Knoxville Police along with the bomb squad investigate a possible suspicious package.
Yesterday ( Sunday) morning KPD’s Explosive Ordinance Detail unit and the FBI were sent to the 500 block of West Vine Avenue near the Old City to investigate the package. The scene was clear by noon and the package was found to be non-explosive.
Knoxville police say the suspect in a weekend shooting in the Old City has turned himself in.
27 year-old Walter Hill wanted for attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and other charges in connection to Saturday night’s shooting involving his girlfriend and her son did turn himself into Police yesterday. Hill fled the scene after reportedly firing shots at the two, no injuries were reported.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With the departure of veteran specialists Paxton Brooks and Chase McGrath and several new faces emerging this semester, the Tennessee football program has seen competition developing for the special teams unit over the course of spring practice. Special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler met with members of the media Thursday morning to provide updates on the room two days ahead of the Orange & White Game.
“It was awesome to give (Jackson Ross) an opportunity to redshirt,” Ekeler said of his Australian punter. “He has a chance to be a really unique and special player, and we are excited about him. Kolby Morgan is doing a great job too. Those guys are out there competing, which is the way you want it. They are both doing an awesome job and having a lot of fun.
“From a kicking standpoint, Charles Campbell came in and has been doing a nice job. (Max Gilbert) is doing well. (JT Carver) has been kicking it well. You have three guys doing a heck of a job from a kicking standpoint. You have (Bennett Brady) snapping who is pushing (Matthew Salansky) and (Alton Stephens). In year three, you should have great competition. It’s where you should be, or else I should not be standing here. That is what we have. We have great camaraderie in there. Those guys pull for each other, and we have great competition.”
A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Campbell joined the Vols this spring as a graduate transfer after a four-year career at Indiana, where he converted 39-of-51 tries with a career-long make of 55 yards. With several family ties to UT, Campbell is thankful to spend his final year of collegiate eligibility on Rocky Top.
“I grew up liking Tennessee,” Campbell said Thursday morning. “I’m from Jackson, Tennessee, my whole family has gone to college here, my little brother is coming here, my little sister is coming here, so for me it means so much. Representing my home state and representing my whole family too, and how they’ve been living in this home state.”
Redshirt freshman Jackson Ross has emerged at the punter spot after sitting out the 2022 season. The Melbourne, Australia, product grew up playing Australian rules football and has adjusted well to the American gridiron since joining the Big Orange last fall.
“It has been awesome,” Ross said. “I guess coming to a different country, adjusting to the time zone and being jet lagged for a bit was a little annoying. But once I started practicing, learning from Paxton (Brooks) and getting to know all the boys, it made the transition pretty seamless after a while to be honest. Coming into this season, it’s put me in good stead to take what I learned from last year and put that into scenarios that I am being put into training at the moment.”
Spring practice culminates with the Orange & White Game on Saturday, April 15, kicking off at 2:30 p.m. inside Neyland Stadium.
Premium and non-premium seating will be available for the contest. Admission is $5 for non-premium seats, and all proceeds will count as a contribution to the My All Campaign. All seats can be secured now at AllVols.com or by calling the UT Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 656-1200. All open sections of the bowl of Neyland Stadium will be general admission seating.
A transcript from Ekeler’s Thursday availability can be viewed below, along with select quotes from Campbell, Ross, redshirt junior defensive lineman Bryson Eason and senior defensive lineman Omari Thomas.
On how much growth he has seen from punter Jackson Ross in the past year…
“It was awesome to give him an opportunity to redshirt. He has a chance to be a really unique and special player. We are excited about him. Kolby Morgan is doing a great job too. Those guys are out there competing, which is the way you want it. They are both doing an awesome job and having a lot of fun. From a kicking standpoint, Charles Campbell came in and has been doing a nice job. Max (Gilbert) is doing well. JT (Carver) has been kicking it well. You have three guys doing a heck of a job from a kicking standpoint. You have Bennett (Brady) snapping who is pushing Matthew (Salansky) and Alton (Stephens). In year three, you should have great competition. It’s where you should be, or else I should not be standing here. That is what we have. We have great camaraderie in there. Those guys pull for each other, and we have great competition. Which again, that’s our job.”
On how different James Pearce Jr. and Joshua Josephs are in their second year on campus…
“Josh has had a good camp. James needs to continue to learn how to practice, compete and strain. Roman Harrison has done a heck of a job. He’s had the best camp of all of them. Caleb (Herring) is coming on, and that guy can be a freaky talent. He loves ball. The funny thing about Caleb is after practice, he’ll come in, and I won’t even have a chance to watch the film yet, and he’s watched it all. That guy eats, sleeps and drinks ball. He loves it. That’s what the great ones do. A lot of people want to talk about, “I want this” and, “I want that,” and their actions don’t match their expectations. You have a young guy like that who comes in, and he’s doing that on his own. He just goes in there, locks the door in the meeting room and gets after it. I am really excited about him as well.”
On Roman Harrison taking another step this offseason…
“He should. He’s a senior. That’s what he should be doing. He’s been consistent overall and consistent in meetings. He has stacked 12 great practices together, but that’s his job. He’s taken ownership in that, and he’s doing nothing other than what he is supposed to be doing, which is what we want.”
On if Roman Harrison has stepped into more of a leadership role with the departure of Byron Young…
“It’s still a work in progress if I’m being honest and transparent. He would tell you the same thing. In order to lead, you have to set the standard and uphold it. You have to make sure that other guys in the room are upholding it. That’s what we are working towards right now, but it’s still a work in progress.”
On what he has seen from Charles Campbell…
“He has a tremendous competitive spirit. He has a great mind as far as he’s able to snap and clear, focus and refocus. He might hit a bad one, but it does not affect his next one. He really has a pro mindset, works hard in the weight room, works hard in the film room and works hard on the practice field. He’s from Tennessee, and he wants to be here. It’ s important to him. When we offered him a spot here, I called his mom and played a joke on her. I said, “It’s great to meet you, and I just wanted to let you know we will do anything we can to help Charles find a ride to Knoxville. You better pack up his stuff and get it ready ASAP.” She was crying, so it’s important to him, and it’s neat to have someone from Tennessee who has this lifelong dream of playing here.”
On Jackson Ross’ recruitment and how he is acclimating to a new country…
“Probably about 20 years ago when I was coaching at another SEC school, I started dealing with some Australian punters. Over the years at different stops, have had different Australian punters. I have a great relationship with the guys over there who run the Prokick Australia program. John (Smith) and I go back 20 years ago. That is the guy who runs it, and he’s awesome. Just watching their guys and understanding what we wanted in a skillset, we got what we wanted. As far as acclimating goes, he’s a tremendous leader. It’s interesting that when you’re in Australia and you’re in high school, you aspire to get drafted out of high school to play Australian rules football. There are two levels; there’s an NFL level and there is a minor league level. He got drafted by the NFL level and played for three years. He’s been a professional, and he’s been in that arena playing in front of 100 thousand people. He goes out in Neyland, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, that’s pretty cool. That is kind of what I’m used to.’ It’s a great fit, and he’s a great guy. He is funnier than heck, just want until you get to know him.”
On the expectations coming into the spring and how the group has held up to those expectations…
“The expectation, and Coach Heupel said it when we got here, is to be the best. That is the standard. Last year, we were ranked second in the SEC. That is not good enough. We have the talent in that room to do it, and it’s just a matter of, you have to go earn it. That is what our focus has been on, is finding those ways to continue to push the envelope, get better and continue to teach it and drill it better so our guys understand the concepts. We have worked our tails off, but that is our job. We are not going to stop until we are the best.”
On how influential it is to get recruits on campus for the Orange and White game…
“It is huge. Everybody in the country talks about Neyland Stadium. Everybody in the country is talking about the games that were played there last year and in the past. All the recruits, they feel that. They have not only been here and have seen it firsthand, but they know. They want to play in that type of environment. As a player, you want to play somewhere where it’s important. As a coach, you want to coach somewhere where it’s important. That is pretty important over there. Peyton Manning said it best in year one when we got here. He looked at Coach Heupel and goes, ‘If the Colts lose, I’m alright. If the Broncos lose, I’m good. If the Vols lose on Saturday, it hurts my soul.’ There are 103 thousand people every Saturday who will say the same thing, and there are probably a million more watching it at home. It is important here, and those guys feel that.”
On being a Tennessee native and how much thought went into playing for Tennessee…
“I grew up liking Tennessee, I’m from Jackson, Tennessee, my whole family has gone to college here, my little brother is coming here, my little sister is coming here, so for me it means so much. Representing my home state and representing my whole family too, and how they’ve been living in this home state.”
On if he was able to watch Chase McGrath’s game-winning kick against Alabama last season…
“I did watch that. I am friends with the Alabama kicker, so whenever I get done with my games I watch his games. I did get to see that game and see Chase hit that field goal, that was a huge moment for him. I’m so proud of him, what better stage to go out and kick a game winner.”
On pressure situations during spring practice…
“I’ve been under some pressure situations at practice. Coach will bring all the guys around for a last second field goal or something with me kicking. It’s kind of fun, I like it. I like all the guys yelling at me, it’s a way to prove myself in a sense to them, so I really enjoy situations like that.”
On adjusting to living in the United States and playing American football over the last year…
“It has been awesome. I guess coming to a different country, adjusting to the time zone and being jet lagged for a bit was a little annoying. But once I started practicing, learning from Paxton (Brooks) and getting to know all the boys, it made the transition pretty seamless after a while to be honest. Coming into this season, it’s put me in good stead to take what I learned from last year and put that into scenarios that I am being put into training at the moment.”
On how playing Australian rules football professionally helped him prepare for games here…
“I was pro for three years I guess, and I was put in scenarios which are going to be similar here with some fair crowds and stuff like that. I guess it’s a different game now. I mean last year, I was watching games and thinking ‘what’s that flag?’ The first time they threw a flag, I didn’t actually know what it was, stuff like that is going to be difficult. I’ve gathered knowledge on the sport now. But being around professional coaches made my transition here seamless. I feel like I have a great bond with the coaches in terms of more like friends rather than looking up to them which is good as well.”
On how spring practice has been going…
“The spring has been going very well. I’ve just been really getting comfortable with the position from the changes from the past couple of years, learning new things and feeling comfortable with the techniques. I’m just trying to be the best player I can be for my team, my teammates and myself as well. I’m just getting very comfortable with the D-line position. It’s all clicking for me right now. I’ve been feeling very good about it and I feel like we, as a unit, have had a very good spring.”
On what the defense is looking to accomplish Saturday at the Orange and White Game…
“I feel like the defense, overall, has been doing a great job. The atmosphere and the intensity that we’ve been playing with has been out of this world and we’ve been on one accord. It’s been a great spring for us as a unit. For the spring game, I’m just looking to get more work from the offensive guys and the O-line to test our eye skills and see where we’re at in a game atmosphere. We’re going to go out there, have fun, enjoy ourselves and have a good game out there with those guys.”
On what defensive line coach Rodney Garner has been focusing the group on…
“He’s been on us about knowing what we have to do, knowing our assignment, and playing with strain and effort. He wants us to play with relentless effort, have an edge about us, having our hats on fire just to go out there and get on some guys. He wants us to be violent dudes up front, in the middle and on the outside to do our job in that setting. It’s little things like that. We’re going to go out there, have fun, play with effort, know your assignment and do what you can to the best of your ability.”
On if being a leader is part of his personality…
“I feel like it’s within my personality. I’m kind of laid back, quiet type guy for the most part. I’ve been put on that pedestal and Coach (Rodney) Garner, he always puts me in situations where I have to be more vocal and lead more. That’s something that I’ve just really embraced, just being more vocal. I know that’s something that I’m still coming along with, because like I said, I’m just kind of quiet and laid back. Obviously, I feel like I’ve taken a step in myself just being more vocal as a leader. That’s something that I really want to just continue to get better at throughout the rest of this offseason, over the summer and going into the season.”
On what goes into group getting better as pass rushers…
“It’s actually both (technique and watching film). Just you can learn a lot off of film. We go back, we watch all film from last year. Just practice film and game film, just seeing how at times where we would just stop, and we would just be looking at the ball and different things like that. Now, you see we’ve always been active, we’re always using our hands. That’s something that Coach Rob Ayres, as well, has just came in. He was a great player for the University of Tennessee and that’s something that he’s really been focused a lot is our pass rush game. He’s done a great job with us, and Coach Garner is behind him with everything that he does. Coach G is getting more into our pass rush game as well, so it’s good just being able to use our hands. Technique things, on the field, just the little things in the meeting room and then just watching film as well.”
On what is different about this year’s spring practice…
“I feel like it’s just, you know what you’re going to get. You know what to expect. I feel like this might have been one of my springs where I probably the least amount of weight. It made a total difference, I feel way quicker, way twitchier, more endurance. I feel like this is one of my best springs that I’ve had here. The main thing was you knowing what you’re going to get, you knowing what you’re going to get out of Coach Garner. You’re going to get coached hard, and my thing was, a lot of the older guys, we just really came in. We were just telling the younger guys what to expect, what to get. Don’t be discouraged when coach gets on you. Don’t take it, don’t get down on yourself, just know he’s trying to make you better as a person. That’s something that we all had to learn too when he first got here. He makes sure he tells them that all the time. It’s just been good for them, but sometimes it’s better to hear from your teammate, all the people on the team that have been through it. We just try to make sure that we’re always just doing that for the youngest guys on the team.”
-UT Athletics
A much anticipated project aimed at enhancing the Tennessee football gameday experience has begun, as Tennessee Athletics has initiated the installation of a very high density (VHD) Wi-Fi network at historic Neyland Stadium.
In response to feedback and input from Vol Nation, Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White has prioritized connectivity in and around Neyland Stadium as the next step in modernizing the fan experience at the 102-year-old venue.
“We know Vol Nation has been looking forward to this,” White said. “And we appreciate everyone’s patience. This is a very big, complex project. The bones of Neyland Stadium date back to 1921, and as it grew over several decades, no one could have planned for how we’d deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal through tons of concrete and steel. But we have a great partner that knows how to get this done at a venue like this. It’s exciting to get the ball rolling, because this will elevate the experience of every single fan who visits Neyland Stadium.”
Tennessee, through the Christman Company, has partnered with M S Benbow & Associates (MSB) to plan/design, engineer and integrate a robust Wi-Fi network that will ultimately service the entire stadium and surrounding plazas. MSB has a strong history of providing digital and telecommunications solutions for airports, arenas, convention centers and campuses and has previously completed similar network projects at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati and Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to working with MSB, Aruba has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for this project.
Work at and around Neyland Stadium will progress through the duration of the 2023 football season, with limited Wi-Fi capabilities for fans during the fall. Work will extend into the summer of 2024. Connectivity improvements will be phased, as different areas in and around the stadium will realize coverage at different times throughout installation.
The project’s initial focus is connectivity at the gates and plazas surrounding the stadium to maximize efficiencies at digital ticketing entry points.
Work will then transition to the interior seating areas, with installation throughout the lower seating bowl, then the premium areas and upper deck. At the completion of the project, nearly all areas—including vomitories, concourses, concessions and plaza spaces—throughout Neyland Stadium will have reliable access to Wi-Fi.
Highlighting the scope of the project, requisite technology and hardware to service the stadium’s interior bowl includes the placement of 1,800 connectivity points. Each of those points, which will service approximately a 55-seat area, requires the installation of cabling.
As Tennessee works to capitalize and build on its success, the ongoing My All Campaign continues to fuel the pursuit of enhanced championship resources to support student-athletes’ academic and competitive pursuits. Regardless of one’s capacity for giving, anyone with a passion for Tennessee Athletics is invited to participate in the campaign’s push to propel Tennessee Athletics forward—every gift provides a winning edge, regardless of the amount.
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee puts the finishing touches on spring football as fans will get a chance to see the 2023 Volunteers at the Orange & White Game on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. Start time is 2:30 p.m. For complete information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.
Tickets
Admission to the Orange & White Game is $5 for non-premium seats, and all proceeds will count as a contribution to the My All Campaign. All seats can be secured now at AllVols.com or by calling the UT Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 656-1200. Due to limited seating, fans are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. All tickets will be digital and can be accessed via a mobile device—identical to the regular season. Fans coming to campus without a ticket will be able to purchase tickets from QR codes and signage located all around campus, as well as at the Gate 11 and Gate 21 ticket booths. Staff will be available to assist at Gates 21 and 23.
Seating/Entrance
All open sections of the bowl of Neyland Stadium will be general admission seating. The south end of Neyland Stadium will be closed as progress continues on several fan experience enhancements. Sections G through Q and GG through QQ will be closed, as well as gates 1 through 12. Fans can access general admission seating of Neyland Stadium through the following gates: 13, 14, 15-A, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23. The stadium’s clear bag policy will be in effect, and gates will open at 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as a large crowd is expected and limited gates will be in use due to the closure of the south end of the stadium.
Broadcast Info
The contest will air digitally on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ with Justin Kutcher and Jordan Rodgers on the call. Vol Network pregame show begins at 2:15 p.m. and leads into the broadcast featuring the “Voice of the Vols” Bob Kesling, VFLs Pat Ryan and Chris Brown and Brent Hubbs.
Parking
On-campus parking lots will open at 7 a.m. View the parking map here. Parking shuttles will begin at 11:30 a.m. from the Stephenson Drive Lot 14 and Ag Campus. The Stephenson Drive Lot 14 unload and pickup will be on Chamique Holdsclaw Drive. Fans from Ag Campus can board buses at River Drive across from the CF lot and then be transported to Circle Park. For fans coming from downtown Knoxville, the Orange Line Trolley will provide free transportation and drop off on Volunteer Boulevard. Free public parking will be available at the following lots:
Vol Village Music Festival
The first-ever Vol Village Music Festival presented by Miller Lite and Twisted Tea will take place in Lot 9 from noon-2 p.m. Hosted by VFL DJ Sterl, the free festival will be headlined by top 50 Billboard country charts artist Matt Stillwell as well as Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts. Vol Village will feature food trucks, sponsor activations and fun activities for all ages. A pep rally featuring the Pride of the Southland Pep Band and Tennessee Spirit Squads is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. and will lead into the performing artists.
-UT Athletics
IRVING, Texas – For the eighth-consecutive season, the Tennessee Volunteers are represented on the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society with Paxton Brooks and Jacob Warren being named members of the 2023 class, the NFF announced Wednesday morning.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.
Both Brooks and Warren have been incredible leaders and contributors in their time on Rocky Top, both on the field and in the classroom. Brooks, who was invited to the 2023 NFL Combine and is preparing for his professional career, is a two-time CSC Academic All-American and served as the starting punter for the Vols for four straight seasons. He finished eighth in program history in yards per punt with 42.33 and booted 32 total balls 50 yards or more.
Warren, on the other hand, has been outstanding thus far and is continuing to progress on the field with the Vols as he prepares for his sixth year with Tennessee. The Knoxville-area product has played in every game for Tennessee in the last three seasons and is averaging 11.2 yards per reception at UT. His off-field impact earned him 2022 SEC Community Service Team honors, and he was named a CSC Academic All-District honoree last year.
Brooks and Warren become the 18th and 19th Volunteers to earn the distinction since 2007, the first year of the award. It is just the third time in program history Tennessee has had multiple Hampshire Honor Society recipients, last doing so in 2018.
A list of all-time Vols to earn the recognition can be found below.
Tennessee All-Time NFF Hampshire Honor Society Recipients
2007 – James Wilhoit
2008 – Erik Ainge, Jarod Parrish, Casey Woods
2010 – Cody Sullins
2011 – Daniel Lincoln
2013 – Zach Rogers
2014 – Daniel Hood
2016 – Brian Randolph
2017 – Dylan Wiesman
2018 – Parker Henry, Jakob Johnson, Brett Kendrick
2019 – Kyle Phillips
2020 – Riley Lovingood
2021 – Brandon Kennedy
2022 – Matthew Butler
2023 – Paxton Brooks, Jacob Warren
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football returned to Haslam Field Tuesday morning for practice after the holiday weekend with the Orange & White Game set for 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday.
Tennessee’s high-octane offense has produced stars in its first two years, but that success begins with preparations in the spring. That comes through both on-field work and the meeting rooms where new leaders step in and forge ahead with a fresh nucleus of players.
One of those in the wide receiver room is Bru McCoy. McCoy arrived on Rocky Top last summer and made an immediate impact on the field, totaling 52 receptions for 667 yards and four touchdowns. Now with the departing of Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, McCoy headlines the position group and feels ready to take over the leadership role in the room.
“By nature, I’m the type of person who likes to take care of people and look out,” McCoy said at the podium Tuesday morning. “(This spring) was a great opportunity to keep my mind sharp by being able to teach them and help them work on the little things and details in the offense, but also it’s fun to watch people grow, develop and see them improve. It’s also all mental reps for me.”
Another individual with a similar circumstance is Cooper Mays. Mays knows what it means to be a Vol. He is a legacy at UT and his brother, Cade, is a VFL in the NFL, currently on the Carolina Panthers’ roster. With just two returning starters on the offensive line, Mays is tasked with orienting the group and getting them ready in an up-tempo style that really requires energy and focus from its front line.
“I feel like I was a decent leader last year and made my mark a little bit, but I think Jerome (Carvin) was the head of that room, and I was the supporting piece beside him,” Mays said. “Working on it more this year, stepping up into that role, taking it day-by-day and trying to get better at it.”
He is also excited for the chance to play inside Neyland Stadium on Saturday. Mays knows what it means to dawn the Orange & White and relishes in any chance to play in front of Vol Nation. It is a special thing to be cherished each time you exit the locker room and run out on to the grass.
“Neyland is a special environment every time you go in,” Mays said. “It’s a lot of first things and a lot of new things for the young guys. Going over there will be a great thing for them. I didn’t get to experience it my freshman year because of COVID. I didn’t get that experience until the first game, and even then, it was during COVID, so not as normal. But these guys are going to have a great crowd to come out to, and we have the best fans in the country. I’m sure it will be special.”
Admission to the Orange & White Game is $5 for non-premium seats, and all proceeds will count as a contribution to the My All Campaign. All seats can be secured now at AllVols.com or by calling the UT Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 656-1200. All open sections of the bowl of Neyland Stadium will be general admission seating.
On where Cameron Seldon is at in terms of picking things up…
“He’s doing a really good job right now, just from the standpoint of understanding what we want. You know, Cam’s baseline coming in was very, very low, and the beauty of him is he’s been able to come in the spring, learn what we’re going through and now what that’s going to do is help him as he progresses into the summer. From a baseline standpoint, he was at kind of the bottom of the spectrum and as you see each and every practice, he is getting a little bit better understanding what we are doing. Really good sight just to see him grow. You know, every practice is something new that he is learning, some new technique or some new thing that he has not seen before just for the simple fact that of his high school program, you know a smaller school. So, he’s really been learning – not just football wise but also just how to acclimate himself into the basic things that we do.”
On the areas that DeSean Bishop has impressed him in…
“I tell you one thing, DeSean (Bishop) has done a really good job of just getting his foot in the ground and going vertical. The velocity that he runs the ball with getting down, he is a downhill runner. He’s not a naturally big guy. He’s not a 230-pound kid, but one thing he really does, he runs the ball physically. I think you saw the same things in high school from him. You saw a guy that got downhill. He broke a lot of tackles. The knack for avoiding the big hits, he has a knack for doing that and that is really good for him.”
On what he thinks Dylan Sampson gained from playing as a freshman and how he is different from a year ago…
“Really, it’s like night and day. From the protection standpoint we all knew Dylan (Sampson) had to come along and continue to grow just on the protection standpoint. You see right now where his eyes start from a progression standpoint. The physicality that he does step with and the power he steps with because he’s put on some weight. All that stuff, getting thrown into the fire last year at those certain moments helped him develop and helped him grow. When you look at him, he is probably way farther ahead than any guy we’ve had here going into year two to be honest with you, more so than Jabari (Small) and Jaylen (Wright), just for the simple fact he got a chance to probably play a few more snaps. Had a little bit more success in big moments than anything else and I think that is really a compliment to why you want to get those guys as much time as possible, like on the field early. He didn’t come in in the spring either. So, for him to come in, process the information, learn a system, probably after eight or nine practices after fall camp last year we knew he was going to be a guy to help us at some point in time throughout the season.”
On managing Cameron Seldon and DeSean Bishop…
“The beauty of playing the running back position a lot of times is all the stuff works out. You approach it right now in the spring where you are trying to figure out what DeSean Bishop does well, what does Cam Seldon do well? And then after that you have a chance in the summertime to grow whatever they do well and really continue to work on their deficiencies. Now, when you start getting into fall camp, you already have an idea of what the Jabari’s and the Jaylen’s do well. So now it is time to implement those guys in the course of your offense, schematically wise, like can a guy like Cameron Seldon catch the ball extremely well in the backfield? Is there a place for him within our offense? One thing at the running back position is it’s going to be bumps and bruises, just the violence of the position already. It’s always going to be guys that have knicks and bumps and they go down for two or three practices, or maybe two or three games. Everybody always has to be ready to play. Your time is going to come. We try to keep those guys as focused as possible but understanding a role on special teams is going to be important. It’s a competitive role now and that is good. Iron sharpens iron and they are going to have a chance to continue to grow and develop but they have to understand (that) they have to put pressure on us as coaches to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to be to make it harder for me to just say one guy stays in the game, or even these two guys stay in the game. So, continuing to put pressure on me as a coach by doing what you are supposed to do on the field.”
On what the next step is for Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright…
“The biggest thing for Jabari Small, which he addressed in January, was getting his shoulder (right) and trying to get healthy. He has been down this whole spring, which has been good for him. He’s put on a little bit more mass, especially in his lower body. You look at his lowers, he has continued to get stronger and more explosive. I think Jaylen Wright needed to grow as an inside zone runner. Really between the tackles and getting more comfortable in between those noises. Hitting the ball downhill, do not bounce as much, things like that. Reduction, from a standpoint of do not take the big hits. I think Jaylen Wright has not practiced as much as I would have liked him to, but he has surely grown. Those six or seven practices that he did practice, he was looking like the best version we’ve seen him.”
On where things stand in the position overall as well as in short yardage runs…
“We have one more addition that has not gotten here yet (Khalifa Keith) and I think that will definitely help us. But you look at last year, just from 2021 to 2022, our short yardage success really increased. I think it was a mindset and I do think those guys put on a little more weight in the weight room. All that kind of stuff helped us. We got three dudes that have had success in the system. Even in those short yardage situations or tight goal line situations, all of them have been able to push the pile forward and show that they keep their feet driving on contact. They run with a certain type of physicality that we address. It’s not always about weight, it’s not always about size. The biggest thing is the mentalities that they approach it with in understanding the situation in each and every snap.”
On if certain running backs feel more motivation to get onto the practice field due to injuries in the running back room…
“No question. Iron sharpens iron and that’s a good problem to have because we want you to understand when you get in there, in the game, and you get your opportunity, you’ve got to take full advantage of it. That’s what I mean by keep putting pressure on me. From a standpoint of, I have to make sure that I play the best person and you have to do your job to do what you are supposed to do. Dylan Sampson has had a really good spring. Last scrimmage he rolled out some big runs, but what you’re seeing now, the Cameron Seldon and DeSean Bishop, more bodies are going to be added to the room when we get into the fall. It’s going to be a tough room to get on the field, but that’s good. That’s a good problem to have because you understand that every rep, every situation is going to be super important. You’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity that you have. I can’t tell you what play is going to be the big play, every play is going to be important to everybody that plays.”
On how much the increased reps due to injuries help the younger running backs improve…
“It expediates the process. One thing that has been going on is a guy like Jaylen Wright has not been able to practice as much. What that has done is now everybody’s reps that are behind him start to increase. So now, Cam Seldon, DeSean Bishop are taking way more reps than they probably would have ever taken if guys like Jabari (Small) or Jaylen Wright would have been healthy. That just expedites the process of their growth. When they go into the summer and fall camp, now they have an opportunity to understand what is going on and operate within the course of the offense. You have to be a great processor of information in this system. We are signaling the plays from the sideline, you’ve got to be able to dissect, process, get your cleats set in the ground and go play fast. The only way to really do that is to get quality reps. Cam Seldon needs to play football, as much football as he can possibly play. Getting on the field, walk throughs, all of those different things that try to help expedite that learning process, all those things are critical for him to be able to help us in the fall.”
On how he envisions the running game expanding this next season…
“Coach (Joey) Halzle and Coach (Glen) Elarbee are going to do a great job combining, collaborating, and the foundation of what we do is always going to be to run the football. Now, obviously we are in a position where we have more bodies, more quality of bodies I feel like than we’ve ever had before. So, we’re going to always play our role. Whether that means we’re going to carry the ball 50 times collectively as a group or whether that means sometimes it’s 20. Our role from a protection standpoint and carrying the football is kind of whatever the game dictates. There’s going to be some games where we have to carry the load a little bit more than others. There may be some situations that we end up in during the course of the game that now we’re running the football probably more than we normally would. That stuff is all dictated off the game situation.”
On DeSean Bishop’s pass blocking ability…
“I’ve really been impressed. He’s done a really good job, not only of picking it up but showing the physicality piece that you want. DeSean is a tough guy. Any time you run the ball for the amount of yards he ran in high school, you got some toughness to you because he was their workhorse. When he goes and he attacks the defender and goes to protect, he shows that physicality. That’s something you don’t have to worry about. Now, where his eyes are supposed to go and the technique on how to get there, all that part is something he’s going to have to continue to learn and grow. But like I tell you right now, he’s not afraid to stick his face in the fan and go attack people.”
On becoming a natural leader in the wide receiver room during spring practice…
“Very naturally. By nature, I’m the type of person who likes to take care of people and look out. (This spring) was a great opportunity to keep my mind sharp by being able to teach them and help them work on the little things and details in the offense, but also it’s fun to watch people grow, develop and see them improve. It’s also all mental reps for me.”
On areas he’s wanting to improve for next season…
“Understanding defenses–especially in the SEC, because you get a lot of different disguises and rotations. Just being able to recognize things and with the offense we run, understanding the way the secondary is working helps you make better and smarter decisions within our offense. That’s something I’ve focused on.”
On how much better of an understanding he has within the offense after one year in the program…
“I don’t want to say night-and-day, but similar to that. A lot better understanding of the offense, a lot more comfortable, and I have a better understanding of the broader goal of what we’re trying to do and why we do things a certain way. Coming from a different offense, it was very unorthodox and it broke a lot of rules that I had kind of been beaten over the head with for a while. Now I’m more comfortable knowing that we’re going to do everything a certain way. There’s leniency to certain things and there’s rules. We have a goal in mind and a why.”
On being the leader on the offensive line…
“I feel like I was a decent leader last year and made my mark a little bit, but I think Jerome (Carvin) was the head of that room, and I was the supporting piece beside him. Working on it more this year, stepping up into that role, taking it day-by-day and trying to get better at it.”
On what he is trying to incorporate into his game this spring…
“Definitely. My coach sent me a little clinic tape from Kevin Mawae. He is a smaller guy like me, who played in the NFL for a long time, gold-jacket type of guy. He preached how pass protection isn’t passive and taking space. I’ve tried to mix up stuff in the pass game, taking different sets and closing distances. That’s been a big emphasis on me. Every year is a battle of trying to get stronger, bigger and more experienced. I’ve been on the same board.”
On what the spring game is like for the newcomers…
“Really special. Neyland is a special environment every time you go in. It’s a lot of first things and a lot of new things for the young guys. Going over there will be a great thing for them. I didn’t get to experience it my freshman year because of COVID. I didn’t get that experience until the first game, and even then, it was during COVID, so not as normal. But these guys are going to have a great crowd to come out to, and we have the best fans in the country. I’m sure it will be special.”
On what coach Glen Elarbee means to him…
“Man, everything. I love Coach Elarbee. I think me and him have an unbreakable bond, and there are former players that still feel about him that way today that you see show up year after year. You see a lot of our guys, Jerome Carvin, Darnell Wright, my older brother Cade Mays. There are a lot of guys paying it forward on the practice field and moreover showing up to see him. I think that speaks volumes to who he is, how he treats us and what he expects out of us. I think we all love him.”
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Building off the momentum of an epic 11-win season last fall, Tennessee Athletics has surged past its goal of football season tickets sold with over 70,000 purchased for the 2023 campaign.
As of April 11, Tennessee has sold 70,255 football season tickets—nearly 10,000 more than its target of 61,000. The anticipation of another season in historic Neyland Stadium was further accentuated with a stellar 96 percent renewal rate among season ticket holders. In addition, Tennessee has sold 8,996 new season tickets for the 2023 campaign.
Rise Glorious, Tennessee Athletics’ comprehensive strategic plan, unveiled ambitious season-ticket benchmarks through the 2026-27 athletic year. Last season, the department surpassed its goal of 56,000 with 61,490 season tickets sold. The plan also called for selling 70,000 season tickets for the 2026-27 athletic year.
“In an era of stadium downsizing, Vol Nation continues to send a strong message that its passion is unrivaled with over 70,000 season tickets sold and still five months until kickoff,” said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “We envisioned that goal by year five when we launched Rise Glorious, but Vol Nation’s unwavering support and the excitement surrounding the program allowed us to eclipse that benchmark in year one. We are ecstatic to be on the cusp of selling out our season ticket inventory!”
The Volunteers’ exciting fast, fun, real brand of football under head coach Josh Heupel coupled with the unmatched pageantry of Neyland Stadium have quickly elevated the program back to national prominence.
Heupel, the 2022 Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year, has produced an 18-8 overall record, seven victories over Top 25 teams, the program’s first New Year’s Six berth in the College Football Playoff era and the Vols’ first No. 1 national ranking in over two decades.
White has spearheaded the strategic vision of the Neyland Stadium renovation project and numerous fan experience enhancements since his arrival. Fueled by gifts to the My All Campaign, progress on upgrades to the historic venue continue.
Less than 300 season tickets remain on sale in the north end zone social deck of Neyland Stadium. Fans interested in purchasing can contact the Tennessee Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 656-1200.
The Vols’ 2023 home slate includes marquee games against South Carolina (Sept. 30), Texas A&M (Oct. 14) and Georgia (Nov. 18). Tennessee opens its season against Virginia in Nashville on Sept. 2 before returning to the friendly confines of Neyland Stadium for the home opener vs. Austin Peay on Sept. 9.
Tennessee Athletics Rise Glorious Football Season Ticket Goals
Year; Goal; Actual Sold
2022-23; 56,000; 61,490
2023-24; 61,000; 70,255
2024-25; 68,000; –
2025-26; 69,000; –
2026-27; 70,000; –
-UT Athletics
An undercover operation in Oneida results in the arrest of three people for selling illegal narcotics.
An Oneida Police Department K-9 Officer went undercover for months and was able to buy illegal narcotics from Christina Goodman, Christina Books and Winfield Harness who were arrested on April 11th..
They are all being held on a $10,000 bond on various drug charges.
A man was arrested on Monday after a woman said that he held her against her will for several days, according to a report obtained by WVLT News.
The victim called 911 at around 8:00 a.m. from Planet Fitness on Chapman Highway. She told dispatchers that a man, Ricci Myers, was outside in her car while she was in the gym, the report said.
When officers arrived, they reportedly found Myers sitting inside the car, listening to music. Officers went to go speak with the victim, who said that Myers had held her against her will for several days and also hit her in the face several times with the barrel of a .38 handgun that she said he should still have on him.
The report said that the victim intended to pursue charges and felt in fear for her life.
Officers went to speak to Myers, who said that he did not have a handgun on him. The report said that officers could smell alcohol coming from Myers while they searched him.
Officers found a revolver in his waistband and arrested him. The report said that the gun had four live rounds still in the chambers.
Officers also discovered that Myers was a convicted felon and listed as a child predator.
Myers was charged with abuse by a deadly weapon, domestic aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping and possession of a handgun as a convicted felon.
Story courtesy of WVLT
