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Tennessee Vols morning report: Eighth football practice, Jalen Hurd

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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The Tennessee Vols’ eighth football practice, Jalen Hurd, and outside predictions lead the Volunteers news for Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017.

Football season is now 26 days away for the Tennessee Vols, and their preparation for the start still leads our news.

But updates on Rocky Top today also include news about a former Vol, outside predictions for the team, and the first game for a team in another sport.

Yes, the fall sports are underway, and things could not be more exciting in Knoxville as a result.

We begin our news with the most recent football practice.

Tennessee Vols hold eighth fall camp football practice – UTSports

Tennessee football held its eighth football practice in fall camp on Tuesday, and there were plenty of takeaways from it. That includes the fact that young receivers are stepping up, the linebackers are improving, and the trenches are still a focus. Most notably, Butch Jones said he plans on utilizing the young running backs in Carlin Fils-Aime, Ty Chandler and others in addition to John Kelly.

"“Everyone is putting their identity on video,” head coach Butch Jones said after practice on Tuesday afternoon at Haslam Field. “For the individuals who are gaining an inordinate amount of repetition, that’s a great opportunity.”"

Jalen Hurd gaining respect already at Baylor – Craig Smoak Twitter account

Craig Smoke of ESPN 1660 reported on Twitter Tuesday that Baylor football coach Matt Rhule has been praising Jalen Hurd’s leadership. The former Vol transferred there after leaving Tennessee midway last season. He’ll sit out this year before playing next year. Of course, Hurd’s leadership is something many Vols fans question. But it looks like Smoak is hearing something different.

"Rhule would like to have an OL and skill guy step up as leaders. Right now, that player is Jalen Hurd who’s sitting out due to transfer."

John Kelly predicted to be Tennessee Vols MVP – David Kenyon, Bleacher Report

The Bleacher Report predicted the final AP Poll ranking and the MVP of every Power Five team for 2017. They had Tennessee football at No. 22 with junior running back John Kelly, the clear-cut starter, as the MVP.

"While Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano battle for the starting quarterback job, Kelly is the clear No. 1 at a thin position after Alvin Kamara headed to the NFL and Jalen Hurd transferred."

Tennessee Vols No. 26 in one preseason poll – Chip Patterson, CBS Sports

Although they are ranked in the preseason Coaches Poll, CBS Sports has Tennessee football just outside of the Top 25 to start the season, coming in at No. 26. The CBS 130 put Alabama at No. 1 followed by Ohio State and Florida State.

"The Crimson Tide are a worthy preseason favorite with a talent level that seems to stand alone save for Urban Meyer’s 2017 Ohio State squad, which checks in at No. 2. Florida State, USC and Penn State round out the top five, and outside of a surging belief in Auburn (No. 9), you’ll see a top-10 that looks very similar to the way things finished at the end of the 2016 season."

Tennessee Vols soccer to host Wright State in exhibition – UTSports

Fall sports games are beginning, and the Tennessee women’s soccer program is helping to kick it off. The Vols will host Wright State at 7 p.m., opening their home schedule with an exhibition game.

"With a mix of experienced veterans and nationally tested newcomers, Tennessee looks to improve on its 11-9-1 finish and SEC quarterfinal appearance from a year ago. Tennessee’s 24-player roster features nine newcomers and 15 returners, including last year’s All-SEC and NSCAA all-region honorees Maya Neal and Rylie O’Keefe. Sophomore midfielder Katie Cousins is also back after playing for Team USA at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup last year."

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