Brad Paisley released an acoustic version of his upbeat single, “No I in Beer.”
Penned by Brad and Kelley Lovelass, “No I in Beer” is Brad’s first official single since his 2019 release, “My Miracle,” which peaked at No. 42. Currently, “No I in Beer” is No. 23 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 14 weeks.
“So I wrote this song two years ago with my best buddy Kelley Loveless, and it’s crazy as I look around at life right now how everybody is just doing what they can to get through this,” says Brad. “And this song, which wasn’t written for this pandemic, but it takes on new meaning for me when I hear it now, I just feel like, you know what, life sorta sucks right now in some ways and we gotta do what we can to get through this. And if we’ve ever felt unified as Americans as citizens of the world, it’s in the fact that nobody loves what we’re going through but everybody’s willing to do what we have to do and one of those things is let’s be a team—let’s be a drinking team and that’s what we are right now.”
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 09, 2019 – Tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the away game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Here’s an update on transactions in the NFL involving University of Tennessee players in moves announced by the National Football League.
Below is the full list of players currently on NFL expanded rosters. This year’s roster max needs to get down to 80 players by Aug. 16 from the normal 90.
You’ll also find below the list of players that were at UT at one time before transferring and finishing their careers elsewhere as well as players that have local ties to the Knoxville area that did not attend the University of Tennessee. The depth chart projections are from Ourlads.com.
Look for constant updates here on my blog “Vince’s View.” Bookmark my blog page and check back often.
Recent Roster Moves 7/20 – Eagles released TE Alex Ellis 7/26 – Rams released TE Ethan Wolf 7/26 – Seahawks released TE Dominick Wood-Anderson 7/26 – Seahawks released OG Kahlil McKenzie 7/26 – Ravens placed DB Nigel Warrior on Reserve/COVID-19 list
It’s been a brutal week for VFL tight ends as UT’s NFL total plummeted from 5 to 2. The list that Warrior is on is not necessarily for testing positive for COVID-19 but could also be for coming in close contact with someone who was. There were 6 on the NFL’s initial Reserve/COVID-19 list including Nigel Warrior. We hope he’s ok. It certainly seems like a setback towards trying to make the Ravens as a rookie. Also, Darrell Taylor lost two VFL teammates on the Seahawks in McKenzie and Wood-Anderson. He’s now the lone UT player in Seattle.
Notes and Numbers On UT Players
*32 U. of Tennessee players on expanded NFL rosters
*1 player is inactive (Warrior) on Reserve List
*San Francisco & New Orleans have most current UT players with 3
*NFC West is the division most represented with VFLs with 6 total players
*DL is the largest position represented with 8
*20 of the 32 teams have a UT player on active rosters
*There are 8 players that were once at U. of Tennessee but then transferred (see full list below)
*There are 6 players that didn’t attend UT, but have Knoxville/East TN ties (see full list below)
*8 Vols are projected as starters right now, excluding special teams
*Rookies: 3 VFLs, 2 one-time Vols and 3 Knoxville area non-UT players on current rosters
*7 players went to high school in Knoxville area (B. Colquitt, L. Smith, H. Smith, R. Cobb, T. Higgins, N. Cottrell, N. Gilliam)
Tennessee Volunteers On NFL Rosters as of 5/23/20 (37) x = Rookie
AFC East (4) TE – Jason Croom (80) Buffalo Bills – 5th team TE
FB/TE – Jakob Johnson (47) New England Patriots – 6th team TE
WR – Josh Malone (83) New York Jets – 2nd team WR
DE – Kyle Phillips (98) New York Jets – 2nd team DE
NONE – Miami Dolphins
AFC North (3)
LS – Morgan Cox (46) Baltimore Ravens – Starting LS
NT – Dan McCullers (93) Pittsburgh Steelers – 2nd team NT
DB – Cameron Sutton (20) Pittsburgh Steelers – 2nd team NB
NONE – Cincinnati Bengals
NONE – Cleveland Browns
AFC South (3)
OG – Zach Fulton (73) Houston Texans – Starting RG
QB – Joshua Dobbs (1) Jacksonville Jaguars – 3rd team QB
DL/LB – Jordan Williams (52) Tennessee Titans – 2nd team DT
NONE – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West (4)
OT – Ja’Wuan James (70) Denver Broncos – Starting RT
ILB – Alexander Johnson (45) Denver Broncos – Starting ILB
DE – Kendal Vickers (78) Las Vegas Raiders – 3rd team DT
TE – Jason Witten (82) Las Vegas Raiders – Starting TE
NONE – Kansas City Chiefs
NONE – Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East (3)
DB – Rashaan Gaulden (38) New York Giants – 4th team CB
DE – Derek Barnett (96) Philadelphia Eagles – Starting DE
DT – Malik Jackson (97) Philadelphia Eagles – 2nd Team DT
NONE – Dallas Cowboys
NONE – Washington Redskins
NFC North (5)
QB – Tyler Bray (9) Chicago Bears – 3rd Team QB
WR/KR – Cordarrelle Patterson (84) Chicago Bears – Starting WR & KR
CB – Justin Coleman (27) Detroit Lions – Starting NB
OLB – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) Detroit Lions – 2nd Team OLB
P – Britton Colquitt (2) Minnesota Vikings – Starting P
NONE – Green Bay Packers
NFC South (4)
P – Michael Palardy (5) Carolina Panthers – Starting P
RB – Alvin Kamara (41) New Orleans Saints – Starting RB
DT – Shy Tuttle (99) New Orleans Saints – 3rd team NT
WR – Marquez Callaway (12) New Orleans Saints – x – 6th team WR
NONE – Atlanta Falcons
NONE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West (6)
RB – John Kelly (42) Los Angeles Rams – 4th team RB
LB – Daniel Bituli (49 D) Los Angeles Rams – 4th team ILB
DE – Jonathan Kongbo (61) San Francisco 49ers – 4th team DE
CB – Emmanuel Moseley (41) San Francisco 49ers – 3rd team CB
WR – Jauan Jennings (81) San Francisco 49ers – x – 6th team WR
DE/OLB – Darrell Taylor (58) Seattle Seahawks – x – 3rd team Leo DE/OLB
NONE – Arizona Cardinals
Inactives (1)
S – Nigel Warrior (39) Baltimore Ravens – x (Reserve/COVID-19)
UT Players In The NFL By Position (32)
QB – 2
RB – 2
WR – 4
TE – 2
FB – 1
OL – 2
DL – 8
LB – 4
DB – 4
P – 2
PK – 0
LS – 1
Free Agents To Watch from University of Tennessee
S – Micah Abernathy
S – Eric Berry
P – Dustin Colquitt
P – Trevor Daniel
P – Matt Darr
TE – Alex Ellis
LB – Colton Jumper
LB – LaTroy Lewis
OL – Kahlil McKenzie
TE – Luke Stocker
OL – James Stone
TE – Ethan Wolf
TE – Dominick Wood-Anderson
One-Time Vols That Transferred To Other Schools On NFL Rosters (8) x = Rookie
TE – Eli Wolf (87) Baltimore Ravens (U. of Tennessee/Georgia) -x – 4th team TE
TE – Lee Smith (85) Buffalo Bills (Powell HS/U. of Tennessee/Marshall) – 3rd team TE
P – Tommy Townsend (–) Kansas City Chiefs (U. of Tennessee/Florida) – x – 2nd team P
QB – Nathan Peterman (3) Las Vegas Raiders (U. of Tennessee/Pitt) – 3rd team QB
WR – Preston Williams (18) Miami Dolphins (U. of Tennessee/Colorado St) – 2nd team WR
DE/LB – Dewayne Hendrix (40) Pittsburgh Steelers (U. of Tennessee/Pitt) – 3rd team OLB
TE – Daniel Helm (43) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Duke) – 3rd team TE
WR – Jalen Hurd (14) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Baylor) – 2nd team WR
Knoxville Area Players That Didn’t Play At UT on NFL Rosters (6) x = Rookie
WR – Tee Higgins (85) Cincinnati Bengals (Oak Ridge HS/Clemson) – x – Starting WR
P – Chris Jones (6) Dallas Cowboys (Carson-Newman) – Starting P
WR – Randall Cobb (18) Houston Texans (Alcoa HS/Kentucky) – Starting Slot WR
RB – Nathan Cottrell (31) Jacksonville Jaguars (West HS/Georgia Tech) – x – 4th team RB
OL – Nathan Gilliam (63) Los Angeles Chargers (Farragut HS/Wake Forest) – x – 3rd team RG
S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame) – Starting SS
NFL Kickoff 2020 logo / Credit: NFL Communications website
The NFL roster of game officials for the 2020 season will include six individuals in their first NFL season and one new referee, the league announced today.
Launching their NFL officiating careers in 2020 are side judge TRA BLAKE (ACC), field judge JOE BLUBAUGH (Big 12), line judge MIKE DOLCE (Big Ten), down judge FRANK LEBLANC (Big 12), side judge CLAY REYNARD (Pac-12) and umpire TAB SLAUGHTER (Big 12). The six are graduates of the NFL Officiating Department’s Officiating Development Program, which trains top college football officials in all aspects of NFL officiating.
LAND CLARK has been promoted to referee for the upcoming season, following two seasons as a field judge. He was a referee in the Pac-12 Conference prior to entering the NFL and has been part of the NFL’s Referee Training Program since his first season in the league.
The 2020 roster of officials includes three former NFL players – back judge STEVE FREEMAN, field judge NATE JONES and umpire TERRY KILLENS.
Freeman, entering his 20th season as an NFL official, was a defensive back for 13 seasons, 12 with Buffalo and one with Minnesota.
Jones joined the NFL officiating staff in 2019 from the Pac-12, following an eight-year career as a defensive back with Dallas, Miami, Denver and New England.
Killens, who also joined the NFL officiating ranks last season from the American Athletic Conference, was a linebacker during his seven NFL seasons, entering the league as a member of the Houston Oilers before the franchise became the Tennessee Titans. He also played for San Francisco and Seattle before beginning his officiating career.
Freeman and his son, back judge BRAD FREEMAN, represent the lone set of father-son officials active in the NFL. Referees SHAWN HOCHULI and ALEX KEMP, as well as line judges WALT COLEMAN IV and JEFF SEEMAN, are the sons of former NFL referees. Additionally, three sets of brothers – ALLEN and RUSTY BAYNES, JEFF and JERRY BERGMAN, and CARL, DINO and PERRYPAGANELLI – appear on the 2020 roster.
Line judge JEFF BERGMAN, entering his 29th NFL season, remains the longest-serving official.
The following is the complete 2020 NFL roster of officials, including crew assignments, which could change during the season due to injury, schedule conflicts, etc.:
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper confirmed Friday that graduate transfer Jordan Walker has signed an athletics scholarship and an SEC Grant-In-Aid agreement to join the Lady Vol program for the 2020-21 campaign.
Walker, a 5-foot-8 guard, comes to Knoxville from Western Michigan University, where she was her team’s leading scorer last season. She will be a redshirt junior and have two years of eligibility after taking only three years to complete her undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in communications in 2020.
“Jordan brings experience at the guard position and provides us much-needed depth on the perimeter,” Harper said. “She is a terrific addition to the rest of our roster, as she can knock down the open shot, create off the bounce and distribute the ball. I was impressed with her level of maturity, and I am excited for her to be a part of our family.”
A native of Muskegon, Michigan, and a product of Mona Shores High School, Walker earned All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Third Team accolades in 2019-20 for the Broncos after averaging 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 39 percent on field goals and 32 percent on three-pointers. She led WMU in minutes played (1,007), scoring (495 points), field goals made (185), three-point field goals made (66) and steals (65), and was second in rebounds (191) and third in free throws made (59) and assists (76).
That season point total ranks No. 9 all-time at Western Michigan, while she stands 11th in three pointers made. She finished fourth in the MAC in steals (65), sixth in steals per game (2.1) and three-pointers made (66), and ninth in points per game (16.0) and three-pointers made per game (2.1).
Walker scored in double figures in 27 contests as a redshirt sophomore, including 11 games with 20+ points, and had double-doubles (points/rebounds) vs. Ball State (21/11) on March 7 and Bowling Green (21/10) on March 9. She made at least one three-pointer in 28 of 31 games and pulled down two or more caroms in all 31 games, including 23 contests with five or more boards.
As a freshman in 2017-18, Walker was the team’s co-most improved player after tallying averages of 7.9 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 2.9 apg. and 1.6 spg. while starting 23 of 33 games. She scored in double figures 11 times during her rookie season and had one double-double. Walker led the squad in three-point field goals made (41), while shooting 32.0 percent from behind the arc, and finished second on the team in total assists (66) and steals (53).
For her career, Walker started 54 of 64 contests, posting an average of 11.8 ppg., 4.9 rpg., 2.2 apg. and 1.8 spg. She scored in double figures in 38 of 64 games and notched three double-doubles during her time in Kalamazoo, which included a redshirt year due to injury in 2018-19.
The signing of Walker marks the fourth incoming graduate transfer in Lady Vol history and the second committing to UT during the Kellie Harper era. She follows in the footsteps of fellow 2020 graduate transfer Keyen Green, a 6-1 All-ASUN forward/center who joined the program from Liberty on April 15. Previous graduate transfers have included Lou Brown from Washington State, who played the 2019-20 season at UT, and Schaquilla Nunn, who joined the Lady Vols from Winthrop for the 2016-17 campaign.
In addition to Walker and Green, Harper welcomes three freshmen to the mix, including 6-0 guard Destiny Salary (four-star prospect, #57 by espnW HoopGurlz), 6-1 guard/forward Tess Darby (#86 by Blue Star Media, four-star prospect by ProspectsNation.com, three-star prospect by espnW HoopGurlz) and 6-2 guard/forward Marta Suárez (a four-star prospect by Blue Star Europe).
Tennessee now has five newcomers for the 2020-21 season and a roster of 13 active players, which is the largest squad since a team of 13 in 2010-11. There were 14 team members in 2014-15, but two players (Diamond DeShields, Mercedes Russell) sat out that season due to transfer and injury, respectively.
Blake Shelton released a new video to accompany his brand-new single, “Happy Anywhere,” which dropped on July 24.
Like his most recent multi-week No. 1 single, “Nobody But You,” which topped the charts in April/May 2020, “Happy Anywhere” features vocals from girlfriend Gwen Stefani. Penned by Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne and Matt Jenkins, “Happy Anywhere” impacts country radio immediately on July 24.
Directed by Todd Stefani, the feel-good video features footage of Blake and Gwen spending quality time in their homes in Oklahoma and California.
“Even though Gwen and I just had a single out, we decided that, under the circumstances, this year… man, there’s never been a better time for ‘Happy Anywhere,’” says Blake. “We’ve all been in quarantine and lockdown, and hopefully we’ve been doing that with somebody that we really love and enjoy being around. That’s what happened with Gwen and me this summer—and this entire year.”
Caylee Hammack and Alan Jackson joined forces for a new rendition of “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.”
Penned by Dave Hanner, “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” was a No. 1 hit for Don Williams in February 1982.
“This song has held a special place in my heart since childhood,” says Caylee. “And, during the past few months at home, I have found myself frequently visiting songs I grew up on because of the comfort it has brought me, especially this one. It has always been a golden classic in my heart and I believe in many others; and it’s message felt much needed today. Alan Jackson was gracious enough to bring his voice and heart to this song and made it feel like chicken noodle soup for the country music soul. I just feel very honored to be able to send our rendition out into the world today!”
“It’s so nice to be able to finally record one of my favorite Don Williams songs with a great message for today and to be able to sing it with another Georgia native with a sweet voice,” says Alan.
Caylee will release her major-label debut album, If It Wasn’t For You, on Aug. 14, but her new collaboration with Alan is not noted on the 13-song track list. Caylee, who was named to CMT’s 2020 Next Women of Country class, co-wrote and co-produced every song on her upcoming album. Caylee is currently nominated for two ACM Awards: New Female Artist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”
Watch the lyric video for Caylee’s “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” featuring Alan.
photos: Caylee Hammack by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com; Alan Jackson by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Zac Brown Band performed a live rendition of its touching new single, “The Man Who Loves You the Most,” during Camp Southern Ground’s 4th With the Family live-stream event on July 3.
ZBB’s heartfelt ballad serves as a message of love a father has for his daughter, as Zac croons in the chorus: “I hope you see the seven wonders / I hope you sail the seven seas / I hope you let the whole world in your heart / But you still got room for me / I hope you find a guy that treats you right / On your wedding night, I’ll raise a toast / Hope he understands / I’ll always be the man who loves you the most.”
The tune, which was penned by Zach Brown, Ben Simonetti and Adam James, is currently No. 46 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after five weeks.
Watch ZBB’s performance of “The Man Who Loves You the Most” below.
Blake Shelton released his new single, “Happy Anywhere,” at midnight on July 24.
Like his most recent multi-week No. 1 single, “Nobody But You,” which topped the charts in April/May 2020, “Happy Anywhere” features vocals from girlfriend Gwen Stefani.
Penned by Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne and Matt Jenkins, “Happy Anywhere” will impact country radio immediately on July 24.
“Even though Gwen and I just had a single out, we decided that, under the circumstances, this year… man, there’s never been a better time for ‘Happy Anywhere,’” says Blake. “We’ve all been in quarantine and lockdown, and hopefully we’ve been doing that with somebody that we really love and enjoy being around. That’s what happened with Gwen and me this summer—and this entire year.”
LOUISVILLE – Tennessee wide receiver and return specialist Velus Jones Jr. was named to the 2020 Paul Hornung Award Watch List, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Thursday.
The Paul Hornung Award presented is given annually by the LSC to the most versatile player in major college football. The award was created by the LSC in January 2010 with the support of Paul Hornung, a native and lifelong resident of Louisville and member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The 2020 watch list was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on a combination of 2019 statistics, career performance, SID recommendations and expectations heading into the 2020 season. In addition to the watch list, the Paul Hornung Award Weekly Honor Roll will recognize players whose performances during the regular season meet the award’s criteria. Players from both the watch list and the Honor Roll will be eligible to win the award.
Jones is among the 50 players in the nation selected on the preseason list and one of eight players from the SEC. The league’s eight watch list members leads all conferences.
A graduate transfer from Southern Cal, Jones was an explosive return specialist for the Trojans and earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors. As a redshirt junior, Jones returned 29 kickoffs for 704 yards and one score in 2019. His yardage ranked 14th in the nation.
In his three playing seasons at USC, the Saraland, Alabama, native logged 36 receptions for 347 yards to go along with 1,947 kickoff return yards on a school-record 81 attempts. Heading into 2020, Jones averages 24.0 yards per kickoff return. He finished his USC career second all-time in school history in kickoff return yards, while his 1,947 kickoff returns entering this season make him second among active FBS players and first in the Power 5.
Jones was also named to the 2020 Athlon Preseason All-SEC Third Team.
The winner of the award and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville in March 2021.
See the full list of members of the Paul Hornung Award Watch List HERE.
2020 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors
Brent Cimaglia, Sr., PK
Lou Groza Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, College Football News, Phil Steele)
Eric Gray, So., RB
Doak Walker Award Watch List
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)
Velus Jones Jr., Sr., WR/RS
Paul Hornung Award Watch List
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Trey Smith, Sr., OL
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Sporting News)
Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, College Football News, Phil Steele)
Bryce Thompson, Jr., DB
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Henry To’o To’o, So., LB
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Butkus Award Watch List
Bednarik Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon)
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith’s efforts off the field continue to be recognized, as the senior has been named to the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the national selection committee announced on Thursday.
Honoring college football’s most impactful leaders in community service, The Wuerffel Trophy is presented to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. National voters consider nominees from over 100 major universities.
Smith is one of a record 114 football student-athletes to be placed on the early list and one of 14 players from the SEC to be named.
The Jackson, Tennessee, native continued his commitment to the community even during a busy football season. Smith is an active speaker to youth groups, elementary schools and organizations across the state and led coat drives for Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry (KARM) during the 2018 and 2019 seasons where over 1,000 coats were donated each year because of his efforts.
Smith started 12 games at left guard in 2019 en route to All-SEC First Team honors from the coaches and media. He was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this fall. After missing the final five games of the 2018 season and a comeback to football questionable due to complications stemming from blood clots, Smith returned to his dominant ways and spearheaded Tennessee’s six-game win streak to end the season. SEC Network analyst and offensive line expert Cole Cubelic named Smith to his All-America First Team.
His off-the-field efforts were also honored at the end of the 2019 season, as Smith was named the 2020 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and was the first-ever recipient of the Fritz Pollard Trophy, which honors a college player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values, and exceptional performance on the field, during Superbowl LIV week.
Smith’s recognition on the list comes after earning a spot on the Outland Trophy Watch List on Tuesday, adding to an already growing list of preseason recognition for the 2020 season that includes honors from the Walter Camp Foundation as well as College Football News, Athlon Sports, Phil Steele and Street & Smith magazines.
The formal announcement of the 2020 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation’s festivities in New York City on Dec. 8. The presentation of the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 52nd All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 19, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach.
Trey Smith, Sr., OL
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Sporting News)
Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, College Football News, Phil Steele)
Bryce Thompson, Jr., DB
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Henry To’o To’o, So., LB
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Butkus Award Watch List
Bednarik Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon)
![Caylee Hammack & Alan Jackson Team Up for New Rendition of “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” [Listen]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/602/2020/07/24101145/Alan-Jackson-Caylee-Hammack.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
