Tennessee Vols morning report: Chryst visits Knoxville, Memphis rivalry back
The Tennessee Vols receiving a visit from their graduate transfer QB and the Memphis series lead the Volunteers news for Thursday, March 29, 2018.
It’s really starting to feel like spring now. April is three days away, the Tennessee Vols are full-on in the middle of spring football, and baseball and softball are in full swing. The excitement of the sun coming out and the weather getting warm is harder and harder to contain.
When it comes to football, Tennessee has excitement simply related to the new blood in the program, from a new head coach to a new system to a change up in personnel. And a newcomer on campus is a big part of our morning news.
Also, the announcement of a rivalry renewal is also a huge part of today’s report. And we actually have a bit of women’s basketball recruiting news. Let’s start, however, with the football stuff.
Keller Chryst visits UT on Tuesday – Jesse Simonton, VolQuest
Tennessee football graduate transfer quarterback commit from Stanford, Keller Chryst, hasn’t enrolled on campus yet. But he was still in Knoxville Tuesday taking in all he could from spring practice and seeing how Jeremy Pruitt and his staff run things.
"The 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback kept close tabs on offensive coordinator Tyson Helton, who was instrumental in luring Chryst to Rocky Top. Chryst committed to Tennessee on March 1 after an official visit."
Butch Jones makes $35k a year – Blake Toppmeyer, Knoxville News Sentinel
Former Tennessee Vols coach Butch Jones is now making $35,000 as an intern with the Alabama Crimson Tide. It has little to do with the future of the UT football program, but it’s interesting from Rocky Top’s perspective.
"Jones was cleared to join Alabama’s staff last week. His position is an off-the-field role."
Jeremy Pruitt announces Coaches Clinic speakers – UTSports
Tennessee football head coach Jeremy Pruitt announced additional speakers at the Vols’ 2018 three-day Coaches Clinic from April 5 to April 7. Speakers already scheduled include Pruitt and the Vols staff, Phillip Fulmer, Peyton Manning, David Cutcliffe, Mike Vrabel, and Josh McDaniels. He added two more Wednesday.
"New York Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher is scheduled to speak on Saturday, April 7, while renowned speaker and Chattanooga wrestling head coach Heath Eslinger will lead the FCA Breakfast earlier that morning."
Tennessee announces renewal with Memphis – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
It’s official. The Tennessee Vols basketball team will renew their rivalry with the Memphis Tigers starting next year. Tennessee travels to Memphis in December of 2018, they’ll face Memphis in Knoxville at some point the next year, and the two will face in Nashville in December, 2020.
"The game in Nashville in 2020 could feature other in-state teams playing the arena on the same day, part of an event Barnes said the two sides want to use to showcase basketball in the state."
Grant Williams honorable mention All-American – AP
Tennessee Vols forward Grant Williams was named an honorable mention to the AP men’s basketball All-America team Wednesday. Already SEC player of the year and first-team All-SEC, the recognition continues to roll in. This year’s All-American First Team had three freshmen: Trae Young, Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III.
"They were joined by Villanova’s Jalen Brunson and Kansas guard Devonte’ Graham on the team selected by the same 65-member national media panel that selects the weekly AP Top 25."
Future Lady Vols compete in All-American game – McDonalds All-American online
Zay Green scored six points and had four steals and three assists to help the West defeat the East 82-79 in the women’s McDonald’s All-American game Sunday. In the process, she helped beat future teammates Amira Collins and Jazmine Massengill. All three players have signed with Tennessee women’s basketball.