KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Fresh off a series win at Florida and a midweek victory over Lipscomb, the 11th-ranked Lady Vol softball team will welcome the Mississippi State Bulldogs to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium this weekend for a three-game SEC home series. Friday’s opener is set for 6 p.m., Saturday’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m., and Sunday’s series finale is slated for noon ET.
Single-game tickets are available at AllVols.com and can also be purchased at the Sherri Parker Lee ticket office when gates open to the public one hour prior to first pitch. Parking is free for all Tennessee home softball games in lots S14 and C25 adjacent to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and Regal Soccer Stadium, and fans should note that Tennessee Athletics’ clear bag policy will be in effect.
Fans are encouraged to visit the Tennessee softball gameday information page before making their way to Sherri Parker Lee to familiarize themselves with gameday policies and procedures.
Shakara Goodloe – Lady Vols / Credit: UT Athletics
RALPH WEEKLY CELEBRATION: Prior to Sunday’s first pitch, Tennessee softball will honor former head coach Ralph Weekly with a pregame ceremony and in-game recognitions on the video board. Alongside his wife Karen Weekly, Ralph served as co-head coach of the Lady Vols for 20 seasons and led Tennessee to seven Women’s College World Series appearances—including two national runner-up finishes.
Ralph finished his decorated 35-year coaching career with a 1,450-481-2 record that included stints at Pacific Lutheran (1986-94), Chattanooga (1995-98, 2001) and Tennessee (2002-2021). He ranks No. 4 all-time among NCAA softball coaches in career wins.
ALL FOR ALEX: The SEC softball community will be united on Saturday, April 2, when all 13 teams participate in the second annual “All for Alex” weekend to honor the legacy of Mississippi State’s Alex Wilcox. Wilcox was a member of the 2018 Mississippi State softball team who inspired the nation with her courageous fight against ovarian cancer. That fight ultimately took her life in the summer of 2018.
The Lady Vols will don solid teal jerseys with an orange collar and orange Tennessee wordmark in recognition of Wilcox’s impact on the softball community and in the fight against ovarian cancer.
BROADCAST INFO: Friday and Saturday’s game will be streamed online via SEC Network+, available at ESPN.com/watch and ESPN app. Sunday’s contest will be televised regionally on SEC Network with Eric Frede (play-by-play) and former Lady Vol All-American Madison Shipman (analyst) on the call.
A free online audio broadcast for all three games featuring the voice of the Lady Vol softball team Brian Rice will be streamed live on UTSports.com and can be heard locally on AM 990.
MIDWEEK W: The Lady Vols limited Lipscomb to one hit on the way to a 9-2 victory Wednesday evening. Sophomore lefty Bailey McCachren pitched 4.1 perfect innings of relief, retiring 13 consecutive batters to earn the win.
With the wind blowing out at SPL, Tennessee hit three home runs in the win over the Bisons. McKenna Gibson, Kiki Milloy and Lair Beautae went yard for UT’s sixth game with three or more HRs this season.
LEAGUE PLAYERS: UT has seen a pair of newcomers thrive during the first three weekends of SEC play. Sophomore Zaida Puni leads the squad with four HRs and an SEC-best 14 RBIs in conference games, while graduate transfer pitcher Erin Edmoundson touts a 4-2 record with four complete games and 26 strikeouts against league foes.
FANTASTIC FRESHMAN: Rookie infielder Lair Beautae has adjusted well to the college game in the nation’s toughest conference, leading the Lady Vols with a .385 batting average (10-for-26) over the first three weeks of SEC play. Her nine runs scored in conference games are tied for the most of any player in the league.
ROGERS RETURNS: Tennessee senior right-hander Ashley Rogers made her first appearance in more than three weeks last Saturday in Gainesville and flashed her All-American form over three innings pitched. The Athens, Tennessee, native sat down nine consecutive batters and racked up five strikeouts in limited action against the sixth-ranked Gators.
HBP UNIT: The Lady Vols have three players inside the top-25 in the country for total HBP this season. Kiki Milloy leads the squad and ranks second in the SEC with 12, while Ashley Morgan and Ivy Davis have 11 and 9, respectively. UT is the only team in the nation with three players sporting 9+ HBP this season.
DIGGING THE LONG BALL: The Lady Vols have combined for 49 home runs through the first 32 games of the season. UT’s 1.53 HRs/game rank fourth in the SEC and 15th in the country.
UT has multiple homers in 14 games already this season, compared to 16 all of last year, and is 12-2 on the year when hitting 2+ home runs. Additionally, the Lady Vols have at least one home run in 12 straight games, the longest streak for the program since at least 2001.
NOTING THE OPPOSITION: Mississippi State owns a 20-13 record under third-year head coach Stephanie Ricketts and is coming off a slugfest victory at MTSU, taking the midweek win over the Blue Raiders 19-14 in Murfreesboro Wednesday night.
Series Record: Tennessee leads, 42-20
Last Meeting: Mississippi State swept a Wednesday doubleheader against the 15th-ranked Lady Vols, 2-1 and 6-2 in Starkville on May 5, 2021.
Key Player/Stat: Sophomore Addison Purvis is the reigning SEC Co-Player of the Week after batting .750 (6-for-8) across three starts last week with a 1.875 slugging percentage. She collected seven RBIs with three doubles and a pair of home runs.
UP NEXT: Tennessee will bus down to Athens, Georgia, next week for a three-game series at No. 18 Georgia April 8-10. The series finale will be nationally televised on ESPN2.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No. 1/1 Tennessee heads west for an SEC East showdown against in-state rival No. 3/9 Vanderbilt this weekend at Hawkins Field in Nashville.
The Vols tied the program record for consecutive wins with an 11-1 victory over Western Carolina on Wednesday, winning their 16th straight game. The 1994 team also won 16 in a row.
Vols RHP Chase Burns / Credit: UT Athletics
BROADCAST INFO
Friday (ESPN2) and Saturday’s (SEC Network) games will be broadcast on national television with Dave Neal (PxP) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
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 call the games on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE/PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
Game 1 – Friday, April 1 (7 p.m. ET) RHP Chase Burns (5-0, 0.80 ERA) vs. RHP Chris McElvain (4-0, 1.95 ERA)
Game 2 – Saturday, April 2 (8 p.m. ET) RHP Chase Dollander (4-0, 2.67 ERA) vs. LHP Carter Holton (4-1, 4.02 ERA)
Game 3 – Sunday, April 3 (2 p.m. ET) RHP Drew Beam (5-0, 1.12 ERA) vs. TBA
SERIES HISTORY
Overall: Tennessee leads, 178-163-2 In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 97-60-1 In Nashville: Vanderbilt leads, 100-76-1 Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 5-3 Last Meeting: L, 10-4 (April 18, 2021 in Knoxville)
Tennessee has played Vanderbilt more than any other opponent in program history and holds a slight edge in the series. The Vols will be looking for their first series win in Nashville since sweeping the Commodores back in 2009.
NOTABLE
Top-Ranked Vols After earning their first-ever No. 1 ranking by any poll last week (Perfect Game), the Vols enter this week as college baseball’s unanimous No. 1 ranked team after sweeping previously top-ranked Ole Miss last weekend in Oxford.
More Weekly Honors for the Big Orange Following a dominant weekend by the pitching staff, two Tennessee hurlers earned weekly conference honors for their efforts. Sophomore right hander Chase Dollander was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after tossing 6.1 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against one of the league’s top lineups to secure the series win on Saturday night.
Friday starter Chase Burns earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition after a dominant performance in the series opener, silencing a sold-out crowd throughout the night at Swayze Field in his first-career SEC road start. The freshman right hander set a new career high with 11 strikeouts and did not allow a single walk while giving up just two hits and one run in seven innings, which was also a career high. By earning the win, Burns improved to 5-0 on the year, which is tied for the best mark in the SEC.
Vols Off to Historic Start Tennessee’s 24-1 record is the best through the first 25 games of a season in program history, besting the previous mark of 22-3 in 2001. The Vols are just the sixth team to make it through the first two weeks of SEC play unbeaten since the league went to a 30-game conference schedule in 1996.
Another Weekend, Another Sweep Tennessee recorded its fifth series sweep this season after taking all three games on the road at then No. 1 Ole Miss last weekend. Since Tony Vitello took over as head coach in 2018, the Vols have swept 17 weekend series (not including tournaments).
Series Sweeps by Year Under Vitello 2022: 5 | 2021: 5 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 3 | 2018: 2
OPPONENT SCOUT
Vanderbilt Commodores
Record: 20-4 (4-2 SEC)
2021 Postseason: CWS Runner-Up
2022 SEC Preseason Poll: 1st in Eastern Division
Head Coach: Tim Corbin (20th Season)
Preseason All-SEC Honors:
OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (1st Team)
DH/UTL Dominic Keegan (1st Team)
RP Nick Maldonado (1st Team)
Stat Leaders:
Batting Avg: Dominic Keegan (.419)
Runs: Enrique Bradfield Jr. (28)
Hits: Dominic Keegan (36)
Home Runs: Tate Kolwyck (6)
RBI: Dominic Keegan (28)
Stolen Bases: Enrique Bradfield Jr. (16)
Wins: Devin Futrell (5)
Saves: Thomas Schultz (4)
ERA (min. 1 IP/G): Grayson Moore (0.69)
Innings Pitched: Chris McElvain (32.1)
Strikeouts: Carter Holton (47)
ON DECK
The Vols return to Knoxville to begin a four-game homestand next Tuesday, April 5 against Lipscomb before hosting Missouri next weekend.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No. 1/1 Tennessee heads west for an SEC East showdown against in-state rival No. 3/9 Vanderbilt this weekend at Hawkins Field in Nashville.
The Vols tied the program record for consecutive wins with an 11-1 victory over Western Carolina on Wednesday, winning their 16th straight game. The 1994 team also won 16 in a row.
Vols RHP Chase Burns / Credit: UT Athletics
BROADCAST INFO
Friday (ESPN2) and Saturday’s (SEC Network) games will be broadcast on national television with Dave Neal (PxP) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
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 call the games on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE/PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
Game 1 – Friday, April 1 (7 p.m. ET) RHP Chase Burns (5-0, 0.80 ERA) vs. RHP Chris McElvain (4-0, 1.95 ERA)
Game 2 – Saturday, April 2 (8 p.m. ET) RHP Chase Dollander (4-0, 2.67 ERA) vs. LHP Carter Holton (4-1, 4.02 ERA)
Game 3 – Sunday, April 3 (2 p.m. ET) RHP Drew Beam (5-0, 1.12 ERA) vs. TBA
SERIES HISTORY
Overall: Tennessee leads, 178-163-2 In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 97-60-1 In Nashville: Vanderbilt leads, 100-76-1 Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 5-3 Last Meeting: L, 10-4 (April 18, 2021 in Knoxville)
Tennessee has played Vanderbilt more than any other opponent in program history and holds a slight edge in the series. The Vols will be looking for their first series win in Nashville since sweeping the Commodores back in 2009.
NOTABLE
Top-Ranked Vols After earning their first-ever No. 1 ranking by any poll last week (Perfect Game), the Vols enter this week as college baseball’s unanimous No. 1 ranked team after sweeping previously top-ranked Ole Miss last weekend in Oxford.
More Weekly Honors for the Big Orange Following a dominant weekend by the pitching staff, two Tennessee hurlers earned weekly conference honors for their efforts. Sophomore right hander Chase Dollander was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after tossing 6.1 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against one of the league’s top lineups to secure the series win on Saturday night.
Friday starter Chase Burns earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition after a dominant performance in the series opener, silencing a sold-out crowd throughout the night at Swayze Field in his first-career SEC road start. The freshman right hander set a new career high with 11 strikeouts and did not allow a single walk while giving up just two hits and one run in seven innings, which was also a career high. By earning the win, Burns improved to 5-0 on the year, which is tied for the best mark in the SEC.
Vols Off to Historic Start Tennessee’s 24-1 record is the best through the first 25 games of a season in program history, besting the previous mark of 22-3 in 2001. The Vols are just the sixth team to make it through the first two weeks of SEC play unbeaten since the league went to a 30-game conference schedule in 1996.
Another Weekend, Another Sweep Tennessee recorded its fifth series sweep this season after taking all three games on the road at then No. 1 Ole Miss last weekend. Since Tony Vitello took over as head coach in 2018, the Vols have swept 17 weekend series (not including tournaments).
Series Sweeps by Year Under Vitello 2022: 5 | 2021: 5 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 3 | 2018: 2
OPPONENT SCOUT
Vanderbilt Commodores
Record: 20-4 (4-2 SEC)
2021 Postseason: CWS Runner-Up
2022 SEC Preseason Poll: 1st in Eastern Division
Head Coach: Tim Corbin (20th Season)
Preseason All-SEC Honors:
OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (1st Team)
DH/UTL Dominic Keegan (1st Team)
RP Nick Maldonado (1st Team)
Stat Leaders:
Batting Avg: Dominic Keegan (.419)
Runs: Enrique Bradfield Jr. (28)
Hits: Dominic Keegan (36)
Home Runs: Tate Kolwyck (6)
RBI: Dominic Keegan (28)
Stolen Bases: Enrique Bradfield Jr. (16)
Wins: Devin Futrell (5)
Saves: Thomas Schultz (4)
ERA (min. 1 IP/G): Grayson Moore (0.69)
Innings Pitched: Chris McElvain (32.1)
Strikeouts: Carter Holton (47)
ON DECK
The Vols return to Knoxville to begin a four-game homestand next Tuesday, April 5 against Lipscomb before hosting Missouri next weekend.
Tennessee super senior forward John Fulkerson has been selected to participate in the NABC-Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game, the NABC announced Thursday.
The game is set to take place Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the site of this weekend’s men’s Final Four. The game will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network and is open to the public and free to attend.
Fulkerson’s participation in the Reese’s College All-Star Game is in addition to his inclusion in the 3X3U National Championship, a 3-on-3 competition that runs from Friday through Sunday, also in New Orleans.
Vols F John Fulkerson / Credit: UT Athletics
For Friday’s All-Star game, Fulkerson will be a member of the East roster, where he is set to team up with former Vol E.J. Anosike, who this month completed his college career at Cal State Fullerton.
The West’s roster for the game features two players from SEC schools—Kentucky’s Davion Mintz and Arkansas’ Stanley Umude.
Fulkerson concluded his Tennessee career earlier this month with an SEC-record 165 games played. The Kingsport, Tennessee, native averaged 7.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. In January, Fulkerson became the 53rd member of Tennessee’s 1,000-point club, and he finished his career with the seventh-best career field-goal percentage in program history (.556).
Last year Dan + Shay released their Good Things: The Album
The 12-track project includes their smash hits “I Should Probably Go To Bed”…
“10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber…
“Glad You Exist”…
and their latest single from the album, “Steal My Love” – which has been nominated for a CMT Music Award,“We’re so stoked that ‘Steal My Love’ is nominated for Group/Duo Video of the Year at the CMT Awards.”
Talking about their nominated video Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney say, “This is one of our favorite videos we’ve ever done, and we wanted to give you a behind the scenes look at how we created it. Shout out to all the incredibly talented people that helped bring it to life, and for powering through the Nashville heat with us. It was literally like 95 degrees and crazy humid when we filmed lol.”
Watch the behind the scenes feature for “Steal My Love” here…
Now that you’ve watched the behind the scenes – check out the music video for “Steal My Love” from Dan + Shay…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Following a career-high-tying 25-win campaign and a postseason run to the NCAA Sweet 16, University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White on Thursday announced that he has extended Kellie Harper‘s contract through the 2026-27 season.
In her initial three seasons back on Rocky Top, the 1999 UT graduate has guided the Lady Vol basketball team to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and had it in position for a third prior to the cancellation of the 2020 tourney. The 2021-22 squad repeatedly overcame injuries to key contributors to record its third-straight top-three SEC finish and advance farther in postseason play than UT had since 2016.
Lady Vols coach Kellie Harper and team / Credit: UT Athletics
Perhaps most noticeably, Harper has been intentional from day one in creating a welcoming, family environment where student-athletes are loved, supported and respected, and they are held accountable as well as encouraged to hold one another accountable. The synergy of this year’s group was quite apparent, and Lady Vol fans gravitated toward the hard-working and easily-likable collection of student-athletes.
“Kellie is an amazing leader for the young women on our team and a wonderful ambassador for our university,” White said. “She operates in a first-class manner, easily connects with people, has a great vision for our women’s basketball program and is clearly taking the steps to accomplish goals that will continue to make us all extremely proud of Lady Vol basketball.
“The job she has done this season in the face of unfortunate injuries within her team has been remarkable and impressive to watch. The ‘next woman up’ mentality she instilled in her players enabled them to overcome some key personnel losses and still advance farther than the program has in some time. I look forward to next season and beyond with great anticipation.”
One of only two coaches ever to lead four different women’s programs to the NCAA Tournament, Harper carded the 14th postseason appearance during her 18 years as a head coach. She kept Tennessee perfect in NCAA Tournament berths with its 40th this season, and she heads the only program to appear in every single tourney held. Personally, she directed her second program into the Sweet 16 round in the past four seasons after guiding Missouri State there in 2019 prior to being named the Lady Vols’ leader after that postseason run.
Harper guided Tennessee to its most overall (25) and most SEC (11) wins since 2017-18 and led the Lady Vols to back-to-back SEC Tournament semifinals appearances for the first time since 2014-15 and 2015-16, despite playing without injured veterans Jordan Horston and Keyen Green down the stretch.
“I am so proud of the grit, toughness and passion our team played with this season,” Harper said. “Our players were a reflection of a strong culture and sisterhood.
“I’m grateful for the way our administration, the university and our fans embraced this team, and I cherish the privilege of being the head coach at my alma mater. I appreciate the support our administration and Lady Vol Nation provide our staff, our players and my family.”
The 2021-22 season saw the Lady Vols finish 25-9, place third in the SEC standings and advance to the semifinal round of the league tournament despite their misfortunes on the health front. With Harper guiding her unit to one victory over a ranked team in year one, to two in her second season, to five in year three, the Lady Vols climbed to No. 4 in the Jan. 24 AP Poll after opening the year at 18-1. That was their highest spot since early in the 2016 campaign.
Harper’s record stands at 63-27 through three seasons at the helm at Tennessee, and she clearly has the Lady Vols on an upward trajectory. UT has gone 21-10 (10-6 SEC), 17-8 (9-4) and 25-9 (11-5) in building a foundation, with the staff quickly demonstrating great momentum on the recruiting front in both the transfer portal and through the high school ranks.
Academically, Harper also oversees a program that maintains a 100-percent graduation rate for players who complete their playing careers as Lady Vols. Underscoring the importance of excellence in the classroom as part of the culture, an all-time, program-best nine of her 13 squad members in 2020-21 were named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Fans interested in learning more about 2022-23 season tickets may click here.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee spring football rolls on, the offensive line continues to grow with a solid nucleus and new contributors. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, as well as junior offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins, senior offensive lineman Jerome Carvin and freshman offensive lineman Addison Nichols met with the media Wednesday afternoon following the Volunteers’ fifth spring practice.
Tennessee was in full pads on Wednesday and now turns its attention to a “Fast Friday” practice before embarking on its first scrimmage on Saturday.
“I think, one, we wanted to help him learn the offense as fast as he can. When you play center, it is the hardest position initially because it is moving so fast. There’s a lot. You have to make every single call and the speed of the game is faster inside, as well. I think to help him expedite his process, because I am not sure where he will have to fit in and play for us, whether that is going to be at center, guard, or tackle. The thought was let him start at center, learn the offense and then as he gets that down, branch him out.”
On the versatility of players he looks for while recruiting…
“We typically start with guys that are tackles, guys that are more inside guys. I think sometimes there is a unique combination where a guy has the feet or the length, brain, traits, whatever it may be, that he can play inside and can play outside. We typically try to pinpoint ‘man this guy is going to be a tackle’ or ‘this guy is going to be a center or guard.” With Addison (Nichols) through the process, we talked about how he can play a bunch of different positions just because of how smart he is.”
“I think both of them have done a really good job. They put in a lot of time during the offseason. Those guys would be out there on their own, working their butts off, trying to get better. I think Gerald Mincey has accelerated his process and I think JJ (Jeremiah Crawford) has done a great job not picking up where he left off, he started off ahead of where he ended the season. He is playing a lot faster, does not seem to be as delayed in coming off of the ball and is a lot more sure of himself. They both have done a really good job.”
On what it is like having four starters returning…
“I think they are a little bit different in the fact that when you lose a bunch of guys, you have to figure out who is going to be best at a position initially and you aren’t quite as far ahead as you are. Having four guys returning, especially where JC (Jeremiah Crawford) played some center, Darnell (Wright) has gone back and forth to both sides, there is a little bit more wiggle room. Guys, you feel like know where they played last year well enough that if you have to move them, adjust them, play them in different places in the spring, it is not such a big deal and hopefully, it gives you a chance that guys who haven’t played as much. Where they can just sit still in a position, learn it, and feel a little bit more comfortable.”
On why Gerald Mincey was someone he wanted to recruit…
“When he came out of high school, I thought one, he had unbelievable athletic ability and body control for such a big man, and out of high school I thought we had a good relationship. It was one of those situations where Florida was a little bit of a better situation for him than UCF was. I knew at the core who he was as a human being and that there was an intelligence level there that was unique for his body type and that things he can do athletically. Sometimes, things don’t always start the way you think they will end up and now it has ended up in a better spot.”
“I think he is always one to continue to get stronger, continue to build his body. He has taken the step leadership wise. Him and Jerome Carvin have been awesome. They have gotten in front of the room, led meetings and corrected teammates. Cooper Mays is constantly in the meeting room and something happens and, before I can get something out of my mouth, him and Jerome have jumped in there and said, ‘Hey man, we need to do this,’ or, ‘Start coaching this.’ I shouldn’t say this, but sometimes they even correct me a little bit. Their leadership piece of it has been unbelievable with Cooper. I think just continuing to build, get stronger. He got thrown in there as a freshman where he didn’t get a chance to really get a year of solid development in the weight room, especially with COVID. I think he has kind of done that over the offseason and I think he will be an even better version of himself.”
“He’s a highly intelligent player that can play. He bailed us out and played tackle but he can play guard and center. A guy that is physical, unbelievably physical. Loves the game, loves to practice the game of football and doesn’t have a lot of regard for his body, in that sense. A great human being and someone I have really enjoyed having in my room and getting to know. I’m looking forward to know him for hopefully a long time.”
On if short-yardage situations are related to being more physical…
“One hundred percent. You really only get to measure yourself in three different categories: short yardage, sacks and tackles for loss. We have to be better up front, there’s no doubt. We had some situations today where I thought, coming off the field, they tried to be more physical. That is something that has to continue through spring, through fall camp and for sure into the season. 3rd & short has to be our down and distance. We need to move the line of scrimmage.”
“Last year you get here and in year one it is a lot about how do I call the play? Where do my eyes go? Now, he has grown to the next step of seeing the second and third reads. He’s also able to play games with the defense by knowing where he wants to go with the ball, knowing what the defensive structure is, what their rules are and how to manipulate that, how to playing the game with the other side of the ball and get the result that he wants. He has made a huge jump in the offseason with defensive understanding. It is really showing out there on the field right now.”
“Tayven Jackson has been phenomenal. Being a true freshman getting here early. He has not had a missed call in team yet. He has not called anything backwards, has not missed a protection call. He is completely dialed in to what we are doing, which is a testament to how he trained in this offseason leading into spring. Athletically, it is exactly what we thought with him being a high-level basketball player with extremely quick twitch and he’s extremely smooth and fluid. We’re really, really excited with his development up to this point.”
“Joe Milton has been an amazing teammate this entire offseason coming back. You are absolutely right, there are opportunities, and I am sure a lot of people would love to take them. He wanted to stay here, he was dedicated to coming here. He has been a great teammate not just to Hendon, where they have a real, legitimate friendship, but also in trying to bring along Tayven, as well. Whenever we come off the field I go to say something to Tayven, and either Hendon or Joe is talking to him, helping him out and helping him learn what to do. He has been really, really high-end as far as his attitude this semester.”
On the practice rotation and how different this spring is from last fall…
“There are a lot less gymnastics that goes into it. Especially on the front end when it was a four-man rotation and you are running three different groups. Then, someone is getting left out, you had to work all of the different rotations and you have to snake it through there. With Hendon coming back, he has taken the lion’s share of the 1s reps, and we are working Joe in some too. Tayven is getting the 3s reps, and then he pushes up and takes some 2 reps. We still move them around a lot, but the guys that have been here and have played a bunch are taking the lion’s share of reps at this point.”
On if there is an edge with Hendon Hooker coming back…
“Absolutely. He is completely rededicated himself. He did not have that identity of, ‘I figured it out. I am here. I know what I’m doing.’ He is going right back from the jump and wants to get better. He is up there in our office all of the time, wanting to talk about protection, defenses and how we are going to pick up this blitz with this protection. ‘What would my call need to be to read direct my (protection) here?’ He is working through it non-stop up in that coach’s office up there whether it is with us, the GA’s, support staff, anybody like that. He is up there learning from everybody the entire day.”
On how much can be added with an experienced QB…
“A lot of it is going to be with the stuff that we do. We are going to continue to do it. He (Hendon Hooker) is going to continue to be operating at an even higher level. We should see jumps in that form our base offense as well. Then, it allows you as a staff to get a little creative as far as, what we can put on them and seeing what else he can handle. You throw some stuff on them and now we can really judge. Do we like this concept versus what we are seeing, or can the quarterback just not handle it? We know the quarterback can handle it, and now we can judge concepts independently with that other thought process from us.”
On incorporating running into Hendon’s game…
“We are not going to run our quarterback just for the sake of running him. If something presents itself in the run game, absolutely we will take advantage of that. That is the skill set that our entire room has. They can all carry the football at a high level. He knows that he is going to make plays when you do not call runs either. When he is dropping back he is going to make plays with his feet all over the field and that factors in as well. He has a good understanding of some of the hits he took last year. How can we prevent that, right? When the time calls for it, put your pads down and go get that first down. But there are also times that, it is over, I’m going to get down and get out here to prolong your own career and keep yourself healthy throughout the entire season.”
On if that is something they talk about…
“Absolutely. We have watched every single broken play that he had from the entire year. Every broken play, scramble, run, whatever it is. Here it is 3rd & 3, go get it. Here is 1st & 10 do not go from 2nd & 5 to 2nd & 6 trying to push it down that hard. Man, get your pads down now and sit down, get out and get the hit out of yourself.”
On how comfortable he (Coach Halzle) is going into year two…
“A lot more. One, the room is now more set than it was. We were trying to learn each other still at this point last year. I am talking about the guys that were in the room. Now, we are trying to bring in a new body in Tayven Jackson, and how does that all fit together. Now, that the room is a little more solidified, that worry of ‘how does this all fit together’ is kind of gone. Now, I can just focus on those guys and how they like to be coached. I know how they need to be coached and need to be spoken to. Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker and Tayven Jackson and Navy Shuler and Gaston Moore are all different. You have to handle guys differently while still treating people the same, if that makes sense. The way you speak to someone is different than how he responds. On the other side of it with recruiting, it is like, okay I have been in the areas and seen the people. Now you can focus, point and shoot a little bit more than trying to meet everybody for the first time as well.”
On how Joe Milton III can benefit being in his second year at Tennessee…
“Yeah, absolutely. I will start again by saying in the base offense of it. We do not have those guys worrying about which way do I take my protection in this one, what is my read on this one? Where do my eyes go on this one? They know all of that and now we are operating within that offense. That has been the biggest thing this spring. We are not throwing a bunch of new stuff on them just because we feel we can. It how we can take what we do for Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker and increase their ability to operate within what we are already doing. That is going to take our offense to another level.”
“As far as last year goes, I know those new coaches had a lot to put into us, as far as the things they wanted to see from us going along through the season. At the time we are at right now, we basically already everything we need to get on a roll. Everything from last year has already been installed.”
On the short yardage run game and what can improve it this year…
“If somebody sees it and they are behind us, it’s definitely something that needs to be fixed if its prevalent to them. As far as us at the goal line, it is all about the little things. Making those things more … it’s hard to explain. For the offensive lineman, just being able to get those little things to not have anything on the backend that could mess us up in the long run.”
On if the offensive line can be more physical this year than they were last year…
“Definitely, I feel like there is always room for improvement for any type of player. As far as aggression goes and just putting our pads down and being physical. I feel like we can up that 50-100 times more than we did last year.”
On the confidence level in the offensive line room…
“In the room, the confidence level is 100 percent. It is always high. As far as us being on each other and making sure we do everything right, just the little things, because that is what coach wants to see. I feel like we are doing a good job being on each other at the right times and making sure we coach each other. Just enough to make sure we love each other and know we can get through this together.”
On what a freshman offensive lineman must do to get game reps…
“It’s a huge transition from high school to college with everything; school, football. It’s different. When a freshman is trying to get meaningful snaps on the field, it’s mostly just understanding the playbook. Understanding what he has to do, understanding his assignments. Two, lean on guys like me, Cooper (Mays), Darnell (Wright), guys like that. As well as our coach, Coach Elarbee, as well as our GA’s and assistant coaches. Lean on those guys, and they’ll lead you in the right direction.”
On his mindset going into his last spring camp…
“Spring is working the fundamentals. You get better. You go out there and just have fun. Being in my last spring, I’ve had fun out there. Just getting better and trying more consistent, as much as I can. Be more of a leader with the offensive line, as well as the team, and just working on my craft.”
On how much of an inspiration it is to see his former teammates going through their Pro Day today…
“Most definitely. It’s great seeing those guys come back on campus again after they’ve been working hard and training wherever they were. It’s a great feeling. Anytime you see your former teammates go out there and pursue their dream, it’s wonderful. Especially seeing guys like Cade Mays and Matthew Butler, those guys that you really battled with and battled against. It really hits at home. Just can’t wait to watch them and cheer them on.”
“Right now, my mind is really focused on getting as good as I can in my position and preparing myself for that position. I’m not really thinking about what I’m going to do in-season, right now. I’m just kind of focusing on the moment, getting through spring ball and just getting better in the moment.”
On being an early enrollee…
“It really wasn’t a tough one for me. I’ve kind of been planning for it since freshman year, when I got my first offer. I talked my parents and I was like ‘Alright, this is something I want to do. I want to go early in the spring.’ I had seen the benefit of it. It was definitely a great decision for me. Just being able to get in here and have all this extra time to just adjust to college football. Spring ball has been really good, learning the offense, just acclimating to the tempo, speed, and just the aggression of SEC football. It wasn’t something that I thought of last minute, like ‘Oh, I’m going to go early’. I didn’t really miss too much. My coaches let me go back to prom, and I’m going back for graduation. So, two big things that I needed and I got them.”
On challenges playing center…
“It was definitely extremely difficult to transition, for me. I’m still struggling with it. The biggest thing for me is coming off and punching as you’re snapping. Right now, it’s kind of like I snap, then punch. That’s probably the biggest thing now. Then accurate snaps. Each practice I’ve gotten better and better and seeing that is definitely reassuring. Hopefully in the next few weeks it will be spot on.”
On experience playing in college for the first time…
“I’d probably say … I knew that SEC football was difficult, but I didn’t know – so in high school, you get push on the offensive line – so, I came here thinking ‘Ok, we’ll get some push, even on double teams we’ll get some push’. No, you get no push. That was an eye-opener to me not being able to move someone as easily as it was. That’s definitely been an adjustment for sure. But that is probably it.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee spring football rolls on, the offensive line continues to grow with a solid nucleus and new contributors. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, as well as junior offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins, senior offensive lineman Jerome Carvin and freshman offensive lineman Addison Nichols met with the media Wednesday afternoon following the Volunteers’ fifth spring practice.
Tennessee was in full pads on Wednesday and now turns its attention to a “Fast Friday” practice before embarking on its first scrimmage on Saturday.
“I think, one, we wanted to help him learn the offense as fast as he can. When you play center, it is the hardest position initially because it is moving so fast. There’s a lot. You have to make every single call and the speed of the game is faster inside, as well. I think to help him expedite his process, because I am not sure where he will have to fit in and play for us, whether that is going to be at center, guard, or tackle. The thought was let him start at center, learn the offense and then as he gets that down, branch him out.”
On the versatility of players he looks for while recruiting…
“We typically start with guys that are tackles, guys that are more inside guys. I think sometimes there is a unique combination where a guy has the feet or the length, brain, traits, whatever it may be, that he can play inside and can play outside. We typically try to pinpoint ‘man this guy is going to be a tackle’ or ‘this guy is going to be a center or guard.” With Addison (Nichols) through the process, we talked about how he can play a bunch of different positions just because of how smart he is.”
“I think both of them have done a really good job. They put in a lot of time during the offseason. Those guys would be out there on their own, working their butts off, trying to get better. I think Gerald Mincey has accelerated his process and I think JJ (Jeremiah Crawford) has done a great job not picking up where he left off, he started off ahead of where he ended the season. He is playing a lot faster, does not seem to be as delayed in coming off of the ball and is a lot more sure of himself. They both have done a really good job.”
On what it is like having four starters returning…
“I think they are a little bit different in the fact that when you lose a bunch of guys, you have to figure out who is going to be best at a position initially and you aren’t quite as far ahead as you are. Having four guys returning, especially where JC (Jeremiah Crawford) played some center, Darnell (Wright) has gone back and forth to both sides, there is a little bit more wiggle room. Guys, you feel like know where they played last year well enough that if you have to move them, adjust them, play them in different places in the spring, it is not such a big deal and hopefully, it gives you a chance that guys who haven’t played as much. Where they can just sit still in a position, learn it, and feel a little bit more comfortable.”
On why Gerald Mincey was someone he wanted to recruit…
“When he came out of high school, I thought one, he had unbelievable athletic ability and body control for such a big man, and out of high school I thought we had a good relationship. It was one of those situations where Florida was a little bit of a better situation for him than UCF was. I knew at the core who he was as a human being and that there was an intelligence level there that was unique for his body type and that things he can do athletically. Sometimes, things don’t always start the way you think they will end up and now it has ended up in a better spot.”
“I think he is always one to continue to get stronger, continue to build his body. He has taken the step leadership wise. Him and Jerome Carvin have been awesome. They have gotten in front of the room, led meetings and corrected teammates. Cooper Mays is constantly in the meeting room and something happens and, before I can get something out of my mouth, him and Jerome have jumped in there and said, ‘Hey man, we need to do this,’ or, ‘Start coaching this.’ I shouldn’t say this, but sometimes they even correct me a little bit. Their leadership piece of it has been unbelievable with Cooper. I think just continuing to build, get stronger. He got thrown in there as a freshman where he didn’t get a chance to really get a year of solid development in the weight room, especially with COVID. I think he has kind of done that over the offseason and I think he will be an even better version of himself.”
“He’s a highly intelligent player that can play. He bailed us out and played tackle but he can play guard and center. A guy that is physical, unbelievably physical. Loves the game, loves to practice the game of football and doesn’t have a lot of regard for his body, in that sense. A great human being and someone I have really enjoyed having in my room and getting to know. I’m looking forward to know him for hopefully a long time.”
On if short-yardage situations are related to being more physical…
“One hundred percent. You really only get to measure yourself in three different categories: short yardage, sacks and tackles for loss. We have to be better up front, there’s no doubt. We had some situations today where I thought, coming off the field, they tried to be more physical. That is something that has to continue through spring, through fall camp and for sure into the season. 3rd & short has to be our down and distance. We need to move the line of scrimmage.”
“Last year you get here and in year one it is a lot about how do I call the play? Where do my eyes go? Now, he has grown to the next step of seeing the second and third reads. He’s also able to play games with the defense by knowing where he wants to go with the ball, knowing what the defensive structure is, what their rules are and how to manipulate that, how to playing the game with the other side of the ball and get the result that he wants. He has made a huge jump in the offseason with defensive understanding. It is really showing out there on the field right now.”
“Tayven Jackson has been phenomenal. Being a true freshman getting here early. He has not had a missed call in team yet. He has not called anything backwards, has not missed a protection call. He is completely dialed in to what we are doing, which is a testament to how he trained in this offseason leading into spring. Athletically, it is exactly what we thought with him being a high-level basketball player with extremely quick twitch and he’s extremely smooth and fluid. We’re really, really excited with his development up to this point.”
“Joe Milton has been an amazing teammate this entire offseason coming back. You are absolutely right, there are opportunities, and I am sure a lot of people would love to take them. He wanted to stay here, he was dedicated to coming here. He has been a great teammate not just to Hendon, where they have a real, legitimate friendship, but also in trying to bring along Tayven, as well. Whenever we come off the field I go to say something to Tayven, and either Hendon or Joe is talking to him, helping him out and helping him learn what to do. He has been really, really high-end as far as his attitude this semester.”
On the practice rotation and how different this spring is from last fall…
“There are a lot less gymnastics that goes into it. Especially on the front end when it was a four-man rotation and you are running three different groups. Then, someone is getting left out, you had to work all of the different rotations and you have to snake it through there. With Hendon coming back, he has taken the lion’s share of the 1s reps, and we are working Joe in some too. Tayven is getting the 3s reps, and then he pushes up and takes some 2 reps. We still move them around a lot, but the guys that have been here and have played a bunch are taking the lion’s share of reps at this point.”
On if there is an edge with Hendon Hooker coming back…
“Absolutely. He is completely rededicated himself. He did not have that identity of, ‘I figured it out. I am here. I know what I’m doing.’ He is going right back from the jump and wants to get better. He is up there in our office all of the time, wanting to talk about protection, defenses and how we are going to pick up this blitz with this protection. ‘What would my call need to be to read direct my (protection) here?’ He is working through it non-stop up in that coach’s office up there whether it is with us, the GA’s, support staff, anybody like that. He is up there learning from everybody the entire day.”
On how much can be added with an experienced QB…
“A lot of it is going to be with the stuff that we do. We are going to continue to do it. He (Hendon Hooker) is going to continue to be operating at an even higher level. We should see jumps in that form our base offense as well. Then, it allows you as a staff to get a little creative as far as, what we can put on them and seeing what else he can handle. You throw some stuff on them and now we can really judge. Do we like this concept versus what we are seeing, or can the quarterback just not handle it? We know the quarterback can handle it, and now we can judge concepts independently with that other thought process from us.”
On incorporating running into Hendon’s game…
“We are not going to run our quarterback just for the sake of running him. If something presents itself in the run game, absolutely we will take advantage of that. That is the skill set that our entire room has. They can all carry the football at a high level. He knows that he is going to make plays when you do not call runs either. When he is dropping back he is going to make plays with his feet all over the field and that factors in as well. He has a good understanding of some of the hits he took last year. How can we prevent that, right? When the time calls for it, put your pads down and go get that first down. But there are also times that, it is over, I’m going to get down and get out here to prolong your own career and keep yourself healthy throughout the entire season.”
On if that is something they talk about…
“Absolutely. We have watched every single broken play that he had from the entire year. Every broken play, scramble, run, whatever it is. Here it is 3rd & 3, go get it. Here is 1st & 10 do not go from 2nd & 5 to 2nd & 6 trying to push it down that hard. Man, get your pads down now and sit down, get out and get the hit out of yourself.”
On how comfortable he (Coach Halzle) is going into year two…
“A lot more. One, the room is now more set than it was. We were trying to learn each other still at this point last year. I am talking about the guys that were in the room. Now, we are trying to bring in a new body in Tayven Jackson, and how does that all fit together. Now, that the room is a little more solidified, that worry of ‘how does this all fit together’ is kind of gone. Now, I can just focus on those guys and how they like to be coached. I know how they need to be coached and need to be spoken to. Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker and Tayven Jackson and Navy Shuler and Gaston Moore are all different. You have to handle guys differently while still treating people the same, if that makes sense. The way you speak to someone is different than how he responds. On the other side of it with recruiting, it is like, okay I have been in the areas and seen the people. Now you can focus, point and shoot a little bit more than trying to meet everybody for the first time as well.”
On how Joe Milton III can benefit being in his second year at Tennessee…
“Yeah, absolutely. I will start again by saying in the base offense of it. We do not have those guys worrying about which way do I take my protection in this one, what is my read on this one? Where do my eyes go on this one? They know all of that and now we are operating within that offense. That has been the biggest thing this spring. We are not throwing a bunch of new stuff on them just because we feel we can. It how we can take what we do for Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker and increase their ability to operate within what we are already doing. That is going to take our offense to another level.”
“As far as last year goes, I know those new coaches had a lot to put into us, as far as the things they wanted to see from us going along through the season. At the time we are at right now, we basically already everything we need to get on a roll. Everything from last year has already been installed.”
On the short yardage run game and what can improve it this year…
“If somebody sees it and they are behind us, it’s definitely something that needs to be fixed if its prevalent to them. As far as us at the goal line, it is all about the little things. Making those things more … it’s hard to explain. For the offensive lineman, just being able to get those little things to not have anything on the backend that could mess us up in the long run.”
On if the offensive line can be more physical this year than they were last year…
“Definitely, I feel like there is always room for improvement for any type of player. As far as aggression goes and just putting our pads down and being physical. I feel like we can up that 50-100 times more than we did last year.”
On the confidence level in the offensive line room…
“In the room, the confidence level is 100 percent. It is always high. As far as us being on each other and making sure we do everything right, just the little things, because that is what coach wants to see. I feel like we are doing a good job being on each other at the right times and making sure we coach each other. Just enough to make sure we love each other and know we can get through this together.”
On what a freshman offensive lineman must do to get game reps…
“It’s a huge transition from high school to college with everything; school, football. It’s different. When a freshman is trying to get meaningful snaps on the field, it’s mostly just understanding the playbook. Understanding what he has to do, understanding his assignments. Two, lean on guys like me, Cooper (Mays), Darnell (Wright), guys like that. As well as our coach, Coach Elarbee, as well as our GA’s and assistant coaches. Lean on those guys, and they’ll lead you in the right direction.”
On his mindset going into his last spring camp…
“Spring is working the fundamentals. You get better. You go out there and just have fun. Being in my last spring, I’ve had fun out there. Just getting better and trying more consistent, as much as I can. Be more of a leader with the offensive line, as well as the team, and just working on my craft.”
On how much of an inspiration it is to see his former teammates going through their Pro Day today…
“Most definitely. It’s great seeing those guys come back on campus again after they’ve been working hard and training wherever they were. It’s a great feeling. Anytime you see your former teammates go out there and pursue their dream, it’s wonderful. Especially seeing guys like Cade Mays and Matthew Butler, those guys that you really battled with and battled against. It really hits at home. Just can’t wait to watch them and cheer them on.”
“Right now, my mind is really focused on getting as good as I can in my position and preparing myself for that position. I’m not really thinking about what I’m going to do in-season, right now. I’m just kind of focusing on the moment, getting through spring ball and just getting better in the moment.”
On being an early enrollee…
“It really wasn’t a tough one for me. I’ve kind of been planning for it since freshman year, when I got my first offer. I talked my parents and I was like ‘Alright, this is something I want to do. I want to go early in the spring.’ I had seen the benefit of it. It was definitely a great decision for me. Just being able to get in here and have all this extra time to just adjust to college football. Spring ball has been really good, learning the offense, just acclimating to the tempo, speed, and just the aggression of SEC football. It wasn’t something that I thought of last minute, like ‘Oh, I’m going to go early’. I didn’t really miss too much. My coaches let me go back to prom, and I’m going back for graduation. So, two big things that I needed and I got them.”
On challenges playing center…
“It was definitely extremely difficult to transition, for me. I’m still struggling with it. The biggest thing for me is coming off and punching as you’re snapping. Right now, it’s kind of like I snap, then punch. That’s probably the biggest thing now. Then accurate snaps. Each practice I’ve gotten better and better and seeing that is definitely reassuring. Hopefully in the next few weeks it will be spot on.”
On experience playing in college for the first time…
“I’d probably say … I knew that SEC football was difficult, but I didn’t know – so in high school, you get push on the offensive line – so, I came here thinking ‘Ok, we’ll get some push, even on double teams we’ll get some push’. No, you get no push. That was an eye-opener to me not being able to move someone as easily as it was. That’s definitely been an adjustment for sure. But that is probably it.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper confirmed Wednesday that she has received SEC Grants-in-Aid (GIA) and Institutional Financial Aid Agreements (IFAA) from highly-touted incoming transfers Rickea Jackson from Mississippi State University and Jasmine Powell from the University of Minnesota.
Jackson, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, and Powell, a 5-6 senior point guard, both hail from Detroit, Michigan, and made their decisions public via social media on March 2 and March 24, respectively. The graduates of Detroit Edison Public School Academy and Detroit Country Day School, respectively, will have two seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining, including the NCAA’s exempted season granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jasmine Powell & Rickea Jackson / Credit: UT Athletics
Jackson earned WBCA All-America Honorable Mention in 2020 and 2021 and All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman accolades in 2020. Powell made the All-Big Ten Second Team in 2021 as well as All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and All-Freshman in 2020.
Their additions push UT’s total of players from Michigan on the roster to three in combination with graduate guard Jordan Walker of Muskegon. It’s the most players from “The Mitten” with the Lady Vols since UT had three in 1992 and four from 1989-91, with the collection of players arriving via the “Michigan Pipeline” and helping UT win NCAA titles in 1987, 1989 and 1991. Among that group were Tonya Edwards (Flint, 1986-90), Daedra Charles (Detroit, 1988-91), Dena Head (Canton, 1988-92), Regina Clark (Saginaw, 1988-92) and Peggy Evans (Detroit, 1990-93).
“I am thrilled to welcome Rickea and Jasmine to our Lady Vol family,” Harper said. “I’m excited about Jasmine’s ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and teammates both in transition and in the half court. The versatility, skill set and size that Rickea has will allow her to be aggressive and make plays from multiple positions.
“We are excited to add all of our newcomers with our returning players and begin preparation for the 2022-23 season. I look forward to coaching them and seeing what we can all build together.”
Averaging a team-leading 20.3 points per game and adding 6.8 rebounds per contest in 15 starts for MSU in 2021-22, Jackson also averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.1 assists per game and shot 41 percent from the field, 24 percent on threes and 73 percent at the free-throw line. She tallied two double-doubles, eight games of 20 points or more, two games of 10+ boards and 14 out of 15 contests played with double-figure point totals.
During her career in Starkville, Jackson averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 boards while shooting 45 percent from the field, 30 percent on threes and 68 percent from the charity stripe. She started 58 of 67 contests, scoring in double figures 52 times, tallying 19 games of 20+ points (including three at 30+ and one at 40+) and six double-doubles. She went over 1,000 career points in the Jackson State game on Dec. 19, 2021, and finished the 2021-22 campaign with 1,085.
As a sophomore, Jackson averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, starting in 16 of State’s 19 contests. She entered the 2020-21 campaign tabbed to national player of the year watch lists for the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy and Wooden Award and was ranked as the No. 13 player in the country by ESPN before the season. Additionally, she was named a top-10 finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award after leading the team in scoring for the second straight year and posting double figures in 15 games.
In her freshman season, Jackson was named All-SEC Second Team and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team after ranking fifth among all players at 16.5 ppg. and eighth in field goal percentage (.480) during conference play. She was the only freshman that ranked inside the top 10 in both categories. She was a three-time recipient of SEC Freshman of the Week accolades and earned a spot on the SEC All-Tournament Team after averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in that event and earlier in the year was named the MVP of the Duel in the Desert tourney.
Powell, meanwhile, averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 2021-22, starting 18 of 19 games as a junior. She led the Gophers in assists per game and was second in points and rebounds per contest. She hit 23 three-point field goals and connected on 77 percent of her free-throw attempts.
For her career, Powell put up 12.8 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds while starting 48 of 68 games, including 36 of 37 over the past two seasons. She shot 35 percent from the field, 33 percent on three-pointers and 76 percent at the free-throw line and recorded 44 games in double figures and nine with 20 points or more.
Powell was named second-team All-Big 10 in 2020-21 by the coaches and honorable mention by the media after tallying 14.5 ppg., 5.4 apg. and 4.6 rpg. in 31 contests as a junior while starting 12. That assist average ranked No. 3 in the league and 18th nationally.
She garnered consensus All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and Big Ten All-Freshman Team status in 2019-20 after producing 12.1 ppg., 3.1 apg. and 3.1 rpg. Powell led all Big Ten freshmen in points per game (12.1) and free throw percentage (.756) and also topped B1G freshmen in scoring in conference games only (13.1).
Off the court, the prospective journalism major was voted to the 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and was named Academic All-Big Ten as a sophomore.
Coming out of high school, both players were highly regarded. Jackson was a McDonald’s All-American who was ranked No. 5 overall and No. 2 among wings by espnW HoopGurlz. She led Edison to three state titles and left as the school’s all-time leading scorer. She will join rising senior Jordan Horston and incoming freshman Justine Pissott to give UT three McDonald’s All-Americans on the 2022-23 roster.
Powell, meanwhile, was a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 78 ranked recruit overall by espnW HoopGurlz. The three-time all-state honoree led Country Day to back-to-back Michigan state titles in 2017 and 2018.
Fans interested in learning more about 2022-23 season tickets may clickhere.
Dillon Carmichael released his album, Son Of A in 2021.
Fans might have thought one thing when they first saw the title “Son Of A” – but when they listened to the song from Dillon many were emotionally moved by the lyrics.
That journey continues with the powerful music video for the title track to Carmichael’s 14-track project. Watch it here…
