Peyton Manning speaking on a range of topics and Butch Jones updates on the Tennessee Vols lead the Volunteers news for Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017.
In two days, Butch Jones’s fate with the Tennessee Vols football program could be a lot more clear. Their huge game against the Georgia Bulldogs could make or break this season.
His comments on multiple things are among our top stories on Rocky Top to bring you for today. The most legendary figure in Tennessee Vols football history and the head of the program lead our updates surrounding Vol Nation this morning.
We’ve also got an award update for another football player to bring you along with contract news surrounding coaches in another sport.
But let’s start with the football legend who spoke Wednesday. That legend is Peyton Manning.
Peyton Manning speaks on a range of topics – 3HL on 104.5
In an interview with Nashville’s 3HL show on 104.5 The Zone, Peyton Manning touched on a variety of topics Wednesday. Manning will be honored in Knoxville Saturday at the Georgia Bulldogs game for his College Football Hall of Fame induction. He said he will not run for Senate and that he is ‘all in’ behind Butch Jones in the interview.
"Peyton Manning on a Senate run, Vols Football, Pat Summitt, the job Butch Jones has done, issues in the carpool lane and more on 3HL."
Butch Jones speaks on Georgia – UTSports
Tennessee Vols football head coach Butch Jones spoke Wednesday on preparation for the Georgia Bulldogs this week. Jones noted that Jashon Robertson and Shy Tuttle are expected back, but Evan Berry, Jakob Johnson and and Latrell Williams are all still out. He added that Austin Smith is up in the air. Jones also said he wants to involve more running backs to get John Kelly more rest in this game.
"Tennessee hosts No. 7 Georgia on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. Jones spoke about some of the challenges that the talented Bulldogs present on both sides of the ball."
Jones: Daniel nation’s top punter – Blake Toppmeyer, Knoxville News Sentinel
After giving his Wednesday press conference, Butch Jones called Tennessee Vols punter Trevor Daniel the nation’s best punter later that night on Vol Calls.
"Jones’ statement isn’t without merit.Daniel, a senior from Dickson, ranks third in the nation with a punting average of 47.6 yards on his 21 punts."
Todd Kelly a William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist – National Football Foundation
Tennessee Vols senior Todd Kelly Jr. is among 181 semifinalists that were named for the William V. Trophy Wednesday. The award recognizes the top football scholar athlete in the country.
"The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Nov. 1, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to New York City for the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 28th"
Tennessee Vols softball coaches earn extensions – UT Daily Beacon
Ralph and Karen Weekly continue to be rewarded for the amazing job they have done with the Tennessee softball program since they took over in 2002. John Currie announced Wednesday that they would receive contract extensions through the 2022 season.
"The Weeklys’ original deals were set to expire in June of 2018. Their new five-year contracts average to about $467,000 combined annually ($2.3 million total)."