A military investigation is underway and nine soldiers are dead after two Blackhawks from Fort Campbell crashed on Wednesday night in Trigg County, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Fort Campbell officials confirmed two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters were involved in a crash and confirmed all nine crew members died as a result. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday near Maple Grove Road and Lancaster Road. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
During a press conference, Fort Campbell officials said there were five soldiers on one Blackhawk and four in the other. The investigation into what caused the crash is ongoing.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called this “a tragic day for Kentucky” during the press conference at Fort Campbell, adding that resources will be available for the families.
After news broke on Wednesday night, Governor Beshear sent a message via Twitter asking for prayers.
“We’ve got some tough news out Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected,” Beshear said.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) is at the scene assisting the military investigation, along with several other agencies.
KSP said the two Blackhawks crashed in a field area and no residential damage is being reported. A perimeter was established around the debris field and the few residents in the area were asked to evacuate.
Nick Tomaszewski lives in south Cadiz and often observes helicopters from Fort Campbell pass overhead, but he said the two that flew by on Wednesday night seem out of the ordinary.
“So it’s nothing out of the norm to see helicopters, we see them all the time, but tonight there were two that were coming kind of straight up over our house, headed straight northbound, Tomaszewski said. “I told my wife, ‘wow, those look really close tonight’ for whatever reason…about a minute later, they were coming across and there was a large explosion in the sky almost look like a firework went off. And then the entire tree line lit up.”
Law enforcement, military vehicles, and ambulances filed in and out of the perimeter Thursday morning. An American flag could be seen through the side window of one emergency vehicle draped over where a gurney would be placed inside.
Fort Campbell officials held a press conference at the base to provide an update on the deadly crash. Governor Beshear was on-hand and offered words of encouragement to the deceased soldiers’ families. Brigadier General John Lucas says the two helicopters went down in an open field across from a residential area, avoiding additional casualties. An aircraft safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama is traveling to Kentucky to investigate the crash and determine what exactly happened.
Officials with the Knoxville Fire Department are investigating two early morning fires.
Crews were first called to Beaumont Avenue and McSpadden Street area for a church fire. Due to heavy fire and rapidly changing conditions, the crew was forced outside to fight that fire. The building is a total loss.
The second fire on Baxter Avenue. Crews called to a home which was supposed to be vacant but officials say people were living in the home, which did not have working utilities. The home suffered heavy fire damage.
Knoxville Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian-involved crash.
It happened this morning on Dandridge Avenue near Hazen Street when calls came in for an unresponsive person believed to have been hit by a car.
Responding Knoxville Fire Department and AMR personnel attempted life-saving measures but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe the victim, an adult woman, was walking on the road when the crash happened and the driver of the involved vehicle is cooperating with authorities.
Talks of stricter gun control being talked about by lawmakers following the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville this week which left seven people dead, including the suspect.
Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett says changing gun laws isn’t the answer to end gun violence changing the hearts of people is the answer.
The victims include three 9 year-old students, a substitute teacher, custodian and the Head of the School. The investigation into this shooting continues as Metro Nashville Police look for a possible motive reading through information obtained from a search of the suspect’s home and car including a manifesto. They also learned the suspect was being treated for an emotional disorder.
Governor Bill Lee’s Comments: Addressing Tennesseans in a pre-recorded message from behind his desk, Governor Bill Lee posted a five-minute video talking about The Covenant School shooting.
The speech came a day after six victims lost their lives to a shooter at The Covenant School on Monday. The shooter died at the hands of the police.
Transcript of Governor’s Remarks:
Tennesseans, I want to say a few words about what our state experienced yesterday. What happened at Covenant School was a tragedy beyond comprehension.
Like many of you, I’ve experienced tragedy in my own life, and I’ve experienced the day after that tragedy. I woke up this morning with a very familiar feeling, and I recognize that today many Tennesseans are feeling the exact same way – the emptiness, the lack of understanding, the desperate desire for answers and the desperate need for hope.
All of Tennessee was hurt yesterday, but some parents woke up without children, children woke up without parents and without teachers, and spouses woke up without their loved ones.
Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Cindy Peak. Cindy was supposed to come over to have dinner with Maria last night after she filled in as a substitute teacher yesterday at Covenant.
Cindy and Maria and Katherine Koonce were all teachers at the same school and have been family friends for decades.
Four other Tennesseans and members of the Covenant family – Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Mike Hill – were taken in an horrific act of violence.
Six innocent lives – three of them were children.
We are enduring a very difficult moment. I understand there is pain. I understand the desperation to have answers, to place blame, to argue about a solution that could prevent this horrible tragedy.
There will come a time to ask how a person could do this. There will come a time to discuss and debate policy.
But this is not a time for hate or rage. That will not resolve or heal. Everyone is hurting, and remembering that as we grieve and walk together will be the way we honor those who were lost.
We can all agree on one thing – that every human life has great value. We will act to prevent this from happening again. There is a clear desire in all of us, whether we agree on the action steps or not, that we must work to find ways to protect against evil.
Yesterday, while we saw the worst of humanity, we also saw the best of humanity in the police officers who ran into danger, directly toward a killer with no regard for their own life thinking only about those kids, those teachers, those administrators.
I had the opportunity to speak with Officer Engelbert and Officer Collazo today – two brave Tennesseans whose actions saved lives.
Gratitude doesn’t begin to cover it – for the utter selflessness of putting their lives between a killer and the innocent.
I am calling on the people of Tennessee to pray. For the families of victims, for the Covenant family, for those courageous officers, for the family of the shooter, for those who are hurting and angry and confused.
Prayer is the first thing we should do, but it’s not the only thing.
Law enforcement officials and educators across our state have been working for years, especially in the last year, to strengthen the safety of schools. That work was not in vain – the courage and swift response by the teachers, officers, and this community without a doubt prevented further tragedy.
There will be a time to talk about the legislation and budget proposals we’ve brought forward this year. And clearly there’s more work to do.
But on this day after the tragedy, I want to speak to that which rises above all else.
The battle is not against flesh and blood, it’s not against people. The struggle is against evil itself. We can’t forget this – and it’s very difficult – but we are called to not only love our neighbors, but to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who intend harm.
There is hope in the midst of great tragedy because God is a redeemer. What is meant for evil can be turned for good.
May we grieve in the days ahead, but not without hope. May we also act with wisdom, discernment, and grace.
And may we love, especially those who have lost.
How can you help: There is a way you can help those affected by Monday’s deadly shooting. Nashville Mayor John Cooper has shared The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is accepting donations. All the proceeds will go to the victims’ families. You can go https://www.cfmt.org/.
Scheduled Vigils: Tonight, Nashville’s Mayor and Council members to hold a candlelight vigil at Public Square Park. Metro Police Chief John Drake expected to be in attendance.
On Thursday, the Town of Ashland City will be holding a candlelight Vigil at Riverbluff Park at 6:30 p.m. You’re encouraged to bring a candle to light in honor of the victims.
Knoxville Police say this will be an extraordinary busy weekend with several big events going on ranging from festivals to tournaments and concerts.
Some events include The Big Ears Festival, The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Dogwood Arts’ Chalk Walk, The Eagles concert and the second home match of Knoxville’s new professional soccer team One Knox Sporting Club.
All of these events mean a significant amount of road closures and general traffic concerns including some road closures.
General Information City-Owned Garages:
Parking in garages and parking lots owned by the city is free on weeknights after 6 p.m. and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Those garages and lots include:
State Street, Locust Street, City County Building and Market Square parking garages Parking lots on W. Jackson Avenue, between Gay Street and Broadway, and on Magnolia Avenue, between Gay and N. Central streets Old City parking lot between Patton and E. Jackson, except the staging area of the Big Ears Parade and locations along the route Dwight Kessel Garage will also provide additional free parking on nights and weekends for the events For more information, you can find a map of all city-owned lots and garages here, as well as a real-time tracker here.
Knoxville Area Transit:
KAT buses and trolleys will run regular schedules this weekend. You can find routes, maps and schedules here.
Warnings for Drivers:
Knoxville City officials asked for drivers to remain vigilant when driving in and around downtown, UT campus and Fort Sanders areas. Officials also asked drivers to pay attention to signage denoting road closures or extended stops, as well as to keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, e-bike and scooter riders.
Big Ears Festival events and concerts will be held all over the Knoxville area, so you can also expect higher-than-average traffic around the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, Bijou Theatre, St. John’s Cathedral, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville Museum of Art and Jackson Terminal, among other venues and road closures during the festival.
FRIDAY Big Ears Festival Street Party
Closure: Friday, March 31 at 8 a.m. to Saturday, April 1 at 10 p.m.
Depot Avenue between Williams and N. Central streets will be closed due to events at the Southern Railway Station and The Mill & Mine.
Events include a parade featuring festival performers, larger-than-life puppets by Cattywampus Puppet Council and many local community and youth organizations. For the area impacted, you can check the Big Ears Festival website here.
SATURDAY Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk
Closure: Saturday, April 1 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in and around Market Square, with a final award ceremony at 7 p.m. at the main Market Square pavilion. The event features around 300 artists and creative teams creating chalk masterpieces on the grounds of Market Square and nearby sidewalks. The roads going to be shut down are:
Market Street between Union and Church avenues Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay streets Clinch Avenue between Walnut and Gay streets
These are the same roads and areas that are closed down for the Knoxville Farmers’ Market that takes place during the warmer months in Market Square.
Big Ears Festival Parade
Closure: Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The festival’s parade will step off from the staging area at Willow and Patton avenues, under James White Parkway at 1 p.m., with roads and on-street parking closed along the parade route.
The New Orleans-style second-line procession will move west on Willow and turn right on N. Central Street, turn left on Jackson Avenue through the Old City, turn right on Gay Street, proceed over the bridge, turn right on Depot and disband into a street party at Depot Avenue and Ogden Street.
Big Ears Festival Parade route. Big Ears Festival Parade route.(Big Ears Festival) For more information on the parade, you can check the Big Ears Festival website here.
Covenant Health 5K & Kids’ Run
Closure: Saturday, April 1 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For most of the weekend, you can expect to see closings at:
Clinch Avenue between Henley Street and World’s Fair Park Drive World’s Fair Park Drive between Clinch and Grand avenues The Kids’ Run will start at 5 p.m. on Clinch Avenue. The route then goes north on World’s Fair Park Drive, south on 11th Street and makes a loop on Clinch before circling back to the World’s Fair Park.
The 5K race will begin at 7 p.m. with the route running from World’s Fair Park on Clinch Avenue through the Fort Sanders neighborhood, utilizing mostly White Avenue for the westbound path and Forest and Grand avenues for the return leg of the race. The previously mentioned roads as well as those crossing the race route will be closed to through traffic. This will also include 17th Street, which the race route crosses twice.
Drivers in the area should expect to be stopped at intersections that cross the route. KPD officers positioned at road closures will allow cars to cross when there’s a break between runners.
Covenant Health 5K & Kids’ Run Covenant Health 5K & Kids’ Run(City of Knoxville) ON UT CAMPUS The Eagles in concert
The Concert begins at 8 p.m.
The concert will overlap with the Covenant Health’s 5K race, beginning at 7 p.m., with road closures including 17th Street. For all roads affected, you can check the course map here.
Parking in the lots and garages nearest Thompson Boling Arena will be $20, with cash as the only payment method accepted.
Free parking is available on the Agriculture campus starting at 4 p.m., with a shuttle that leaves from River Drive heading to the arena beginning at 6:30 p.m. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible.
One Knox Sporting Club
Gates at 5:30 p.m. with kick-off at 7 p.m.
Limited parking is available near the Regal Soccer Stadium, located off Neyland Drive via Joan Cronan Way. Parking on Stephenson Drive near the stadium is available for $5, payable by credit card only.
Alternatively, fans can park for free on the Agriculture campus visitor lot near the intersection of Joe Johnson and E. J. Chapman Drive and ride a shuttle to the stadium.
Men on Boats
Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Men on Boats will also have showings at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and another on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Parking for Clarence Brown Theatre patrons is available in Lot 23 and in the McClung Tower on Volunteer Blvd.
SUNDAY Covenant Health Marathon and Half Marathon
Closure: Sunday, April 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Both the half and full marathons begin on Clinch Avenue at World’s Fair Park, connect to Philip Fulmer Way to Neyland Drive, to Kingston Pike through the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood.
The eastbound route goes along Third Creek Greenway, Tyson Park and through the Fort Sanders neighborhood following along Forest Avenue to World’s Fair Park. The half marathon ends there.
The route for the full marathon continues through the Old City into the Fourth & Gill neighborhood, takes a loop through East Knoxville including East Fifth and Washington Avenues before crossing Magnolia Avenue at North Bertrand. The route continues along Martin Luther King Jr Avenue to East Summit Hill behind downtown to East Hill Avenue and James White Parkway. The route then continues through South Knoxville along Island Home and Sevier avenues before heading back to World’s Fair Park by Gay Street through Market Square.
The Knoxville Fire Department is investigating the cause of an early morning house fire in North Knoxville.
Crews responding to Cedar Heights Road after someone driving by called to report the fire then knocked on the door of the home, a woman and her dog were inside and they made it out safe.
The caller used a water hose in an attempt to put out the fire and firefighters say it likely kept the fire from spreading before they arrived.
The back of the home has sustained moderate fire damage and smoke damage throughout the house.
The home did not have any working smoke alarms.
The Knoxville Fire Department is investigating the cause of an early morning house fire in North Knoxville.
Crews responding to Cedar Heights Road after someone driving by called to report the fire then knocked on the door of the home, a woman and her dog were inside and they made it out safe.
The caller used a water hose in an attempt to put out the fire and firefighters say it likely kept the fire from spreading before they arrived.
The back of the home has sustained moderate fire damage and smoke damage throughout the house.
We all have people that change the direction of our lives.
People that make an impact when they might not even realize it.
Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson are two of those people for me.
John and Jimmy have been an established radio duo for 25 years in Knoxville and East Tennessee.
Together, they’ve helped countless people stay connected to Tennessee athletics.
John and Jimmy will host their final edition of “SportsTalk” together later this week. With Jimmy retiring on March 31, we say goodbye to an unforgettable era.
John will move to morning drive with Vince Ferrara starting April 11.
Jimmy isn’t going away completely: you’ll continue to hear and see him on the radio and TV from time to time.
But a quarter-century run for John and Jimmy together will end this week.
It’s time to celebrate.
For 25 years, John and Jimmy have helped fans celebrate big Tennessee wins… and vent after heartbreaking losses.
Tennessee has experienced more coaching changes than fans care to remember in the last 15 years. It was John and Jimmy who fans counted on to know what was happening behind the scenes.
John and Jimmy gave fans a platform to voice their opinion on whatever was happening with Tennessee sports.
And the big-name guests always appeared on SportsTalk.
Phillip Fulmer, Doug Dickey, former SportsTalk host Mike Keith, Volquest’s Brent Hubbs, and the late great Pat Summitt.
That only starts the long list of guests who respected John and Jimmy and made repeat appearances on their show.
John and Jimmy each have their own list of individual accomplishments.
Jimmy entered the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. He’s one of the best reporters the state of Tennessee has seen.
John is as good of a play-by-play voice as there is in college sports. He says “Hello, win column!” on behalf of the fans after every Tennessee baseball win.
Some day, John will say hello to the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
On top of their professional accomplishments, they’re two of the best people you’ll meet in the industry.
That’s my connection to their story.
I’ve been lucky to know John and Jimmy for 21 years. But I’ve known them longer than that.
I once was a kid who wanted to work in sports media, thanks to listening to their radio show after school growing up.
In 2001, I had a chance to hang out and eventually work with them. Not long after that, they trusted me enough to help produce their show for more than six years.
Want to learn how to be a pro?
Watch John and Jimmy do their jobs. They’ve provided the blueprint.
I’m thankful for the chance to have worked with John and Jimmy for 20+ years.
More than that, I’m thankful to call both friends.
Congrats on a great career, Jimmy.
And to both John and Jimmy, thanks for 25 great years.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —With dozens of new faces around the program this spring, Tennessee football will undoubtedly rely on its veteran players to provide continuity and serve as mentors to the young influx of talent brought in from Josh Heupel‘s highly rated 2023 signing class. The second week of spring practice kicked off Tuesday as the Vols took Haslam Field for a morning of on-field development.
One leader that has stood out is redshirt senior tight end Jacob Warren, who elected to return for his sixth season with the program in 2023. The room is led by first-year tight ends coach Alec Abeln, who discussed Warren’s role and experience in comments to local media Tuesday afternoon.
“I’ve said it before, but he really is like another coach for us,” Abeln said. “When I’m watching a guy that’s going, as guys are coming off the field, he’s grabbing them and teaching them. He’s another coach for us.
“He is such a pro just the way he approaches every day, but now understanding you have earned the respect of the guys in the room, continue to push leadership and continue to be vocal with it. You do not always have to be a rah-rah guy, but when you see something going wrong, not being afraid to step up and fix it.”
In the trenches, returning starting center Cooper Mays has continued to build upon his leadership while going through his third year of spring practice. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee spoke to the Knoxville native’s ability to lead by example through the first week of 2023 spring ball.
“He’s kind of been the cowbell,” Elarbee said. “He’s gotten after guys when things haven’t been right, has led in the meeting room, has coached on the field, has coached in the meeting room.
“The biggest compliment I can give to him, I was running a drill, and two young guys weren’t doing it right. Before I can even get to correct them, it was just like a flash, and Cooper came out of nowhere, blurred across my face, grabbed them and started demonstrating and doing it. I think that kind of leadership translates. My guys see that, guys want to help coach and be a part of it. He’s not skipped a beat and has stepped right in on that leadership role.”
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.
Full transcripts from Elarbee and Abeln’s Tuesday availabilities can be viewed below, along with select quotes from Warren, redshirt senior tight end McCallan Castles and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Addison Nichols.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | March 28, 2023
On how he’s figuring out where his best options are at the tackle spots… “Really similar to the process when Cade (Mays) left. You had JJ (Jeremiah Crawford) and we brought in (Gerald) Mincey. Darnell (Wright) had been in the offense, it was easier for him to flip and still be able to play and let those two guys sit at left side and learn. Now, they are the ones who are flipping and rotating and trying to be able to play at right so John (Campbell Jr.) can take some at left and same thing with Dayne (Davis). Those three are kind of the guys who will move around and letting John, because that’s what he had played previously, kind of learn and see if he can get comfortable on the left side.”
On what it means to lose Jerome Carvin given his versatility and how healthy he was, and who he envisions as the backup for Cooper Mays… “The only thing I disagree with that statement is how healthy he was, that was a tough son of a gun now. He played through some things, he was just unbelievable. I think the first place you miss him is just in the room. Just who he was as a person, his attitude every day, his leadership. Probably one of my favorite players of all time. Then, you just didn’t realize how lucky you were you had a starting left guard that could take only a minimal number of snaps at center during a week and if something happened, take off the glove, go to center and not miss a beat. That part is definitely missed. It’s almost like losing two positions for us. Addison (Nichols) has been repping some center there, trying to figure that piece of it out. Vysen (Lang) has been repping some center trying to figure that piece of it out. You have Ollie (Lane) and (Jackson) Lampley coming back that both have played guard. You got Andrej (Karic) and Addison also that can have a chance to play guard. Just trying to piece all of that together. It’s kind of what spring is, you know. Just see who can rise to the occasion and be the starting left guard and who can be the two center.”
On what Addison Nichols’ other skills told the coaching staff about him during his recruitment… “Just a highly intelligent guy. Just enjoys the process of different things besides just football, or just academics. He is super intelligent; I think that translates for him. I think that was probably the number one thing it told me is that he wasn’t just sitting there playing video games all day.”
On who is taking on biggest leadership role on the offensive line… “For sure Cooper (Mays). He’s kind of been the cowbell, he’s gotten after guys when things haven’t been right, has led in the meeting room, has coached on the field, has coached in the meeting room. The biggest compliment I can give to him, I was running a drill and two young guys weren’t doing it right and before I can even get to correct them it was just like a flash and Cooper came out of nowhere and blurred across my face and grabbed them and started demonstrating and doing it. I think that kind of leadership translates. My guys see that, guys want to help coach and be a part of it. He’s not skipped a beat and has stepped right in on that leadership role.”
On his role in game planning the offense and relationship with coach Joey Halzle… “I’m really excited for Joey. Talk about a great guy. I used to be a lot more positive in my younger days. Something about offensive line and old age make you a little bit cranky. He always will try to make my smile, try to be the positive energy in the room. He’s an unbelievable person and really understands the offense. I wish I was as smart as him and Coach Heupel. Those two guys are freaky intelligent. Joey knows what the overall mission, goal and what we are trying to get accomplished in every aspect. He’s done a great job. There’s been a seamless transition in the staff room. I’m really happy for him. As far as I go, it’s a collaborative effort. We all try to build the run-game. I feel like the older I get, the more I listen to people and not do things my own way. I always try to have as little of an ego as possible. I’ve got great guys with me that help coach. I’ve had good guys in the past. Age will still be a part of that process, so that’s kind of my role.”
On the leadership of Cooper Mays… “I think every year he’s grown. Him and Jerome (Carvin) kind of ran the room last year. With Jerome moving on, Cooper just snatched the bull by the horns. It’s his room. Other guys are coming on: (Javontez) Spraggins, Dayne (Davis) and Ollie (Lane). Guys are leading. Jeremiah (Crawford) and Mincey are trying to coach up young guys. There’s a good culture in the room. I love where it’s at. Cooper for sure keeps getting better. There’s a clinic tape with him and I was like, “Man, there’s this undersized center, he kind of reminds me of you.” That night, he watched it, and the next day at practice he’s just doing stuff that is freaky. That’s the sign of a mature player that all he wants to do is get better as a football player and then help other guys get better in the room too.”
On the skillset of transfer offensive linemen John Campbell Jr. and Andrej Karic… “John is an older guy. I love his intensity to the game of football. He takes notes, cares about getting better. Just loves the game. Sometimes, you get some guys that like the things that go around the game of football. He actually loves the game of football. He’s intentional, seasoned, knows a lot. It’s just about translating the plays from what they did into our verbiage and getting used to the tempo a little bit. I love what he brings. Andrej is not as old as John, but Andrej brings a motor and an edge. The guy plays unbelievably hard, he’s really athletic. It kind of helps that demeanor of the room of when to go be physical and move the line of scrimmage. I’ve been really pleased with both of them.”
On how much the Orange Bowl practices helped the offensive line… “For sure, I think for the young guys it did, and especially the guys that got to come in early and practice. One, to see what it is actually going to be like, two, start learning the verbiage and seeing how it all pieces together. I think they showed up in January and it was like you had already taken a big step and we were constantly trying to use that time meeting with them, taking advantage of every single second we could. I think that has led to them being able to step in the spring, take reps, and it is not just completely bad.”
On Andrej Karic getting reps in at guard and why they made that move after he played tackle at Texas… “Really, Andrej is very versatile there. He was their sixth guy that came in and played tight end. He did play tackle on both sides. He has played guard as well. He had moved all around. I think the only position he didn’t play was center and he has kind of had experience everywhere. Most of his reps were at tackle. Just body type, I feel like that is where he is suited. What we do, the way he plays, just our depth chart too, where I feel like we have a little more depth at tackle. I thought his chance to help us immediately would be coming in and playing guard.”
On how beneficial it is to have the continuity and stability at offensive line… “It is great, just because you are not having to coach every little thing. They are your eyes on the field. They are your eyes in the meeting room. Like I said, I try to have as little ego as possible. Man, when we are in the meeting room Cooper (Mays) is coaching, Dayne (Davis) is coaching, Ollie (Lane) is coaching. Guys see things that sometimes I don’t see. They know what we want. They know where we are trying to get in result-wise and we are all on the same page. It just helps us grow exponentially. Where we are at this point in the spring versus spring one or spring two, just knowledge-based, just playing the game of football – man pretty cool, a lot of fun. What you want it to be.”
On coaching the tight ends the first five days this spring… “It’s been awesome. We’ve had two months leading up of working indoors, where it’s just a taste of actually getting to go do it. Really once the pads go on, we’ll get to feel it for real. It’s been awesome.”
On what he’s seen from Ethan Davis… “Just starting off athletically, he’s really unique. He’s got a chance to be a really special player. Coming off a shoulder (injury) and not having spent a lot of time in the box in high school. I’m really impressed with where he’s at right now. He’s got a long way to go, but as the days keep adding and more wrinkles start coming, he’s got to focus and continue to lock into the details. He’s been really good so far.”
On if McCallan Castles can have the same role as Princeton Fant did… “I think every guy is a little unique. He’s certainly got enough wiggle to do some of the things Princeton did. Similar to Ethan, finding the offense is early for him too. Being able to operate before we design stuff for him but, athletically, in space he can fill that role.”
On how helpful it is to have Jacob Warren back… “I’ve said it before but he really is like another coach for us. When I’m watching a guy that’s going, as guys are coming off the field, he’s grabbing them and teaching them. He’s another coach for us.”
On his coaching style… “I think you have to bring juice, but at the same time I think, being able to process what happened and give feedback where it’s not a million things all at the same time. Where we’re different is whistle-to-snap happens so fast, you didn’t really get to coach between the play. As drives are going on you think, I’m going to tell them about this play and them about that play, and then kind of debrief with them when they come back to the sideline. By that point I think you get a little bit of time to, one, process it and really think about what you’re telling them, and also emotionally cool down where you can give them information in a way that’s easy for them to process.”
On what the first five practices have been like… “A lot of fun. There’s stuff we have to get better at. Today we took a step which was positive. This is the best part of my day, being out there. It’s fun to be back.”
On his relationship with offensive line coach Glen Elarbee… “I’ve played for him in college so he’s like another dad to me. He’s a guy that’s super open and really challenges what the right way is to do things. He’s also hyper-detailed, where if this is what we decided we’re going to do, what’s all the little nuance to it. As a mentor and as a friend, I can’t say enough about him. The entire offensive staff is a family, I know it’s cliche but, I’ve known these guys for a long time and it’s cool to be able to go work with them every day.”
On McCallan Castles learning the offense… “He has been awesome. He is a smart kid and cares at a really high level. He’s been doing everything we have asked him to do. Playing in this offense is unique — there is a little bit of a learning curve, and I think for our guys, when it clicks, it really does click. For him, I think he wants it to be perfect right now; it is not going to be. Being able to make a mistake, put it aside, play the next one, that is something that he has got to continue to grow at. But he is a really smart kid and works his butt off, so he has been really good.”
On running the offense with multiple tight ends… “Ideally, you would have three, because we do not really sub a whole lot in-drive, so having guys that can roll, having guys that can spell each other, I think it makes it really tough if you do not have two. At the last place, we usually had three guys that could really roll, and that is ideally what’ve got.”
On the importance of unpredictability with the personnel… “We played 11-personnel, one tight end and one running back, probably 80 or 90 percent of last year, and in normal downs almost exclusively that. It is just how we operate, the way we use our tight ends, they are out in space, they are in the core, they are in-line. I think whether you are playing with one, two or none, we can hide what we are doing pretty well.”
On Jacob Warren’s development… “I think he has just got to become more comfortable being vocal. He is such a pro just the way he approaches every day, but now understanding you have earned the respect of the guys in the room, continue to push leadership and continue to be vocal with it. You do not always have to be a rah-rah guy, but when you see something going wrong, not being afraid to step up and fix it. As far as on the field, I think, one, just reducing pad-level in general. A couple of things run-game wise to clean up, and then just doing something when the ball is in his hands, I think that has been a huge emphasis for him in the spring.”
On getting Jacob Warren more involved in the passing game… “He is as unselfish of a guy as we have in the program. There’s times where stuff was designed to go with him that did not necessarily play out like that. The beauty of our offense, too, is that there are options all across the board, it is not just one guy that is getting a target. Sometimes, those targets are something that is intentional, but as a whole, I think those are really earned and something that, as he continues to get better this spring, he will see more of those.”
On his reason for transferring to Tennessee… “I have one year left of college football, and I feel like I hit my max potential playing FCS football. I’m grateful for the opportunities I got out of UC Davis, but if you want to play at the next level, taking that step, you have to keep playing in higher level competition. I wanted to prove to myself that I actually belong in the NFL setting, and coming to the SEC, playing at Tennessee allows me to practice with those guys that are going to be there all the time and play against guys that are going to be there.”
On what kind of role he sees himself playing and how he can help the tight end room overall… “I think I can do a little bit of everything, like Jacob (Warren). (I) got to get a little bit more fundamentally sound with the blocking just because it’s bigger guys in FBS, (I) got to get used to that. Other than that, I think I can run routes and block just as well as anybody else, so hopefully I can take some reps off of Jacob and me and him can get a good switch going every other series or something like that.”
On how fast the connection with the other guys grew and the nickname the team gave him… “Pretty quickly. I don’t even go by my real name, my family doesn’t even call me by my real name. They call me Cally, so they picked up on that pretty quick. But just coming out for bowl practice, I wasn’t able to practice with them, but I spent a lot of time with the guys. That whole room was super accepting right off the get go. You have dudes from all kinds of different places, like I would have never thought that me and Ethan Davis would be as good of friends as we are. The way we get together, it’s all laughs and good stuff and we both coach each other off of each other because we are both learning at the same time. You know he’s young, so he doesn’t have bad habits like I do, so he’s a little bit more moldable than I am.”
On what it has been like working with tight ends coach Alec Albeln these past few months… “It has been great. Just him being with us through bowl prep and everything, it was really nice because we were kind of just able to get that introduction to him and how he is as a person, how he handles us, and how he handles more of the classroom side of it. Being able to come out and be on the field for spring ball has been great, seeing him in action and kind of forming those bonds that are a lot different than it is in the classroom. When you are out there on the field, bullets are flying, things are happening, how is he able to handle each individual? You have a lot of different types of guys in that room, so he’s done a great job so far adjusting to us and us adjusting to him as well.”
On being considered a coach on the field and how he has developed over the last year… “Just my understanding of the offense and trying to continue to progress in that aspect, and being confident in my knowledge and what I know. Seeing things that are not right, but being able to make it right, I think that is something that earlier on in my career, maybe I would know something wasn’t right but maybe didn’t have the confidence to, didn’t have the want-to to call it out and make changes. But yeah, it has been great that he (Alec Albeln) has been able to let me lead our room in a way. Any time that I have something to say, I make sure that is alright with him. Like, ‘Hey, this is supposed to be what we are coaching?’ and he’s like, ‘Yes’ and I’ll go correct it and get it fixed, whatever it may be. I have been really appreciative of him just letting me do my thing and be the leader that I want to be and need to be for our group.”
On what stands out to him this spring opposed to the last five years of spring practices… “I think for me personally, a little more intentionality — kind of going into each day thinking about what all do I want to get better at today. What was bad yesterday or what do I need to work on? Being able to take notes and look at my notes and (say) okay, tomorrow I am going to emphasize getting that extra yard on third down, or being quick to the tuck when I am catching a ball over the middle. Just anything like that. Just trying to be more intentional. I have seen it a lot. I am used to the workload it takes to get through spring ball, so now it is just a matter of locking in on the details of the little things. For everybody else, like for the younger guys especially, just learning how not only to survive, but how to thrive through and take what it is right. It is hard. It is not easy. We are waking up early, a lot of meeting time, just being able to process everything and push through, it just builds a little bit of mental toughness as we are moving along. That has been the main emphasis for sure.”
On how his time between center and guard is being divided… “At the moment it’s all center. Just working it and making sure I’ve got it down so when we make it to the season, I can play both really well. That’s kind of the idea behind it right now.”
On how comfortable he is at center compared to last year… “I feel very comfortable with it now. Last year was interesting, but it feels like second nature now. I can go back from left to center comfortably. I kind of felt it at the end of fall camp as I really switched back to left guard. I went to center through spring and then during fall camp did pretty much all left guard, and then going back to a few snaps at center. Going back to it was just super easy and super simple. Now, instead of thinking about what I’m doing I can think about bigger calls and the bigger picture.”
On how Cooper Mays has stepped into a leadership position… “Cooper has been amazing. There have been times in practice where I’ll do something a little off, and before Coach Elarbee can even get words out, he’s right next to me demonstrating it for me. He’s done a really good job of not just teaching me what I need to know, but teaching the bigger picture stuff. Like I was saying earlier, he gives me ways to set, where to look, what to look for, how to read things out before they happen and other stuff. He just gives me a more veteran knowledge sense of things. Without him I don’t know where I’d be. He’s done a fantastic job.”
On Joe Milton III… “I love Joe. I think he’s a fantastic guy and he’s done an amazing job stepping up into that leadership role. There have been times in our workouts where we’ll get up and get set and the coaches will blow the whistle to run, but he’ll call everyone back on the line because something wasn’t right. His idea of a standard — he’s very strict on it and he just holds us to a higher level. He’s done an amazing job.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 9/10 Tennessee took down UNC Asheville to record its 20th win of the year with a 5-0 victory over the Bulldogs on Tuesday afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Volunteers’ pitching staff was downright dominant in the win, holding UNCA to a single hit to record their seventh shutout of the season and third straight midweek blanking.
UT (20-6, 3-3 SEC) used nine different pitchers to get the job done. Junior lefty Zander Sechrist got his usual midweek start and pitched 1.2 shutout frames with a pair of strikeouts to get things rolling.
Bryce Jenkins and Jacob Bimbi followed, and each put up scoreless outings with the game still knotted at zero before the offense was able to strike for four runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Bimbi was credited with the win, the first of his Tennessee career after punching out three Bulldog hitters in 1.1 innings of work.
The next six pitchers that saw action combined to allow just one baserunner the rest of the way, a walk in the ninth inning.
Maui Ahuna led the way at the plate on what was a somewhat quiet day for the offense. The junior shortstop went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and a run scored from the leadoff spot. Blake Burke and Christian Scott both hit solo home runs, as well.
Corbin Lanowitz had the only hit of the day for UNC Asheville (15-9, 2-4 Big South) with a leadoff single in the second inning.
UP NEXT: With the win, Tennessee capped its five-game homestand with a perfect 5-0 record and carries that win streak into a top-10 series at top-ranked LSU this Thursday-Saturday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
First pitch for game one is slated for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday and will be televised on ESPNU. Fans can also listen live on the Vol Network (FM 99.1 / AM 990), UTSports.com and the UT Gameday App.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Looking to continue its strong play following a sweep of Texas A&M during its SEC home opening weekend, the ninth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers host UNC Asheville in midweek action at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, beginning Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Tennessee (19-6, 3-3 SEC) looks to go perfect in its five-game homestand before hitting the road, having taken down Western Carolina in a midweek a week ago. The Vols swept the Aggies over the weekend thanks to superb and clutch offense, finding an answer to almost every lead the Aggies took in the games. UT scored a total of 27 runs in the three contests and currently ranks top-10 nationally in homers with 49 round-trippers this season.
The Vols have also pitched extremely well, boasting a 2.73 team ERA, the fourth-best in the country and top mark in the SEC.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE/PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
Tuesday, March 28 (6:30 p.m.) LHP Zander Sechrist (0-0, 0.57 ERA) vs. RHP Cole Bates (2-1, 4.15 ERA)
BROADCAST INFO
Tuesday’s game will stream on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app with Andy Brock (PxP) on the call. The online broadcast can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.
Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball, John Wilkerson, and Vince Ferrara call the action on the Vol Network (FM 99.1) or via a free audio stream on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics Gameday App.
SERIES HISTORY
Overall: Tennessee leads, 30-7 in Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 26-4 in Asheville: Tennessee leads, 4-0 at Neutral Sites: none Last 10 Meetings: 9-1 Last Meeting: W, 16-1 (Feb. 23, 2022, in Knoxville)
NOTABLE
HOME SWEET HOME The Vols will look to close this five-game homestand unbeaten after continuing their stellar play at home last weekend. Tennessee is 18-1 at home this season and 99-17 on Rocky Top since 2020.
SEC SWEEPS Following last weekend’s sweep of Texas A&M, Tennessee has now posted 11 SEC series sweeps under Tony Vitello (since 2018). From 2003-2017, the Volunteers had just 12 SEC series sweeps.
OPPONENT SCOUT
UNC Asheville Bulldogs
2023 Record: 15-8 (2-4 Big South)
2022 Record: 21-29-1 (14-9-1 Big South)
2022 Postseason: –
2023 Big South Preseason Poll: 5th
Head Coach: Scott Friedholm (Ninth season)
Stat Leaders:
Average: Kohl Abrams (.388)
OBP: Kohl Abrams (.510)
SLG: Robbie Burnett (.747)
Hits: Dylan Bacot (36)
Runs: Robbie Burnett (30)
RBIs: Dylan Bacot (37)
Doubles: Dylan Bacot (12)
Triples: Robbie Burnett (3)
Home Runs: Robbie Burnett (6)
ERA: Ryan Douglas (2.35)
WHIP: Clay Edmondson (1.30)
BAA: Justin Honeycutt (.224)
Innings Pitched: Clay Edmondson (35.1)
Strikeouts: Ryan Douglas (41)
Wins: Clay Edmondson (5)
Saves: Blake Little (3)
Tennessee is 4-0 against UNC Asheville under head coach Tony Vitello.
Tuesday’s game will also mark the third time the Vols have faced a Big South opponent this year. UT defeated Charleston Southern in both games of their midweek series on Feb. 28 and March 1. The Vols also hosted 2022 Big South champion Campbell in the NCAA Knoxville Regional a season ago, defeating the Camels, 12-7, on June 4.
ON DECK
Tennessee has a big road test, traveling to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to face top-ranked LSU for a weekend series beginning on Thursday night.
Both Thursday and Friday’s games will be televised, with the series opener on SEC Network at 8 p.m. ET. Friday’s game will broadcast on ESPNU with first pitch tabbed for 7 p.m. ET.
