Today On Rocky Top: Changes On Vols’ Football Roster

From The Tennessean

"Two significant position switches mentioned in the spring now appear to be official, a third player has swapped roles again, and the pool of walk-ons and their assigned uniform numbers have changed.When the Tennessee football team recently updated its roster at UTSports.com, the following shifts stood out:Previously listed as linebackers, freshman Jakob Johnson and redshirt junior Curt Maggitt now are classified as defensive linemen."

From The Chattanoogan

"The Tennessee Volunteers fan base is no different. In spite of the fact that their beloved Vols have had a rough few years, this approaching season is already the topic de jure in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. For a fan base that is known for bombast and intense devotion, this coming season is the answer to questions that have been asked repeatedly since 2008. In the six seasons prior to 2008, the Vols were a mainstay in the conversation for SEC East contenders and went a combined 52-25. That was a game you circled every year, and just hoped for a win, if you are a fan of another team. Three coaches and six seasons later they have struggled to have winning seasons and are a combined 33-41. So, why the excitement? A new coach and a top 5 recruiting class this year did the trick, and has “Vol Nation” dreaming of a successful season. But what is a successful season for Ol’ Rocky Top? In my opinion, and from conversations on my show, that would be a 6-6 regular season and a bowl appearance….maybe even a win in the bowl game. Fans who are already talking 7-5 or 8-4 (yes, I have heard this…a bunch) are preciously and fascinatingly optimistic, and, for these purposes, we’ll just leave them to their helium induced prognostication. I’m not saying that those numbers are impossible. Read more at The Chattanoogan"

From The Denver Business Journal

"The NFL Network counted down the top 100 players of the year and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning emerged in the top spot. NFL.com reports.The network has been ranking the best players since 2011, when Manning was in the No. 2 spot on the list. He was again ranked second on the 2013 list. Manning even made it to No. 50 in the 2012 ranking, seemingly a big drop but still impressive considering he didn’t play at all the previous season because of his neck surgery."