KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A pair of former Vols helped their teams improve to 4-0, while Alvin Kamara continues to roll for the Saints and another Heupel-era Vol made his NFL debut as Week 4 came to a close.
Trey Smith and Theo Jackson helped the Chiefs and Vikings improve to 4-0 on Sunday as their respective teams remain the only unbeaten squads in the NFL. Kansas City knocked off the Chargers in LA, while the Vikings took down the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Kamara returned home to Atlanta on Sunday as the Saints visited the Falcons. The do-everything-back racked up 119 all-purpose yards with 77 on the ground and 42 receiving. Kamara found the endzone once for his fifth rushing score of the season.
Kamal Hadden made his NFL debut on Sunday for the Packers. The defensive back saw action on special teams against the Vikings.
A full recap of Vols around the league can be found below.
Micah Abernathy – Atlanta Falcons – S Made two tackles in Atlanta’s win over New Orleans.
Derek Barnett – Houston Texans – DE Recorded two tackles in a 24-20 win over Jacksonville.
Matthew Butler – Las Vegas Raiders – DT On practice squad.
Morgan Cox – Tennessee Titans – LS Successfully snapped the ball 12 times for the Titans and recorded a tackle in their victory over Miami on Monday night.
Joshua Dobbs – San Francisco 49ers – QB Did not see any action for the 49ers on Sunday.
Jakob Johnson – New York Giants – FB Started for the Giants on Thursday night at Dallas.
Velus Jones Jr. – Chicago Bears – WR Was inactive on Sunday.
Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints – RB Recorded 100-plus all-purpose yards for the fourth time this season, rushing 19 times for 77 yards and a score and catching seven passes for 42 yards.
John Kelly Jr. – Baltimore Ravens – RB On practice squad.
Ramel Keyton – Las Vegas Raiders – WR On practice squad.
Cade Mays – New York Giants – OL On practice squad.
Jaylen McCollough – Los Angeles Rams – DB Made one stop and played on 15 special teams snaps for the Rams.
Joe Milton III – New England Patriots – QB Did not see any action for the Patriots versus San Francisco.
Greeneville, TNJ (WOKI) The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating after a man who launched a boat into the Nolichucky River on Friday has been found dead.
TWRA says the body of 32-year-old Boone McCrary of Greeneville was recovered Tuesday afternoon from a creek feeding into the Nolichucky River near W. Allen’s Bridge Road in Greeneville.
McCrary, accompanied by a woman and a labrador retriever, launched the boat into the river near Bird’s Bridge just after 7:00 p.m. on Friday when it was then swept into the bridge and capsized.
TWRA says the woman was safely rescued, but McCrary, his dog and the boat were swept downstream in the raging river current.
The boat and dog were located Sunday afternoon and retrieved by TWRA wildlife officers, but officials said the dog did not survive.
“TWRA offers prayers and condolences to McCrary’s family and loved ones,” officials said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Officials said a woman was also on the boat when it capsized, but she was safely rescued.(Courtesy: TWRA)
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Officials with the National Park Service delivering some welcome news Tuesday afternoon as Hurricane Helene recovery continues in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
NPS says it will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to allow for access between TN and NC communities.
Once US 441 reopens, all major roads, trails and facilities on the Tennessee-side of the park will be open to visitors. Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) will also open Wednesday.
According to the park service, several local communities including Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as well as Cherokee in North Carolina, are fully open to those who can access them through safe routes.
The park service is still urging visitors to plan their trips as emergency services are stretched thin and response times may be delayed.
In addition, the following park closures remain in place: Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Lakeview Drive. The Oconaluftee and Kuwohi visitor centers are also closed.
The park service also reminds motorists that Commercial vehicles are always prohibited on US 441/Newfound Gap Road and in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with the exception of the Spur). While the NPS recognizes that major routes outside the park are currently closed, park roads are not structurally designed to sustain traffic from heavy vehicles. Commercial vehicles will be turned away.
As always, consult the park website for additional information and updates.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reopen Wednesday. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert out of Sevier County for 55-year-old Autumn Hackney.
TBI officials say Hackney was last seen on Monday in the area of Villa Court in Dandridge.
They say she has a medical condition that may impair her ability to return home safely without assistance and is believed to be traveling in a white 2021 Toyota 4Runner with Tennessee tag 70NPD1.
TBI encourages anyone with information to call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at 865-774-3943 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
TBI issues Silver Alert for Autumn Hackney, 55. (Courtesy: TBI)
McMinn County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 10/1/24: The final suspect in an attempted home invasion last month in McMinn County has been taken into custody.
Officials with the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office say 28-year-old Benjamin Croft was apprehended Monday, September 30 following an extended standoff at a home in Athens.
MCSO says Croft faces numerous charges including Aggravated Burglary related to the attempted break-in of a home on County Road 651 on September 12; he is being held at the McMinn County Jail.
Three other men accused of the attempted home invasion were arrested previously and are also facing aggravated burglary and other charges.
UPDATE 9/16: One suspect remains on the run following an attempted home invasion Thursday night in McMinn County.
Police say one man waited outside while three armed men were trying to break into a home on County Road 651; the homeowner locked herself in the bathroom with a gun after confronting them.
Three suspects are now in custody; John Barnes turned himself into police late Sunday night while the search for 28-year-old Benjamin Croft continues.
Croft is facing aggravated robbery charges.
ORIGINAL STORY: Two people are arrested while deputies continue to search for two other suspects after an attempted home invasion in McMinn County.
Police say three armed men were trying to break into a home on County Road 651 Thursday night, the homeowner locked herself in the bathroom with a gun.
Two responding officers found a car outside and arrested the driver, Marcus Bradford, who matched the description of one of the home invaders.
“The female homeowner was understandably upset. She stated that there were two white males and a black male that kicked her door in and began pointing rifles at her demanding for her to give them her jewelry. She stated that she yelled for them to leave and then retreated into her room to retrieve a firearm and that all three males then fled the scene. The victim gave good descriptions of all the suspects, and based on other evidence the officers found, they were able to positively identify all of them.” Sheriff Joe Guy
Bradford told deputies that he drove the other suspects there and dropped them off. He then told them that they left their wallets and phones in his car, according to Guy.
Deputies searched the nearby area and found another suspect, Daniel Velasuez, walking down the road.
They were both taken to the McMinn County Justice Center.
Deputies identified the other two suspects as Benjamin Scott Croft and John Percy Barnes. They both face aggravated robbery charges.
Sheriff Guy said on Saturday Croft was last seen in McMinn County, while Barnes was last seen in Bradley County. Both suspects are still on the run.
Bradford was charged with accessory to aggravated robbery, possession of Schedule 2 cocaine, possession of Schedule 2 suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $100,000.
Velasquez was charged with aggravated robbery and being held on a $80,000 bond.
McMinn County deputies continue to search for suspect, 28-year-old Benjamin Croft, after an attempted home invasion Thursday. (Courtesy: McMinn County Sheriff’s Office)
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Mission of Hope, and Knoxville Wholesale Furniture have teamed up to host a canned food drive this Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knoxville Wholesale Furniture Clearance Center, located at 7428 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
“This food drive is an opportunity for our community to come together and support our neighbors who are facing challenging circumstances,” said Mayor Jacobs.
The event will accept only canned goods, bottled waters, and non-perishable items. Please check expiration dates before donating. Mayor Jacobs and other volunteers will be on-site to collect donations and ensure that all contributions are properly distributed to the flood victims.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference,” Mayor Jacobs added.
Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is holding a Flood Relief event for those affected by flooding in East Tennessee. You can see the items needed and they also need volunteers.
KNOXVILLE, TN- Several counties in East Tennessee are beginning recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene brought downpours and flooding into the area.
Counties in East Tennessee were hit hard, including Cocke County, Unicoi County and Greene County, among others. The flooding has destroyed property and infrastructure, meaning people are without incredibly important resources like water.
For those who are able, FEMA and TEMA, as well as local businesses and governments, are taking donations to help people.
TEMA works with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TNVOAD) to organize volunteer efforts. It’s important to note that volunteers are appreciated, but should organize efforts through official means rather than self-deploying. This, because heading into an unknown disaster area can be unsafe, creating more harm than good.
Those interested in signing up to volunteer time can do so here. TNVOAD is also taking monetary donations. In an update Monday afternoon, TEMA requested that people make monetary donations or follow local organizations who are asking for specific items.
Locally, here’s a list of donation efforts happening in the Knoxville area and across East Tennessee:
Ripley’s – Pigeon Forge Welcome Center
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1950 Parkway
Bottled water Pre-packaged snacks Baby food Baby formula Diapers Baby wipes First Aid supplies New socks and underwear Clean towels and blankets Laundry detergent Pet food Kitty litter Hygiene items Knox County Government – Engineering and Public Works
Financial contributions can be made here. Second Harvest representatives reiterate that giving money is the most effective way to help.
Buckets with lids Tarps Shovels and rakes Trash bags Work gloves Masks Hand Sanitizer Disinfecting wipes Diapers Bottled Water Baby formula Prepackaged snacks Can openers First aid supplies Personal hygiene items New socks and underwear Clean towels and blankets Laundry detergent Pet food Kitty litter
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Coming off its first bye week of the season, the fourth-ranked Vols are preparing for yet another primetime road matchup in Fayetteville, Arkansas, against the Razorbacks.
For the third time this season, Tennessee will play on ABC with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT).
“Guys got back in the building today and had a good workout on the grass as we push forward to get ready for Arkansas,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “First of all, know it’s going to be a great environment there. This is a really good football team.”
Heupel praised his team’s focused preparation during the open week, noting their hard work and intentionality in meetings and practices as they gear up for the Razorbacks.
“I felt the guys in the middle of the week worked extremely hard,” Heupel said.” They were intentional in the way that we went into meetings, trying to improve upon some things that we need to in all three phases of the game. Practice was really crisp, and the weekend off got them a chance to physically continue to heal up as we get ready for this week. Mentally, they get a little bit of a break as well. All in all, really good.”
As the Vols prepare for the challenge of facing an Arkansas defense known for its tenacity, Heupel highlighted the Razorbacks’ ability to create turnovers and stifle opponents’ rushing attacks.
“That’s the first part, they’ve created a bunch of turnovers,” Heupel said. “I think they play extremely hard. All three levels of the defense are tied in on the run game. They’ve done a really good job against the rush and on third downs too. They make it difficult to pick up first downs and create explosive plays.”
Videos and quotes from Monday’s availability with Heupel and select players can be seen below.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Sept. 17, 2024
Opening statement… “First, just with the weather that came through this region – I just want to convey our thoughts and prayers going out to everybody as they are dealing with loss of power, loss of loved ones. So much damage was created here, certainly in this footprint, so our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody again. Hopefully, everybody gets back to normal as quickly as possible.
“For us, guys got back in the building today and had a good workout on the grass as we push forward to get ready for Arkansas. First of all, know it’s going to be a great environment there. This is a really good football team. They’re a couple plays away from being undefeated. You look at the way they played this past weekend, they’re playing extremely physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Defensively, one of the best teams in the country. Offensively, they’re rushing the football about as good as anybody, and they’ve created plays on special teams. Huge test for us this week to prepare the right way and get ready to go play our best football.”
On his assessment of the open week… “I felt the guys in the middle of the week worked extremely hard. They were intentional in the way that we went into meetings, trying to improve upon some things that we need to in all three phases of the game. Practice was really crisp, and the weekend off got them a chance to physically continue to heal up as we get ready for this week. Mentally, they get a little bit of a break as well. All in all, really good.”
On what makes Arkansas effective on defense… “That’s the first part, they’ve created a bunch of turnovers. I think they play extremely hard. All three levels of the defense are tied in on the run game. They’ve done a really good job against the rush, and they’ve done a really good job on third downs too. They make it difficult to go pick up first downs and create explosive plays.”
On how the team’s depth has measured up to his preseason expectations… “I feel like the guys that have been playing have continued to grow. There are obviously areas that we need to continue to improve on. That’s everybody that’s stepping on the field. I think the rotation has helped us on both sides of the football. We have a lot of young guys that are playing a lot of meaningful snaps on special teams. I think those guys continue to improve. As this season goes on, you never know when your opportunity is going to come and you’re going to get thrusted into the middle of it. Continuing to prepare the right way, which this team has had that right mindset. That depth is important as you go through this conference schedule.”
On Dylan Sampson’s development into an every-down running back… “First of all, he’s always been an elite competitor. Been able to reset and go play the next play. I do think his offseason this year, continuing to add size and strength to his frame has allowed him to handle that situation a little bit different than his freshman year would have played out. He has great trust in the guys in front of him, and we have great trust in him. On that drive, obviously he was a difference maker during the course of that drive.”
On the ideal mentality for players after a 4-0 start to the season… “The right place to be is right here right now, being in the present. You can look at the scoreboard from this past weekend, and really every weekend across America. You have to be an elite competitor every single day, and you have to prepare that right way. That is why it is important that you have a routine. You have to practice with great urgency, and you have to finish the week the right way. You have to have the same competitive makeup and the same competitive DNA every single day. You have to show up. When you buckle your chin strap and the ball gets tee’d up, you better have that on game day too. Otherwise, the separation in this game is really tough. They’ve got scholarships and really good coaches too. The separation inside of this league is small margins. You have to win in the margins in this league.”
On the challenges that Arkansas presents offensively… “He’s (Arkansas QB Taylen Green) a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. That’s designed quarterback runs, it’s read game which could be first or second level reads for him, it’s when plays break down. He has the ability to escape and outrun people, get outside of the pocket and make plays. Any time you are facing a quarterback that is that dynamic, that’s where the game starts for you defensively. On pass plays, you have to push the pocket, but you can’t let him escape. The quarterback run game, you better have your eyes in the right place and play the play based on what you are seeing the right way, then be in a fundamental position to squeeze and go make a play.”
On how he and his family spent the open weekend… “The weather didn’t quite cooperate the way I would’ve liked it to, but I got a chance on Saturday to spend a bunch of time with my kids and wife. We played catch and watched a couple of games, and I had a great weekend with them.”
On Nico Iamaleava’s improvement and future aspirations… “Continued growth and taking care of the football. It’s presented itself in different ways and at the end of the day, he has to make it right. At times, that means not turning a negative play into one that kicks us in the butt. It’s OK in some of those situations to go punt the football. He has really good command and understanding of what we are doing, seeing different structures than what we have seen during the course of the week on film and being able to adjust during the course of the game. Love a lot of what we have seen. The great thing about him at this point is his great competitive composure. He goes and plays the next play independently and free. He’s handled himself well on the road. He and the offense have some areas that we can continue to grow, and that will be another big challenge with this football game — heading to Fayetteville and understanding the type of environment we are going to get ready to go play in.”
On the importance of the linebackers continuing to produce… “All three levels of the defense have to be tied in together. Your first and second level in particular have to do a great job of bottling them up in the run game. When he drops back in pass (coverage), rush integrity — that can be off of your pressures, off your twist game, it can be a base four-man rush, but you have to push the pocket and make them uncomfortable and at the same time keep them bottled up.”
On Larry Johnson III’s next steps following Oklahoma… “There are some things he did at a very high level, but just like any young player, you take those experiences, the snaps that you get, how can I be better. That can be in the pass game or run game. Continued growth from those guys, some of the successes and some of the things that he didn’t do at a really high level on certain plays. Again, it’s all 11 guys operating as one. It can be communication, bumping off twists. Whatever it is, all 11 have to operate as one.”
On why Arkansas’ run game is so effective… “Their offensive line is playing at a high level, but he (Taylen Green) has got the ability to make the numbers right for them. Anytime the quarterback run game is part of it, you get a chance to make the numbers right. So, you have to play with gap integrity and assignment sound, but then you have also have to disrupt blocks, get off and go make a play. His speed and how dynamic of a player he is makes that a difficult thing to do because he has the ability at times to outrun the defender.”
On the defense being disciplined when facing a mobile quarterback… “Yeah, you really have to play your 11 — especially with a quarterback like (Taylen Green). That’s kind of what you want in a quarterback. He’s got good size and a good arm, but like you said, I feel like on the ground he makes a lot of plays for them. So, we have to keep an eye out for him and make sure we’re all doing our role at the end of the day, playing 11 hats on the ball.
On eye discipline against Arkansas QB Taylen Green… “You have to be very disciplined with your eyes. Someone who has that scrambling ability can also throw the ball downfield. You have to be good in coverage, players that are on man, stay on man, players that are trying to get to the QB, you have to do a good job corralling him.”
On playing against Arkansas in 2022 with BYU… “Super excited. Obviously the last time I played them left a bad taste. They had a good game, a good game plan, and you could tell they were a very well coached and disciplined team. I think at the end of the day, they have coaches that put the players in the right positions to be successful and I look forward to that and the matchup. I’m excited for what we can prepare for and be able to put up on Saturday.”
On excitement or exhaustion when getting the ball on every play of a scoring drive… “Everything. Everything you just said. Obviously, we train for that. We play tempo, so you obviously get tired. You get in that mode and you’re in the zone, so you just want to keep going. So, a little bit of everything.”
On growth from freshman year into a reliable, every-down running back.. “I think any back coming out of high school is used to hitting all the big runs. Just getting used to taking it for a dirty three, dirty four, that keeps the chains moving. I think that’s where I’ve gotten better, in between the tackles. Just knowing not everything is going to be a home run.”
On what makes a practice ‘crisp’ for Heupel… “It’s like, hitting on the details. You can obviously tell the type of energy we will have from the moment we step out there. It is never about how you start practice, it is about how you finish. You never want to get behind the eight ball. So just taking it from the meeting room, minimizing MAs. The less whistles you hear, the less stuff we have to repeat, then practice is going crisp.”
https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22822&autoplay=false On the frustrations of facing a mobile quarterback… “It’s kind of frustrating, but at the same time, if you do your job, it isn’t as frustrating.”
On preparing the different looks presented by Arkansas QB Taylen Green… “It really is (difficult) sometimes, because you never know if he is going to stay there, if he’s going to run or if he’s just going to throw a little screen. You just never know.”
On what it is like being a part of this defensive line … “It is special for real. Every aspect, we have just unbelievable guys. Just me contributing to the line, it just means a lot.”
On his comfort level in the punt return role and coaching points… “I feel like I am really comfortable in the return, just as far as catching the ball. As far as coaching points, they tell me to be aggressive and go make the play.”
On the rhythm of the passing game and working on it during the bye week… “The rhythm of the passing game is fine. Nothing has changed during this break. We just continue to practice on our passing game and stuff like that.”
On Arkansas’ secondary… “They have guys out there that make plays. They fly to the ball and make plays on the ball.”
