All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee Vols morning report: Roster updates, Derek Barnett

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Tennessee Vols roster updates, their non-conference schedule and Eagles end Derek Barnett lead the Volunteers news for Friday, Aug. 18, 2017.

Happy Friday to Vol Nation! The Tennessee Vols season is set to begin in 17 days, and we’re 15 days away from the first major Saturday in college football.

As a result, our news on Rocky Top today surrounds updates to bring you on the roster. We also have updates surrounding a player who used to be on the roster.

And Tennessee’s standing in the SEC in terms of their non-conference schedule is also a topic of discussion.

But with the 14th practice having come to an end on Thursday, let’s start with these roster updates.

Marcus Tatum working his way into rotation – Danny Parker, GoVols247

Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Marcus Tatum was forced into the rotation before he was ready last year due to injury. Now, however, he’s slowly beginning to improve according to reports. And with Chance Hall’s season-ending injury, the Vols will desperately need him at tackle.

"The sophomore offensive tackle is no longer simply a pass protector. He feels like he can move 21- or 22-year-old defensive linemen and linebackers."

Freshman running backs making an impact – Dan Harralson, Saturday Down South

John Kelly is the clear-cut starter for the Tennessee Vols at running back, but the coaches are still looking for other guys to complement him. All the freshmen appear to be making an impact, and Ty Chandler, the highly recruited in-state back, appears to be leading the pack.

"The 5-11, 195-pound Chandler was ranked the 67th best player in the 247Sports national composite rankings in 2017 and fifth nationally at running back."

Derek Barnett records third sack in preseason – Rich Hofmann, Philly Voice Online

Philadelphia Eagles fans are beginning to realize just how great former Tennessee Vols defensive end Derek Barnett is. Barnett picked up his third sack in preseason after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 20-16.

"With a couple of tackles, a sack, and simply some pretty consistent pressure, Derek Barnett is officially 2-for-2. The Eagles’ first-round draft pick just turned 21 years old (which is a scary thought), but I’m at the point where I expect him to make a contribution this season."

Tennessee Vols non-conference schedule ranked No. 11 in SEC – Jerry Palm, CBS Sports

CBS Sports did a ranking of the toughest non-conference schedules in every conference. The Tennessee Vols, who came in at No. 11 in the SEC, have their toughest non-conference game in the opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. But outside of that, it’s not too difficult.

"No conference takes it easier in nonconference play year after year than the SEC.  Last year, the Big Ten outdid the SEC when it came to scheduling the most home games, but the SEC never stays down for long and has reclaimed that crown.  The SEC is playing a full 75 percent of its nonconference games at home."

Home/Tennessee Volunteers