Hawkins County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released an updated age progression photo of Summer Wells.
Wells is the young girl whose disappearance in 2021 made headlines across the country. She was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. on June 15, 2021 from her Hawkins County home, eventually becoming the subject of an AMBER Alert across Tennessee. The TBI said the latest picture was created by a forensic artist with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, adding that they hope it leads to more information.
Summer was five years old when she disappeared and still has not been found.
The TBI, along with local law enforcement, has released periodic updates, saying the search is still ongoing.
Those with information are being asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
TBI releases latest age progression photo of missing Summer Wells. (Courtesy: TBI)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is asking for help in its search for a man accused of attempted second-degree murder.
KPD says 40-year-old Marico Jackson is wanted for attempted second-degree murder following a domestic incident on Monday, August 11.
No additional information regarding the nature of the domestic incident that led to the charges against Jackson was provided.
KPD adds that Jackson is also wanted for domestic assault and felony theft from an unrelated incident that happened in June.
Anyone with information concerning Jackson’s whereabouts is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a cash reward.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville police are investigating after a moped driver was critically injured in a crash Wednesday morning.
KPD reports the crash happened at Division Street and Cary Street and that a woman was driving a moped when she and a Waste Connections truck collided.
KPD says the moped driver suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition at UT Medical Center.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The department made the announcement on social media, saying a woman was driving a moped when she and a Waste Connections truck collided. (Courtesy: KPD)
KNOXVILLE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Officials with the Tennessee Valley Fair have questions about their future in Chilhowee Park.
This comes after the city announced Muse Knoxville would move into the Jacob Building in a couple of years.
The Tennessee Valley Fair utilizes the Jacob Building for some of its events and shopping areas. Fair officials got word of this change at the Jacob Building Monday.
“We learned this news when the public did,” Tennessee Valley Fair marketing director Abby Villas said.
The Tennessee Valley Fair has been at its current site for more than a century to host the fair. After the city’s announcement, they have some questions about their future in the East Knoxville location.
“We just want to know what our place is here. We want to know what we’re going to be able to use building and property wise and what we’re not going to be able to use,” Villas said.
She adds it can be tough to make a quick change to the fair as they plan the yearly 10-day event well in advance.
“It takes us 12-18 months to plan next year’s fair. We are already planning 2026’s fair, so that hurts us when we don’t know exactly what’s going on,” Villas said.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon addressed this at the Muse Knoxville announcement Monday.
“After the ’26 fair season, Muse, if all goes as planned, would be occupying the Jacob Building or probably be under construction so the fair could still very well be here at Chilhowee Park, just not using that space,” Kincannon said.
This change not only impacts the Tennessee Valley Fair, but other events at the Jacob Building. Remote Area Medical hosts its free health care clinic in Knoxville there.
Chief Operating Officer for RAM, Chris Hall, said, “We also know that the community around there are needing our help, are needing our services. The dentists, the optometrists, the medical doctors so we’ll be looking for other locations where we can host that event.”
Hall said he’s happy the space will be used for Muse Knoxville as they look for a new location in the future. He mentioned potentially moving to a couple places which include the Knoxville Expo Center, Knoxville Convention Center or a local high school, which is what they do in other parts of the country.
Villas said she’d like to see the fair stay in Chilhowee Park.
“It’s our home. We would love to be here. Without knowing the plans that’s taking place here, we’re not exactly sure what we can say about our future here,” Villas said.
A city spokesperson told WVLT News conversation are expected to continue between the city and fair officials about the future of the Tennessee Valley Fair and potentially keeping it in Chilhowee Park.
MUSE KNOXVILLE TO EXPAND INTO JABOB BUILDING AT CHILHOWEE PARK
KNOXVILLE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Muse Knoxville announced plans on Monday to expand into the historic Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park.
Officials said the expansion would increase the space available for the children’s science museum from 10,000 square feet to nearly 57,000 square feet.
It’s something that is set to become a reality thanks to donor support and a possible new lease agreement with the City of Knoxville.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class, all-ages science museum right here in Knoxville – one that is hands-on, play-based, and designed with our community’s voice at the center,” said Allison Comer, Muse Knoxville’s president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to the City, to our supporters, and to every single community member who has made this vision possible. This is truly Knoxville’s museum, and we can’t wait to build it together.”
The expanded museum will feature immersive exhibit zones, including robotics, energy, transportation and engineering.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said the Jacob Building is a natural fit for the museum’s vision.
“The Jacob Building sits next door to Muse Knoxville’s current location in Chilhowee Park and is a natural fit for their vision,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “This is a win-win for the city, and we are excited to know that the often under-utilized Jacob Building will now host thousands of families each year at a top-notch science museum.”
The new lease agreement must be approved by Knoxville City Council before it goes into effect this fall. Officials added that all current commitments and scheduled events at the Jacob Building through the fall of 2026 will be fulfilled.
The museum hopes to open inside the Jacob Building by the summer of 2028.
The Pigeon Forge Police Department says a woman hit by a car has died. The crash happened Friday night when 58-year-old Daisy Vines was hit while crossing Dollywood Lane at the intersection of U.S. 441.
She was flown to the UT Medical Center where she later died.
The driver of the car involved in the crash, 18-year-old Bryson Cooper, stayed on the scene and fully cooperated with officers. The circumstances of the crash remains ongoing and is expected to be completed by today (Wednesday).
Once it is completed, the findings will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE8/12 4:21 p.m.: A man is charged with murder as an investigation into Tuesday morning’s fatal shooting in West Knoxville continues.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the shooting occurred at the Copper Pointe apartment complex at 401 S. Gallaher View Road. KPD says officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to find a man who had been shot inside of an apartment; he was taken to a nearby hospital but later died.
KPD says 46-year-old Timothy Adam Lee of Knoxville, was taken into custody by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryville Police Department while leaving the Walmart on US-411 a short time after the shooting happened.
Lee has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic assault and interference with 911.
UPDATE: The Knoxville Police Department is investigating following a fatal shooting Tuesday morning in West Knoxville.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the shooting occurred at the Copper Pointe apartment complex at 401 S. Gallaher View Road. KPD says officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to find a man who had been shot inside of an apartment; he was taken to a nearby hospital but later died.
The suspect fled the scene but was found a short time later in Blount County.
“The suspect reportedly left the scene in a silver F-150 pickup truck,” KPD Communication Manager Scott Erland said. “With the assistance of LPR technology, the truck was found a short time later in Blount County, where the suspect was located and detained.”
The suspect, who has not been identified, was taken to the Public Safety Complex in Knoxville for questioning.
KPD says the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending in the incident.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Knoxville Police Department is investigating following a shooting Tuesday morning in West Knoxville.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the shooting occurred at an apartment complex at 401 S. Gallaher View Road. KPD says officers responded to find one person injured; that person was taken to a nearby hospital.
Bearden High School was placed on lockdown while officers responded, but the lockdown has since been lifted.
KPD says the investigation is ongoing, adding that detectives are “pursuing active leads.”
The shooting occurred at an apartment complex at 401 S. Gallaher View Road. KPD said officers responded to find one person injured; that person was taken to a nearby hospital. (Courtesy: KPD)
Knoxville, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) 8/13/25 UPDATE – The Knoxville Police Department has identified two suspects who are accused of stealing a puppy from a pet store in Knoxville last week.
Police say Baylee Hatcher, 27, and David Parrott, 45, have been charged with felony theft.
According to a police report, on Aug. 6, the suspects went inside The Puppy Store, located at 5913 Kingston Pike, grabbed a miniature pinscher puppy and left the store without paying. The puppy was valued at $2,500.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE8/12: Knoxville police renewing their call for information as property crimes detectives continue to investigate what a store owner has called a puppy theft.
Security camera footage supplied by the owner of The Puppy Store on Kingston Pike in the Deane Hill area, last week, shows a woman lifting the dog out of a crib and carrying it out of the store, followed by a man.
The store’s owner says the puppy was a miniature pinscher valued at $2,500.
Anyone with information is asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
ORIGINAL STORY: Knoxville Police are investigating after security camera footage catches a woman and a man stealing a puppy from The Puppy Store on Kingston Pike.
KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland says the owners told officers the puppy was a miniature pinscher valued at $2,500.
Video footage shows a woman lift the dog out of a crib and carry it out of the store followed by a man Wednesday afternoon, August 6.
If you have any information, please contact authorities.
Knoxville police asking for info in puppy theft investigation. (Courtesy: Knoxville Police Department)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knox County Health Department reports that West Nile Virus has now been detected in an area of North Knoxville.
KCHD says the presence of West Nile in mosquitoes was found during routine surveillance off Davanna Street in the Central Avenue area.
Mosquito control spraying will start in this area on Thursday, August 14, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., weather permitting, to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of West Nile Virus to humans.
Residents and pets are encouraged to stay inside during this time or pets can be kept in the backyard.
Roads scheduled to be treated:
Elm Street
Baxter Avenue
Lee Street
Wray Street
Davanna Street
Oldham Avenue
North Central Avenue
Branner Street
Worth Street
West Columbia Avenue
Bernard Avenue
KCHD says West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from an infected mosquito’s bite. Most people do not develop symptoms, but about 1 in 5 may experience fever, headache, body aches, or rash.
Severe illnesses are rare but can occur, especially in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
To guard against contracting West Nile Virus, the CDC lists these recommendations:
Use insect repellent
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outside
Treat clothing and outdoor gear
Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
KCHD officials say that people and pets are encouraged to stay inside during spraying.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Vols went through fall practice No. 10 on Tuesday at Haslam Field as they work through the third week of training camp.
Running Backs coach De’Rail Sims spoke with local media following practice to talk through the progress his unit has made throughout the offseason and fall.
With competition still unfolding, Sims points to last year’s experienced duo of DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis as foundational leaders, while veteran transfer Star Thomas has impressed with a strong camp performance.
“I think you have to look at the two returning guys from last year, Bish (DeSean Bishop) and Peyton (Lewis), and then you have to look at the rest of the room,” Sims said. There’s no really any set numbers or rotation yet, I think that’s still working itself out as we get towards game week with the competition factor in that. I think you start with the two older guys and then you look at Star (Thomas), who is another guy who has played a ton of football, that’s working his way and has had a really good camp. And then you look at the two younger guys (Daune Morris and Justin Baker) that are fighting for a role on this team and have done a really good job too.”
Sims credits the program’s recent rushing success to a blend of rhythm with the offensive line and a collective, physical mindset.
“Everybody understands that we’re going to run the football in this program, and I think that the mentality that the offensive line sets, to what the tight ends set, to what we’re setting in the running back room, that’s allowed us to be successful in the run game. And they understand that, they understand the standard and expectation of us.”
The full transcript from Sims’ press conference can be seen below.
On who has emerged or set themselves apart so far during camp… “I think you have to look at the two returning guys from last year, Bish (DeSean Bishop) and Peyton (Lewis), and then you have to look at the rest of the room. There’s no really any set numbers or rotation yet, I think that’s still working itself out as we get towards game week with the competition factor in that. I think you start with the two older guys and then you look at Star (Thomas), who is another guy who has played a ton of football, that’s working his way and has had a really good camp. And then you look at the two younger guys (Daune Morris and Justin Baker) that are fighting for a role on this team and have done a really good job too. So, I think once we get towards game week that will work itself out.”
On how Desean Bishop has improved over the offseason.. “I think he’s taken a step in terms of leadership, number one. He’s been a dynamic guy in the room in terms of holding guys accountable. If somebody is not living up to the standard, he’s the first one to get on them, and that’s including all factors. I think from the pass protection standpoint, he’s taken the next step too. From a physicality standpoint, an eye discipline standpoint, he’s done a really good job. Running the ball is natural to him, I mean, you’re talking about a guy that was highly productive in high school and rushed for a ton of yards, so that came natural. The pass protection piece of it, he’s grown tremendously in that and done a really good job this camp.”
On what he likes from the offensive line this year… “I like how they’re coming off the ball. They’re coming off the ball hard, they’re coming off the ball creating vertical seams in the defense for us. They’re doing a really good job playing physical and doing a really good job of playing connected and playing together. Those guys have been tenacious in terms of the way that they came off the ball for us in terms of being able to run the ball. Their attitude has been tremendous, you see a different mentality in them collectively, which has been good for us.”
On what a good problem it is to have DeSean Bishop, Peyton Lewis, and now Star Thomas… “It’s a good problem because I think competition never lets you be complacent. We talk about it all the time, good is the enemy of great, so when you have a whole room, and it’s not just those three guys, you sit up there and look at the two freshmen that we have in Duane Morris and Justin Baker, they don’t want to take a back seat to anybody, so they’re competing their tails off as well. So, everybody in the room, including Hunter Barnes as well, you have six guys in that room that are competing their tails off to go play. So, I can’t have an off day, it can’t be one of those days that I’m not bringing my A game. I have to be an A player every single day when I have a big room in the way that we do.”
On how Star Thomas has changed through the offseason as a player… “He’s gotten comfortable in terms of knowing the offense inside and out. He’s grown so much between the spring, over the summer until now. You can just tell how comfortable he is, and now he can be himself. He’s the guy that you’ve seen on tape be productive last year. He’s grown even more in terms of being able to run the football behind his pads, that’s the biggest deal for us too, the physicality piece of it and then in pass protection. He’s done a good job in terms of being able to identify, the physicality piece is showing a lot with him in pass protection as well, which has been awesome.”
On Star Thomas’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and his situational use… “No, I wouldn’t say he’s a situational guy. I think Star is a complete back. He’s not a guy that’s just going to catch the ball outside on the perimeter and be able to run. He’s a run between the tackles guy, he’s a run on the outside, he’s able to catch the ball and pass protect, so in my opinion, he’s a complete back.”
On what has led to the production of Tennessee’s run game in recent years… “I think it’s being in a rhythm and a flow with your offensive line, number one. I think the way that we play ball allows us to have the box counts that we do, but also at the same time, it’s a mentality. Everybody understands that we’re going to run the football in this program, and I think that the mentality that the offensive line sets, to what the tight ends set, to what we’re setting in the running back room, that’s allowed us to be successful in the run game. And they understand that, they understand the standard and expectation of us. Man, in this league you have to be physical, and you have to be able to run the football. No matter how many they put in the box, we have to be able to get downhill on people and go hit them in the mouth.”
On Peyton Lewis’ offseason and what he has shown thus far in fall camp… “We challenged him just to grow. He changed his body, you know. He looks like a Greek god when he walks out there on the field. And (we wanted him) to get comfortable. I wanted him to be Peyton like he was in high school in terms of when he was able to run behind his pads, he was able to run through the trash that was being created up front. He’s done a really good job from that standpoint. His eyes and his feet match now in the run game. His eyes and his feet match in the pass protection game, as well. You can see the maturation process, and he is playing faster. I think last year, especially him not being able to go through spring ball, when he came out of fall camp, he was still feeling his way through. There is no more of that now. He’s actually playing fast; he’s playing behind his pads. He’s doing a really good job in all three phases of the game for us right now.”
On determining the rotation at running back and splitting up drives during the game… “Throughout the game, we go through as a staff and talk about what the rotation is going to be about. The rotation takes care of itself during the week in terms of who’s competing. ‘Who has less (missing assignments), who is doing a really good job protecting the football, protecting the quarterback, and who’s being highly productive?’ I think going by that in the game, it kind of always sorts itself out. You know, you kind of always have a plan. I know last year, (Dylan Sampson) always went in for the first two series, then (DeSean Bishop) came in the third series. I’m not necessarily saying it will be that way this year. I think it kind of works its way through. But also, you have to look at how the offense is moving when you’re in the game. That’s what I always challenge the guys with, is it being highly productive and going up another level or is it staying consistent when you’re in the game? I think by that token of it, it always works itself out.”
On Daune Morris’ weight gain and progression… “I think you look at his body and see how much he’s changed since he got here. That’s been awesome. He takes pride in terms of putting the weight on the right way. The biggest deal with Daune is that he’s still growing. He’s natural in terms of being able to run the ball. He’s got vision, it’s like he is running blind at times, because he could feel his way through the holes which is really good. His acceleration is good. It’s always going to be pass protection for the young guys as they come in, but it’s not because he doesn’t want to, you know? That joker is physical. He’ll go in there and put his face in the fan and stop a charge. We just have to keep working on making sure his eyes are in the right spot, from a fundamental standpoint. But overall, we’re pleased with where he’s at. But he still has a ton of high, high ceiling to still continue to work to get to.”
On Peyton Lewis’ strength translating to the field… “You see it, because you see tacklers bounce off of him. That’s the biggest deal. He’s built his body in a way to where he has the armor to where he’s able to use his body as a weapon now, which is really good. I think that has translated into confidence as well. He understands that he can drop his pads in the run game, he can drop his pads in pass protection, and he’s able to stop people in their tracks. So, I think that piece of it has been awesome for him from a confidence standpoint.”
On what has led to the production of Tennessee’s run game in recent years… “I think it’s being in a rhythm and a flow with your offensive line, number one. I think the way that we play ball allows us to have the box counts that we do, but also at the same time, it’s a mentality. Everybody understands that we’re going to run the football in this program, and I think that the mentality that the offensive line sets, to what the tight ends set, to what we’re setting in the running back room, that’s allowed us to be successful in the run game. And they understand that, they understand the standard and expectation of us. Man, in this league you have to be physical, and you have to be able to run the football. No matter how many they put in the box, we have to be able to get downhill on people and go hit them in the mouth.”
On Peyton Lewis’ offseason and what he has shown thus far in fall camp… “We challenged him just to grow. He changed his body, you know. He looks like a Greek god when he walks out there on the field. And (we wanted him) to get comfortable. I wanted him to be Peyton like he was in high school in terms of when he was able to run behind his pads, he was able to run through the trash that was being created up front. He’s done a really good job from that standpoint. His eyes and his feet match now in the run game. His eyes and his feet match in the pass protection game, as well. You can see the maturation process, and he is playing faster. I think last year, especially him not being able to go through spring ball, when he came out of fall camp, he was still feeling his way through. There is no more of that now. He’s actually playing fast; he’s playing behind his pads. He’s doing a really good job in all three phases of the game for us right now.”
On determining the rotation at running back and splitting up drives during the game… “Throughout the game, we go through as a staff and talk about what the rotation is going to be about. The rotation takes care of itself during the week in terms of who’s competing. ‘Who has less (missing assignments), who is doing a really good job protecting the football, protecting the quarterback, and who’s being highly productive?’ I think going by that in the game, it kind of always sorts itself out. You know, you kind of always have a plan. I know last year, (Dylan Sampson) always went in for the first two series, then (DeSean Bishop) came in the third series. I’m not necessarily saying it will be that way this year. I think it kind of works its way through. But also, you have to look at how the offense is moving when you’re in the game. That’s what I always challenge the guys with, is it being highly productive and going up another level or is it staying consistent when you’re in the game? I think by that token of it, it always works itself out.”
On Daune Morris weight gain and progression… “I think you look at his body and see how much he’s changed since he got here. That’s been awesome. He takes pride in terms of putting the weight on the right way. The biggest deal with Daune is that he’s still growing. He’s natural in terms of being able to run the ball. He’s got vision, it’s like he is running blind at times, because he could feel his way through the holes which is really good. His acceleration is good. It’s always going to be pass protection for the young guys as they come in, but it’s not because he doesn’t want to, you know? That joker is physical. He’ll go in there and put his face in the fan and stop a charge. We just have to keep working on making sure his eyes are in the right spot, from a fundamental standpoint. But overall, we’re pleased with where he’s at. But he still has a ton of high, high ceiling to still continue to work to get to.”
On Peyton Lewis’ strength translating to the field… “You see it, because you see tacklers bounce off of him. That’s the biggest deal. He’s built his body in a way to where he has the armor to where he’s able to use his body as a weapon now, which is really good. I think that has translated into confidence as well. He understands that he can drop his pads in the run game, he can drop his pads in pass protection, and he’s able to stop people in their tracks. So, I think that piece of it has been awesome for him from a confidence standpoint.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee was back on the practice field Monday morning after its first of two fall scrimmages took place at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
Veteran secondary coach Willie Martinez and a handful of the Vols’ defensive backs met with the media following practice to talk about the group’s growth throughout the offseason and fall camp.
A consistent theme that emerged during Monday’s interviews was the selflessness and versatility that is ever present in this year’s secondary. All of the players who spoke to the media on Monday touched on the importance of being able to play multiple positions within the secondary and doing whatever is necessary to help the team perform at its best.
“It’s the culture that we’ve built here,” Martinez said. “Those are the guys that we want to bring in here that pour into the team first, before themselves.”
With veterans like Andre Turrentine, Jalen McMurray, Rickey Gibson III and Jermod McCoy leading the charge, newcomers such as Colorado transfer Colton Hood and UT’s group of talented freshmen have been able to merge seamlessly into the room to build some impressive depth within the unit.
Great leadership, man. I really love that room,” Martinez said. That room is built with some guys that have been around here and have taken it from some of the guys that have left here, whether it’s been Tank (Jaylen McCollough) or Alontae Taylor or Theo Jackson. You can see that the room is running on its own gas.”
The full transcript from Martinez’s Monday press conference can be seen below.
On his impressions of Colton Hood since he arrived in the summer… “On tape (when we recruited him), we saw an athletic player that can actually be very versatile in playing different positions. Didn’t know anything about his personality. When he first came on campus for the first time, boy, you could tell that he could fit into our room – just from a standpoint of maturity. He commands the room with some confidence, ultimate team guy. He has a team-first kind of mentality. And then obviously, when he starts working out with us, you can see the movements and the traits. He has taken that from the summertime with his teammates and bonded really well with our team, especially in the back end connecting with everybody. Which is something we really wanted to see, leadership skills. In camp here, he has really had a great fall camp up until this point. He gives us the versatility where he can play corner, he can also play STAR, he can play dime, which he is doing.”
On Ty Redmond’s progression at STAR adding depth at that position… “Again, Ty had a really good spring. He’s right where he left off in the spring. You know, he’s really tacked on here in the fall. Showing a lot of consistency and playmaking ability. We feel really comfortable with Ty and what he has been able to do here in one-on-one situations with some of our great wide receivers. He has a good command about our package, meaning he knows our scheme. He knows how to play to it, so you build a trust, obviously within the staff and the players. Again, he gives us the versatility I was just talking about with (Colton Hood). He can move guys around. Whenever you have guys who can play out on the edges, like (Rickey Gibson III), like (Jermod McCoy), those kind of corners, you have a lot of flexibility inside.”
On Jalen McMurray’s growth and versatility… “I don’t want to sound repetitive, man, but the reason why we took him when we did take him is the same reason we took (Colton Hood). First yes, he has to be athletic, he has to be talented as heck, but he has to come into that room and have the leadership skills to fit in the culture that we’ve built here since we’ve been here. He’s done that from day one. And now moving forward, since he obviously has a really good shot inside playing STAR, he has that ability, because he had it where he came from. We didn’t really play him (at START) as much last year. We didn’t need to, even though he knew it. Again, he does a really good job of knowing where everyone is at, communicating with everybody. He has great communication skills. He’s really good in the meeting rooms. He gives us the experience that you want. Very similar to bringing Colton here, he gives us the depth that we want, that we need.”
On Rickey Gibson III naming Jalen McMurray the most competitive player on the team… “There are a lot of really good competitors in the room. I’m not going to disagree with it. If he’s not in, he’s coaching. I say that, in the meeting room. If we’re sitting there trying to go through a scheme and talk about the ins and outs of the position, he’s on this side over here. He has good awareness of the room. If it’s a young guy that doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do or it’s not coming quickly to him, he’ll move his seat to get where he has to be and doesn’t disrupt the meeting. Those are the little things that again, the guys in the room can see that. Again, it’s the culture that we’ve built here. Those are the guys that we want to bring in here that pour into the team first, before themselves.”
On Rickey Gibson III’s improvement from the end of last season… “Rickey is extremely smart, always has been. I’ll say he’s a lot better with ball skills; he’s very intentional about improving his ball skills, to track and locate stuff. You can see it when he’s doing drills. Maybe earlier in his first year or two, he was dropping balls in drills, and now it’s like a competitive thing with him. He’ll catch it even if he’s got a bad hand or a bad finger, you know what I mean? His attention to detail – very similar to what I just said about Jalen here – he’s always been coaching the young guys, even when he’s been a young guy. He’s smart. He got into a lot of plays last year, at the end of the year. As the season was going on, he was the most consistent, to be honest with you, on the edges. I know (Jermod McCoy) had an unbelievable year, don’t get me wrong, and the plays he made were phenomenal, but we leaned on Rickey a lot because he’s a guy who knows the scheme really well and was able to help Jermod last year, because Jermod was learning the defense. He’s a lot smarter, he’s more aware of what the safeties are doing, and he knows how they work with each other. Great leadership, man. I really love that room. That room is built with some guys that have been around here and have taken it from some of the guys that have left here, whether it’s been Tank (Jaylen McCollough) or Alontae Taylor or Theo Jackson. You can see that the room is running on its own gas.”
On Jermod McCoy’s recovery… “When you made the comment about who’s the most competitive person in the room, I can arguably just say Jermod McCoy. He’s itching to do whatever it takes; he’s always been that way. I’m not surprised that he’s hit all the benchmarks to this point where he needs to hit. The guys feel it and sense it. He’s in our room, and he’s engaged. So, it’s not like a one-time thing. You saw that he was on the field doing some drills at the last practice, fired everybody up to see him go through the individual drills, but they see him also doing all the things that he does in the room, in the team room, and the energy he brings each and every day. It’s exciting, it really is.”
On how having continuity on the coaching staff helps during the preseason… “Coach Heupel has done a great job with our staff. It starts with him and the coaches that are on this staff. When you elevate somebody or you bring in a new guy, it’s like it just flows, and that’s a credit to Coach Heupel. Knowing Coach Banks for a long time and being a part of his life for a very long time, and Rodney and I have been at the same (schools), it’s been 13 or 14 years together, so it helps. Especially when you are on the same side of the ball, tremendously.”
