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Tennessee Vols morning report: Individual preseason football recognitions, 5-star hearts, Thompson-Boling Arena

By Caleb Calhoun

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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Tennessee Vols football preseason recognitions and Butch Jones doubling down on five-star hearts lead the Volunteers news for Wednesday, July 12, 2017.

We’re onto Day 3 of SEC Media Days, and as the coaches continue to take the stand, preseason watch lists are now coming out. Some of those preseason recognitions include Tennessee Vols players.

As we get set to bring you the news on Rocky Top for today, we have three preseason recognitions involving individual football players to bring you.

Meanwhile, Butch Jones doubled down on a notorious quote he had earlier in the year during the Big Orange Caravan stop Tuesday.

And there’s a column about the Tennessee basketball arena that deserves recognition.

But let’s start with all the preseason talk.

Ethan Wolf named to Mackey Award Preseason Watch List – John Mackey Award press release

He has a chance to set the all-time receiving record for Tennessee Vols tight ends this year and will likely have the full season to himself as the starter. As a result, Ethan Wolf is the first Tennessee football player named to a preseason watch list for a postseason award. Wolf is one of over 50 players on the 2017 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List.

"Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2017 Mackey Award recipient will be announced on December 6, 2017 and then presented live on December 7, 2017 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU. All future announcements can be found at www.johnmackeyaward.com."

Evan Berry on 247Sports preseason All-SEC team – 247Sports Staff

Despite missing the end of last year due to injury, Tennessee Vols senior returner and defensive back Evan Berry was the only Vol on the 247Sports preseason All-SEC team. He made the team as a kickoff returner.

"The No. 293 player in the class of 2014 and — obviously — younger brother to Vols legend Eric Berry, Evan has carved out a nice career of his own as kick-return specialist and reserve safety. He was the SEC’s Special Teams Player of the Year in 2015 when he had three touchdowns on a blistering average of 38.3."

Todd Kelly Jr. a nominee for 2017 AFCA Good Works Team – AllState via PR Newswire Online

Tennessee Vols senior safety Todd Kelly Jr. is among 146 nominees for the 2017 AllState American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. This award is considered college football’s top community service honor.

"While players are often recognized for their accomplishments and achievements on game day, these student-athletes have made significant contributions to the greater good of society, inspiring future generations of young athletes and the larger college football community."

Butch Jones doubles down on five-star hearts – Wes Rucker, GoVols247

It sounds like Butch Jones isn’t backing down from his five-star hearts talk. When the Big Orange Caravan stopped in Kingsport on Tuesday, he addressed the fact that people made fun of the quote. But he also defended it. Here’s a bit of his explanation on what it means.

"“We have a recruiting profile that starts with academics, it starts with character and it starts with competitive character, because being a college football player is a year-round sport now.”"

Thompson-Boling Arena criticized in article – Jesse Smithey, Knoxville News Sentinel

Freelance Knoxville News Sentinel writer Jesse Smithey called Thompson-Boling Arena the eyesore of the SEC in a column and said it needs a new look. Honestly, he’s right. It’s nice on the inside, but it looks like a hideous warehouse on the outside.

"First impressions can mean everything for fans and recruits alike. Tennessee has focused on second impressions. Dozens of millions of dollars have been poured into Thompson-Boling’s innards since 2008, while its 30-year-old exterior is the shag carpet of the SEC.To be a neighbor of Neyland and juxtaposed with a river, Thompson-Boling should have outward style and flair. It deserves better and more modern digs."

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