Tennessee Vols morning report: SEC Media days, John Currie letter

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: A fan holds a sign in support of the Tennessee Volunteers before the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: A fan holds a sign in support of the Tennessee Volunteers before the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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The Tennessee Vols at SEC Media Days and John Currie’s letter to UT fans lead the Volunteers news for Monday, July 10, 2017.

It’s finally time to kick of the 2017 college football preseason! That’s how we see the start of SEC Media Days, anyway. And with the Tennessee Vols set to take the stand today, it’s a huge news day for the school.

As we get set to bring you today’s report on Rocky Top, that obviously leads the way. There’s also news surrounding quotes from athletic director John Currie over the weekend.

And we also have reports on a 2017 commitment now enrolling in junior college and a former Vol’s troubles only growing.

But let’s start with the big news.

Tennessee Vols set to take the state Monday at SEC Media Days – WBIR

The Tennessee Vols are one of the first teams taking the stand during SEC Media Days. They go on today, the first day, after the Arkansas Razorbacks and the LSU Tigers. Check the full schedule here on SEC Sports online.

"Head coach Butch Jones, and players Kendal Vickers, Emmanuel Moseley and Jashon Robertson will represent the team.The coach and players will begin making the rounds at 3:30 EST."

John Currie writes letter to Vol Nation – UTSports

As the start of the new athletic school year was set to begin, Tennessee Vols athletic director John Currie wrote a letter to UT fans about the state of the department. In it, he provided updates on the fiscal status of the department, noted a new hire, and provided updates on Vols going overseas along with news surrounding the Big Orange Caravan. But the big news was that he gave a ringing endorsement of the state of the football program under Butch Jones. Here’s a snippet of what was in the letter.

"The progress that has been made rebuilding the Tennessee football program under Coach Jones’ leadership is amazing. In the short time I have been here, it has been awesome to observe the chemistry amongst his staff and see how much our coaches truly care about our student-athletes and the traditions of the Big Orange. Our tremendous momentum in recruiting is a testament to Coach Jones’ leadership, organization, attention to detail and the fact that veteran college football observers know the future is extremely bright for the Tennessee football program!"

Former Tennessee Vols LB A.J. Johnson arrested – WATE TV

A.J. Johnson, who played for Tennessee football from 2011 to 2014, was arrested over the weekend on DUI charges. As he faces other legal issues that cut short his senior year in Knoxville, this only adds to his woes that have existed since then. A KPD officer reported initially walking over to his vehicle to conduct a welfare check.

"The officer reported when he spoke to Johnson, who was in the driver’s seat, his eyes appeared blood shot. The officer also reports there was a “marijuana cigarette” in plain view inside the car."

Buzz Peterson named Charlotte Hornets assistant GM – Phil Kaplan, Knoxville News Sentinel

Known for a very unsuccessful period as Tennessee basketball’s head coach before Bruce Pearl took over, Buzz Peterson has taken another job. And this time, it’s not in the coaching ranks. Peterson has been promoted to assistant GM of the Charlotte Hornets, a team he has worked for since being fired by UNC Wilmington in 2014.

"Peterson had been senior adviser to basketball operations. During two different stints with the Hornets, covering five seasons, Peterson’s roles have included regional scout and director of player personnel.Peterson, who spent 16 seasons as a college head coach, was 61-59 in four seasons at UT from 2001-05."

Tennessee Vols football commit enrolling in junior college – Ryan Callahan, GoVols247

The 2017 Tennessee football recruiting class was already a bit underwhelming. Now, it’s taking a bigger hit with the departure of one player due to academics. Marquez Bembry, a three-star weakside defensive end, will now enroll in junior college this year.

"The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Bembry, who was recruited by Tennessee as a likely defensive end, said he will attend Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Miss.He originally committed to the Vols in March 2016 and signed with them in February."