Vols Football Program “Gets It”; 14 Early Enrollees Introduced At Basketball Game

Jan 11, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head before the game against the Texas A

On Saturday night, during the Vols’ 57-56 loss to Texas A&M at Thompson Boling Arena, 14 early enrollees to the football program were introduced to the crowd.

Video courtesy UTSports.com

The introduction of the 14 newcomers was a small — but significant — showing of where the football program is and where it’s heading.

Butch Jones has completely revitalized how Tennessee’s storied, but fallen, football program presents itself.

In East Tennessee, Vol football is religion. Under Butch Jones, it’s being treated as such.

The 14 early enrollees, who are now officially part of the Vols’ impressive 2014 recruiting class, got their first glimpse as members of the football team, of the passion that runs through the big orange faithful.

Among the early enrollees drawing the biggest cheers on Saturday night were Tennessee natives Jalen Hurd and Josh Malone, as well as highly touted JuCo wide receiver Von Pearson.

Jan 11, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head football coach Butch Jones during the first half against the Texas A

Defensive end Joe Henderson, who was previously announced by the university as one of the 14 early enrollees, has not yet been cleared by the NCAA and was not among the 14 players introduced on Saturday night.

Neiko Creamer, however, was announced by Tennessee as a early enrollee on Saturday and was among those introduced. Creamer is a 6’3″/223 lb ATH that projects as a WR/TE.

The 14 early enrollees will all be a huge part of the rejuvenation of Tennessee football. Recognizing them on Saturday night was a great way to show them how important they are to the foundation of Vol football.

It apparently made an impression on the players. Check out the reactions on social media.