lewis (1997 against Kentucky) are the only two Vols to record 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.
Joshua Dobbs Quarterback
Dobbs impressed scouts and NFL team personnel at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and during his throwing drills at Tennessee’s Pro Day. He recently took part in SportsCenter Special: Gruden’s QB Camp and Jon Gruden said, “Russell Wilson had it, Dak Prescott has it, this kid has it.” Dobbs enjoyed the best season of his distinguished Tennessee career in 2016, completing 63.0 percent of his passes with career highs of 2,946 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for Tennessee quarterback records of 831 yards and 12 touchdowns on 150 carries. In SEC games, Dobbs’ 151.5 passer efficiency rating, 23 total offensive touchdowns, 316.9 total offensive yards per game and 8.6 yards per attempt led the league. He earned All-SEC honors and will compete in the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl on Jan. 28. Dobbs, who was one of four team captains in 2016, was one of the key leaders in Tennessee’s program turnaround over the past four years. He finished his UT career with a 23-12 record as a starter and his 9,360 yards of total offense (7,138 passing, 2,160 rushing, 62 receiving) rank third in Tennessee history.
Josh Malone Wide Receiver
Malone, who Kiper ranks as his No. 78 overall player, ran an outstanding 4.40 in his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was good for the third-best time among receivers. His 4.40 40-yard time was the fastest time by a Vol since VFL Robert Meachem clocked a 4.39 in at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. Malone was faster than VFL Marquez North’s 4.48 at the 2016 NFL Combine, VFLs Cordarrelle Patterson’s 4.42 and VFL Justin Hunter’s 4.44 in 2013, VFL Denarius Moore’s 4.45 in 2011. In 2016, Malone posted career and team highs of 50 receptions, 972 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. His 972 receiving yards rank 10th in Tennessee single-season history and were the most by a Vol since Justin Hunter had 1,083 in 2012. He ranked third in the SEC in both receiving yards and touchdowns. His 11 receiving touchdowns tied for the third-most in UT history and were the most since Robert Meachem had 11 in 2006. Malone’s 19.4 yards per reception also set a new UT single-season record for receivers with a minimum of 50 catches. He finished his UT career with 104 receptions for 1,608 yards and 14 touchdowns and declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 3.
Cameron Sutton Cornerback
Sutton is rated No. 94 in McShay’s Top 300 players and No. 79 in Mike Mayock’s Top 100 and stood out at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and Tennessee’s Pro Day. Sutton was a shutdown cornerback for the Vols for four-straight years. He was limited to six games this past season due to an injury he suffered against Ohio on Sept. 17 and returned to action against Kentucky on Nov. 12, recording a pair of pass breakups to break Jabari Greer’s UT career record for passes defended. He finished the year with 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and five passes defended. In 45 games played, Sutton amassed 127 tackles (111 solo), 13.0 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 37 passes defended, one sack, three forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered. His 37 career passes defended are a Tennessee record. In 2015, Sutton earned Sporting News First Team All-America honors as a punt returner after leading the nation with an 18.7-yard average and returning two punts for touchdowns. His 14.6 career punt-return average (minimum 30 returns) is the best in Tennessee history.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin Linebacker
Reeves-Maybin competed in linebacker drills at the NFL Scouting Combine and impressed NFL team personnel at the Tennessee Pro Day. Kiper rates him as the No. 134 overall player in his Top 300. Reeves-Maybin played in only four games in 2016 due to a shoulder injury that ended his season on Oct. 18. He posted 20 tackles and two tackles for loss in those four games. Reeves-Maybin posted 100-tackle seasons in 2014 and 2015. He enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2014 with 101 stops, 2.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one interception. In 2015, Reeves-Maybin tallied 105 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 14 TFLs, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered and four passes broken up. Over his four-year career, Reeves Maybin played in 41 games, recording 240 tackles (149 solo), 7,0 sacks, 27 TFLs, two forced fumbles, four fumbles recovered, one interception and four pass breakups.
Corey Vereen Defensive End
Vereen made both Kiper’s Top 300 (No. 263) and McShay’s Top 300 (No. 295). He enjoyed an outstanding senior year, posting 36 tackles (23 solo) and setting career highs with 7.0 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, two fumbles recovered and three pass breakups. He also had five quarterback hurries. Over his four years on Rocky Top, the defensive end played in 48 games, making 29 starts, and recorded 13.0 sacks, 26.0 tackles for loss, three fumbles recovered, five pass breakups and 18 QB hurries. Vereen was one of the most respected leaders on Tennessee’s defensive line and shined as both a run stopper and a pass rusher.
Jason Croom Tight End
McShay ranks Croom as his No. 270 overall player in his Top 300. Croom returned to action in 2016 as a fifth-year player, switching positions from wide receiver to tight end. He finished the year with 21 catches for 242 yards and his blocking contributed to a UT running game that averaged 205.2 yards per game. Over his five-year Tennessee career, Croom played in 39 games and made 60 catches for 816 yards and six touchdowns. On Jan. 15, Croom competed in the 2017 Tropical Bowl at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, earning MVP honors after catching two touchdowns for the National Team.
Dylan Wiesman Offensive Lineman
Kiper rates Wiesman as his No. 20 center. Wiesman was one of the key leaders on Tennessee’s offensive line over the last four years, playing in 46 games with 25 starts. He is capable of playing every position on the line and as a senior in 2016 he played in 10 games with four starts at right guard and six starts at center, helping pave the way for 5,768 yards of offense (2,668 rushing, 3,100 passing). Wiesman, who also earned Academic All-District honors in 2016, graduated early in December with a degree in Kinesiology.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Baseball visits the Vanderbilt Commodores for a three-game series this weekend (Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 29) in Nashville, Tenn.
The Volunteers enter their weekend conference matchup against Vandy with a 21-17 overall record, including a 5-13 mark in Southeastern Conference play. The Commodores own a 25-16 record and are currently 9-9 in SEC competition this year.
In the last weekend series between the in-state rivals, Tennessee took two of three games against the Commodores in Knoxville, while Vanderbilt managed a 6-0 win in the series opener.
All three games of UT’s weekend series are slated for viewing via SEC Network + (April 28) and SEC Network broadcasts (April 29-30), with former Tennessee Baseball All-American Chris Burke and play-by-play broadcaster Tom Hart on the call.
Tennessee enters the weekend series versus Vanderbilt following an 8-1 win in its Wednesday night contest against ETSU at Smokies Stadium. The win came after Tennessee’s 14-inning thriller in the series finale at Texas A&M last Sunday which marked UT’s first-ever victory in College Station, Texas.
On the season, the Volunteers are scheduled to play 15 of their 55 regular season games against five 2016 NCAA postseason participants.
Weekend Rotation Matchups
Fri. April 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET– RHP Hunter Martin (4-4, 3.31 ERA) vs. RHP Patrick Raby (6-3, 2.53)
Sat. April 29 at 5:00 p.m. ET– RHP Garrett Stallings (2-1, 3.09 ERA) vs. RHP Kyle Wright (2-4, 3.51)
Sun. April 30 at 4:00 p.m. ET– LHP Zach Warren (2-4, 5.32 ERA) vs. RHP Chandler Day (6-1, 3.48)
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt
All-time vs. VU: UT leads 173-153-2
In Knoxville: UT leads, 61-31
In Nashville: VU leads, 54-44
Last 10 Games: Tied at 5-5
Last Meeting: Vols won, 5-3, in Knoxville (4/24/16)
Commodore Watch
Vanderbilt won three of the team’s four games last week, recording a 21-2 victory at Middle Tennessee on Tuesday before taking two-of-three games at Georgia over the weekend.
Offensively, VU is led by Julian Infante who boasts a .348 average, 57 hits and 11 doubles. Three other Commodores boast averages above .300, including Will Toffey who leads the team in RBI with 40.
RHP Kyle Wright was named SEC Pitcher of the Week and one of Collegiate Baseball’s National Players of the Week for his three-hit shutout of Florida on April 13. The junior struck out a career-best 13 with no walks while scattering the three singles.
The Vols’ 2017 roster boasts 17 newcomers including 14 true freshmen, two JUCO transfers and one graduate transfer.
Keep on Walking: With his walk last Sunday night vs. Texas A&M, Pete Derkay owns a team-leading 29 walks on the season, which ranks 7th in the SEC through 38 games.
Rodger(s) That: Senior Jordan Rodgers has reached base safely in every game started this year (37), while his .377 batting average currently ranks third-best in the SEC.
More on Martin…: Senior Hunter Martin ranks tied for third in the SEC with 26 batters stuck out looking as well as fourth with 65.1 innings pitched on the year. With his complete game effort last Friday at Texas A&M, Martin became the first UT pitcher to record multiple complete games in a single season since Zack Godley did so in 2013 (6).
The Vols have combined for 96 extra-base hits this year, including 23 home runs (surpassing 2016’s complete season total).
Despite losing seven positional starters from the 2016 season, UT returns 18 lettermen including six true seniors.
Winning Wednesdays
The Volunteers continued their winning ways on Wednesdays as they struck early in the Smoky Mountain Challenge against the ETSU Buccaneers, plating one run in the first inning en route to recording an 8-1 win at Smokies Stadium — home of the Tennessee Smokies.
Jeff Moberg (3-for-5, RBI) and Jordan Rodgers (2-for-3, 3 RBI) paced UT’s offense. The Vols’ bats combined for five extra-base hits, including Rodgers’ sixth home run of the season in the second of three midweek matchups with ETSU.
Sophomore righty Will Neely went 7.0 innings in the start, allowing one run on four hits and striking out five to earn his second win of the season.
The matchup in Smokies Stadium marked Tennessee’s fourth game played in the minor league ballpark since 2002 and the Vols’ first win. The previous three games were played as part of the Tennessee Classic, an exhibition series between the Vols and the Double-A Smokies.
The Orange and White last played in Smokies Stadium on April 4, 2006, when the then-Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated UT, 8-0.
On Deck for the Vols
Tennessee returns home on Tuesday, May 2 to host ETSU in the final matchup between the programs this season before welcoming Arkansas to Rocky Top on Thursday, May 4 – Saturday, May 6.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A top-10 showdown between No. 8 Tennessee and No. 1 Florida is set for this Friday–Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Media & Broadcast Info
The first two games of the series will be streamed online on the SEC Network +/WatchESPN with Mick Gillispie (PxP) and India Chiles (Analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale will air live on ESPN2 as Eric Collins (PxP) and Amanda Scarborough (Analyst) call the action.
Radio coverage for the entire series will be available on Sports Radio WNML (FM 99.1/AM 990) and UTSports.com. Live stats will be available on the softball schedule page at UTSports.com HERE.
Game 2 | 2 p.m. | SEC Network +/WatchESPN | WNML (FM 99.1 & AM 990)/UTSports.com
Sunday
Game 3 | 1 p.m. | ESPN2 | WNML (FM 99.1 & AM 990)/UTSports.com
Need to Know
This weekend’s series will be the first matchup between top-10 teams in Knoxville since the 2015 NCAA Super Regionals that pitted the Volunteers against No. 9 Florida State. UT had its 20-game win streak snapped in Sunday’s series finale at No. 16 LSU after taking the first two games of the series. The Gators are atop the SEC standings while the Vols are third entering this week’s series between SEC powers.
Rolling on Rocky Top
Tennessee has been dominant at home this season with a 22-1 record at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium entering this week’s battle with Florida. The Vols have outscored opponents, 164-40, at home this year and are 6-0 against ranked teams. The Big Orange are a staggering 101-11 in regular-season home contests over the past five years.
Best of the Best
The Vols have had great success against ranked opponents this season, posting a 13-4 record against such teams. Tennessee has won 12 of its last 13 games against ranked foes after going 2-1 at then No. 16 LSU last weekend. Florida will be the ninth ranked opponent UT has faced this season. The Big Orange have 204 wins all time against ranked teams and 95 victories against teams ranked in the top-10. The Orange and White are also 13-21 all-time against opponents ranked No. 1 in the polls.
Unstoppable Force vs. Immovable Object
This week’s showdown between the Vols and Gators will pit UT’s potent offense against UF’s shutdown pitching staff. Tennessee enters the series ranked fifth nationally in scoring while leading the SEC in runs, RBIs, on-base percentage and doubles. On the other hand, Florida leads the nation with a 0.70 team ERA and 449 strikeouts.
Power Arms
The Tennessee pitching staff hasn’t been too bad itself this season, ranking 11th nationally with a 1.62 team ERA. The duo of Matty Moss and Caylan Arnold have combined for 39 wins and 266 strikeouts this season. UT, Florida and Alabama are the only teams in the conference that have two pitchers with 100 or more strikeouts each. Moss ranks fifth in the league with 143 strikeouts and Arnold’s 123 punchouts are the most by a Tennessee freshman since Ellen Renfroe had 259 in 2011.
Scouting Report
Florida Gators (44-3, 18-2 SEC)
The Gators are 9-1 over their past 10 games and boast the top record (44-3) and winning percentage (.936) in the country. They are led by their dominant pitching staff but also feature a balanced lineup that has 10 players with double-digit RBIs. Sophomore right hander Kelly Barnhill leads the pitching staff with a nation-leading 0.17 ERA and 13.1 strikeouts per seven innings. Junior first baseman Kayli Kvistad powers the offense with a team-leading .400 batting average and 42 RBIs.
UT’s All-Time Record vs. Florida: 25-47
Florida has won four straight in the series, including a sweep of the Vols in Gainesville last season. However, UT has won the last three meetings in Knoxville, sweeping UF in 2014.
Promotions/Giveaways
Check out the promotions that will be going on this weekend and throughout the season below.
All Season
– Scan to Win Challenge (For Season Ticket Holders): Every time you scan your ticket, you are entered into a drawing for two (2) tickets to the SEC Tournament (all-session tickets).
All Series
– Kids Carnival: Inflatables, Face painting and More!
– Postgame Autographs
Friday
– Happy Hour: BOGO popcorn prior to game from 5-6 p.m.
– Tennessee 811: Free water bottle for first 500 fans.
Saturday
– Senior Day: Pregame Ceremony
Sunday
– Happy Hour: BOGO soft drinks prior to game from 12-1 p.m.
– KOC Cold Pack Giveaway
Fan Information/Stadium Policies
Please be advised that the university’s clear bag policy for all of its athletic venues will be in effect for the Tennessee Invitational and every other home game this season. In order to enhance safety and expedite fan entry at Tennessee athletic events, the university is implementing new safety policies for fans bringing bags into all athletic venues.
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear bag may visit the Official Team Store at Neyland Stadium, VolShop locations in the Student Union, 17th & Cumberland Avenue and University Commons; as well as other area retailers.
For more information on the new bag policy click HERE.
What’s Next?
The Vols hit the road to close out the regular season as they travel to College Station for a three-game series against No. 4 Texas A&M next Friday–Sunday.
Trisha Yearwood is dipping her toe in the age-old battle of the sexes. While filming the tenth season of her popular cooking show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen— on the Food Network, the star headed over to Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville for some, wait for it… hot chicken.
While there, Trisha admitted to ordering the hot chicken before but never the extra, extra, extra hot chicken. She posed the question, “Who orders that?”
The Prince’s employee immediately responded saying, “Women. More women than men. That should tell you something about a woman”
With that said, Trisha and NCD want to know what you think.
Who can handle HOT better? Men or women? Vote now.
Following in the footsteps of Lone Star State luminaries like Robert Earl Keen and Joe Ely, singer/songwriter Bruce Robison has been tumbleweeding across the US for the last 20-plus years with his own brand of lyric-first country music. During that time, Bruce has released more than 10 solo and collaborative albums, as well as penned No. 1 hits “Travelin’ Soldier” (Dixie Chicks), “Wrapped” (George Strait) and “Angry All the Time” (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill).
photo by Kenny Braun
On Friday, April 28, the Texas native will release his first solo studio album in almost 10 years, Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band, which Nash Country Daily is exclusively premiering today.
The nine-track offering features three songs penned by Bruce, as well as songwriting cuts from Jack Ingram, Jason Eady, Micky Braun of Micky & the Motorcars and more. The album also includes Bruce’s cover of “Squeezbox,” a song written by Pete Townshend that The Who took to the top of the charts in 1975.
Before you listen to our exclusive Spotify stream below, check out what Bruce had to say about our three favorites cuts from his new album, Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band.
1. “Sweet Dreams” – written by Bruce Robison
“I love songs that are easy to play, honestly, that you don’t have to struggle over. I actually hope to get this song to George Strait. Because at some point, I think he would like this song and do an amazing job singing it. It has that little mid-tempo feel, and everybody seems to like to dance to it at my shows. [My wife] Kelly [Willis] sings harmony on it, so it’s one of my favorites too.”
2. “Paid My Dues” feat. Jack Ingram – written by Jack Ingram, Jason Eady, Micky Braun
“‘Paid My Dues’ is a duet with Jack Ingram. He delivered me my first ‘explicit’ [rating] on a song ever in my life, so I never thought that was gonna happen either, but between Ingram and me, you never know what’s gonna happen. And Jason Eady and Micky Braun wrote that too—such great songwriters. I love the tradition of songwriting that goes on down here in Texas, and there are so many folks down there, so Jack, Jason and Micky are some of my favorites.”
3. “Squeezebox” – written by Pete Townshend
“I definitely have a connection to that song. My little hometown [Bandera, Texas] had a lot of country music, but the radio station was in San Antonio and so there was a lot of rock and roll. I was like every other 13-year-old boy that loved The Who and a lot of other rock guys. But I’m just a song guy. That’s really all I’ve cared about ever since I was a little kid and so that’s fascinating to me. That’s what I love about country music—that some guys from England could write what I think is just an amazing country song, you know? And my buddy, Warren Hood, plays this crazy little Cajun fiddle part on it and I love it. I hope that [Pete Townshend] would love that a song that he wrote would go to Texas and some knuckleheads are playing it and just enjoying the vibe and the good feelings that come from that song. I love that.”
Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band Track Listing and Songwriters
“Rock and Roll Honky Tonk Ramblin’ Man” — Joe Dickins
“Long Time Comin’” — Bruce Robison, Micky Braun
“Paid My Dues” feat. Jack Ingram — Jack Ingram, Jason Eady, Micky Braun
“Lake of Fire” — Christie Hayes
“Squeezebox” — Pete Townshend
“The Years” — Damon Bramblett
“Long Shore” — Bruce Robison
“Sweet Dreams” — Bruce Robison
“Still Doin’ Time (In a Honky Tonk Prison)” — John Moffatt, Micahel P. Heen
Listen to the album Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band on your preferred music service. Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal – Amazon
Round 1 of the NFL Draft is must-watch television (today) for a lot of football fans across the country.
Rounds 2 and 3, which take place on April 28, still get pretty good ratings.
But Rounds 4, 5, 6 and 7 on April 29 are really for the diehard fans. That’s why NFL teams are trying to make those late-round selections more riveting this year by incorporating some star power into the mix. For instance, the San Francisco 49ers will enlist the help of California native Jon Pardi to make their Day 3 selections. Jon will be announcing the picks from Levi’s Stadium on April 29.
If you want to see Jon in action, tune in to the NFL Network on April 29 at noon ET.
Check out what some of the other NFL teams are doing to spice up Day 3 of the NFL Draft, courtesy of NFL.com.
Arizona Cardinals – Ten season ticket members will join cheerleaders and Big Red, the team’s mascot, to announce picks from the GRAND CANYON.
Chicago Bears – Bears running back JORDAN HOWARD and military personnel will make selections from the team’s headquarters at HALAS HALL.
Cleveland Browns – Former Browns player JOSH CRIBBS and season ticket members, along with alumni, will announce picks from CEDAR POINT AMUSEMENT PARK.
Denver Broncos – Military members and NFL legends will make selections from PIÑON CANYON MANEUVER SITE.
Houston Texans – Astronauts at the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND SPACE CENTER will announce picks for the first time from outer space.
Indianapolis Colts – Colts defensive end KENDALL LANGFORD will make picks from the INDIANAPOLIS ZOO, along with staff personnel.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Picks will be announced from LONDON and JACKSONVILLE.
Kansas City Chiefs – Service members will make picks from the WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE.
New York Jets – Children of fallen EMT Yadira Arroyo will announce Day 3 selections from EMT HOUSE 26.
Philadelphia Eagles – Actor MORRIS CHESTNUT and CNBC’s JIM CRAMER will make picks from the NFL DRAFT THEATER.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Actor MILO VENTIMIGLIA, Actress MANDY MOORE, current players, and members of a local youth football team will announce selections from HEINZ FIELD.
San Francisco 49ers – Country music singer JON PARDI will make picks from LEVI’S STADIUM.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – General JOSEPH VOTEL, Commander of the United States Central Command, will announce selections from the team’s headquarters at ONE BUCANNEERS PLACE.
Washington Redskins – Actor MICHAEL EALY will make picks with fans from FEDEX FIELD.
When it comes to acting, Reba McEntire wants to do it all. And why not?
Reba is currently in the midst of shooting her new television series, Red Blooded, in Madison, Ga. The hour-long drama, from creator Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids), has Reba starring as Sheriff Ruby Adair, who is dealing with a suspected act of terrorism that happens at a Fourth of July parade in the small town of Oxblood, Ky.
While our favorite redhead is knee deep in playing a small town sheriff, it’s not the only role she sees herself playing.
“A dream role would be ten different kinds because I would like to hit all facets—the kooky neighbor down the hall or the heroine in a western,” said Reba. “There are a lot of times when I go to movies and I say, ‘Why didn’t they cast me for that part? I could have done that!” There’s just so many different types. I love to watch television. I love movies. So acting is something that entertains me. Television and movies entertain me. I love to be entertained, but I also love to entertain people. By watching that, I want to get in there and do it myself.”
No word yet on when the show will hit the small screen.
Hockey fever is sweeping across Nashville . . . or “Smashville,” as it’s commonly known in hockey circles.
After sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks in Round 1 of the NHL playoffs, the Nashville Predators defeated the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of Round 2 last night (April 26).
Carrie Underwood—whose husband Mike Fisher is the Preds team captain—and longtime fans Dierks Bentley and Chris Young chimed in on Twitter after the Predators 4–3 victory.
