Tennessee Vols morning report: ESPN analyst on QB race, Berry BBQ, CBJ on watch list

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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An analyst on Tennessee Vols quarterbacks, a Berry family cook-off and Butch Jones on a watch list lead the Volunteers news for Thursday, July 20, 2017.

The start of preseason football practice is less than a week and a half away, and that’s like waiting for Christmas when you’re a hardcore Tennessee Vols fan.

And the news on Rocky Top for today is heavily centered around previewing the season. We’ve got an outside source on the quarterback race to discuss, and Butch Jones is on an award watch list.

There’s also news about two former Vols who are family members getting involved in something fun.

But let’s start with a season preview story.

ESPN analyst predicts Quinten Dormady to start for Tennessee Vols – Mike Griffith, SEC Country

Despite all the hype behind Jarrett Guarantano, former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers is picking Quinten Dormady to be the starter for Tennessee this Fall. Rodgers is an analyst for ESPN now and said he has ‘moxie,’ highlighting his spring game performance.

"“You heard Butch talk about execution, and they are gone have to execute within the scheme of the offense, (and) I think Dormady is the guy to do that,” Rodgers said. “What I liked about him in the spring game, aside from the completions, is his ability to manipulate the ball.”"

Eric and James Berry in charity barbecue cook-off – WBIR

Eric Berry is obviously one of the greatest Tennessee Vols legends in school history, and his father James wasn’t so bad either. The two took part in a barbecue cook-off Wednesday at the Lonesome Dove in Knoxville with celebrity chef Tim Love.

"The L5 BBQ Challenge featured the two barbeque aficionados putting their money where their mouth is, preparing three barbeque staples (ribs, chicken and ribeye) for a panel of judges, as well as a large group of patrons at the western bistro. Plates cost $75 dollars, with the money going toward the L5 Foundation and the Eric Berry Foundation. Both organizations help families struggling with cancer diagnoses."

Butch Jones on 2017 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List – The Dodd Trophy website

He may be on the hot seat, but Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones is still garnering national praise. The fifth-year leader is among 19 coaches that officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl named on their preseason watch list for the 2017 Dodd Trophy.

"The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s philosophy."