Vols Getting New Uniforms…..Sort Of

Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) scores a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The debate over Tennessee’s uniforms has raged for years.

Typically you fall into one of two categories — you’re either a traditionalist or you’re begging for change.

Well it appears Butch Jones and Tennessee have found a way to appease both crowds….maybe.

According to Evan Woodbery of the Knoxville News Sentinel, the Vol’s uniforms will have some “minor” changes in 2013.

"The Vols will wear a state of Tennessee patch above players’ names on both the home and road jerseys, Jones confirmed to the News Sentinel on Monday.Tennessee will also add a checkerboard background to the orange numbers on road uniforms."

The changes are small, but shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider the emphasis that Butch Jones puts on tradition and being the state institution.

Traditionalists will most likely be ok with the changes, considering they’re minimal.

Those wanting change, while appeased, will still probably want to see more changes in the future. Major changes, however, will be unlikely since Tennessee’s contract with Adidas runs through at least 2015.

I personally like the idea of the Tennessee patch, it connects the uniforms to the state of Tennessee and conveys the message that Butch Jones is trying to send — the University of Tennessee encompasses all of Tennessee, not just East Tennessee.

I’m not quite sure about the checkerboard background, we’ll just have to wait and see what that looks like first. It’s hard to visualize, but I do like the idea of incorporating the famous checkerboards into the uniforms.

Regardless, as a person big on tradition, I welcome the changes and look forward to seeing where the program goes under Butch Jones.

Here’s a look at the patch that will go above the players’ names.

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