Tennessee Vols morning report: QB race update, A.J. Johnson
An update on the Tennessee Vols quarterback race and A.J. Johnson signing a pro contract lead our Volunteers news for Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
We are almost halfway through the month of August, meaning football season is drawing closer and closer. And with that comes more Tennessee Vols news on a daily basis, which we have for you today.
This morning’s updates on Rocky Top include details on the biggest offseason storyline for UT football. On top of that, we have a story on a former Vol who signed with an NFL team, which is huge news.
News about the opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers and some soccer talk are also in the works for today. So we have a full slate of things to bring you. Let’s start, though, with the personnel stories on the football program.
No leader emerges in quarterback race – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
The Tennessee Vols held their first scrimmage over the weekend. And even so, there has been no movement in the quarterback competition. The major story has been Jarrett Guarantano vs. Keller Chryst, but JT Shrout and Will McBride are also in the race. And Jeremy Pruitt is clearly waiting for any one of them to emerge.
"Guarantano took all the first-team reps and outperformed Chryst during Tennessee’s open practice at Neyland Stadium last weekend, but Pruitt’s comments suggest the two were more even on Sunday. Pruitt on Monday said avoiding “critical errors” is a must for whoever wants to be Tennessee’s starting quarterback."
Former Vol A.J. Johnson signs with Denver Broncos – Austin Knoblauch, NFL.com
A.J. Johnson played for Tennessee football from 2011 to 2014 before a rape accusation cut senior year short. After three and a half years, he was acquitted of the charges a month ago. Now, he’s getting his NFL shot. The linebacker signed with the Denver Broncos on Monday.
"Johnson was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection from 2011-14 and ranks second all-time in tackles at Tennessee (425). To make room on the roster, the Broncos released linebacker Stansly Maponga."
Tennessee Vols announce Big Orange tailgate for opener – UTSports
Tennessee football’s opener in the Belk College Kickoff Game against the West Virginia Mountaineers will include a tailgate in Charlotte, N.C. It’ll take place at Cedar Hill (624 South Cedar St.), which is a less than 10-minute walk from the stadium.
"Admission is free, and food and beverage items will be available for purchase during the tailgate. Advanced event package options are available for purchase prior to arrival at the event and quantities are limited."
Two soccer Vols named to Preseason Best XI teams – TopDrawerSoccer
Tennessee Lady Vols junior Katie Cousins was named to the TopDrawerSoccer First Team Best XI as a midfielder, while senior Khadija Shaw made Second Team Best XI as a forward.
"Obviously there is much more to the college campaign than one team, and TopDrawerSoccer’s Preseason Best XI shapes out what is projected to be the best talent in the upcoming campaign."