Tennessee Vols morning report: Spring practice resumes, Grant Williams All-American
Tennessee Vols football spring practice resuming and Grant Williams being named an All-American lead our Volunteers news for Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
No basketball games took place on Tuesday, but that does not stop a ton of Tennessee Vols news from hitting the shelves this morning. And yes, some of it does involve basketball, but that’s not actually our lead story despite the school’s Sweet 16 appearance.
Our morning update on Rocky Top actually leads with football getting back into the news. Yes, what Phillip Fulmer said is the engine that drives the train still exists, and we have to give it the coverage it deserves. But national recognition for a basketball player is high up as well. Speaking of recognition, softball and track and field SEC recognition are also stories for today.
We also include a recap of a baseball game, an update to the softball schedule, and news about men’s and women’s tennis. So it’s a packed day of UT news. Let’s get started by returning to the football updates.
Spring practice resumes – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
The Tennessee Vols football team returned to the field Tuesday after taking spring break off. It was their sixth spring practice. Trey Smith was back on the field, but he didn’t do any contact drills, and Jeremy Pruitt said his status hasn’t changed. Meanwhile, defensive back Kenneth George Jr. is suspended indefinitely after a Miami arrest. Pruitt also said that he will find out about the two transfers, Aubrey Solomon and Deangelo Gibbs, and if they can play this year when they file a waiver. And he added that watching the basketball team has become a family gathering. Here’s a bit of what he said about his team’s first practice after a 10-day layoff.
"“You could tell we had guys that had been off for a good bit. You know, lots of good things. Still a long ways to go when it comes to execution, learning to play with the right pad level, learning how to finish, every single play, every rep. Too many penalties, too many turnovers.”"
Grant Williams named NABC All-American – NABC.com
Tennessee Vols basketball junior forward Grant Williams has been named a first-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He joins RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson of the Duke Blue Devils, Rui Hachimura of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and Ja Morant of the Murray State Racers.
"The first NABC All-America Team was selected in 1946-47 with a first and second team for nine seasons in Division I before adding a third team in 1955-56. In NCAA Division II, NABC All-America recognition was first bestowed in 1966-67, and Division III honored teams beginning in the 1976-77 season."
Tennessee baseball falls to ETSU – Johnson City Press
The No. 23 ranked Tennessee Vols baseball team fell to 20-6 on Tuesday after suffering an upset home loss to the ETSU Buccaneers, who improved to 18-5. A five-run second-inning from the Bucs led by a grand slam from Ethan Shelton was the difference, as they lost 6-5.
"Shelton’s one-out blast erased a 3-0 deficit. Before ETSU’s half of the inning was complete, Cullen Smith doubled and scored on an Ethan Cady two-bagger. ETSU added a sixth-inning run when Jake Lyle lofted a sacrifice fly to deep center field, bringing home David Beach for a 6-3 advantage."
Matty Moss named SEC Pitcher of the Week – SECSports
Tennessee Lady Vols softball pitcher Matty Moss was named SEC Pitcher of the Week. She racked up two wins and a save in two games against the Arkansas Razorbacks and one against the Liberty Flames last week.
"Moss allowed just one run and struck out 17 batters through 13.2 innings of work. She earned her third save of the season in game one against No. 15/18/18 Arkansas and her second win of the week in game 3 to help UT earn its first back-to-back conference series wins to start the season since 2014."
Tennessee softball will host TSU April 24 – UTSports
The No.5/6 ranked Tennessee Lady Vols softball team has set a reschedule date with Tennessee State after their first scheduled matchup in the Tennessee Classic was cancelled in February. They will face off in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 24 beginning at 4 p.m. E.T.
"The games will be broadcast through the WatchESPN app. UTSports.com and the Tennessee Gameday App will also carry a live radio broadcast in addition to live stats."
Stamatia Scarvelis an SEC Co-Field Athlete of the Week – SECSports
Tennessee indoor track and field senior Stamatia Scarvelis has been named the women’s SEC Co-Field Athlete of the Week. The standout thrower was recognized for her performances in the Trailblazer Challenge.
"Tennessee’s Stamatia Scarvelis competed in three events at the Trailblazer Challenge, posting the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 14 marks in the country in the Shot Put (16.96m), Hammer Throw (67.71m) and Discus Throw (53.72m), respectively. She took gold in the shot and hammer plus a runner-up finish in the discus for 28 points, leading UT to a team title at the meet against Miami, Ohio State, USC and Ole Miss."
Men’s and women’s tennis both reach top 20 – UTSports
The Tennessee men’s and women’s tennis teams have both made it into the top 20 of the ITA rankings. They are ranked No. 15 on the men’s side and have moved up to No. 18 on the women’s side.
"“It’s been a blast working alongside our men’s coaches,” Lady Vol head coach Alison Ojeda said. “Woody, James and Ben do a fantastic job and everyone in our facility is sharing the same positive message of discipline, energy and unity. I’m excited for our future!”Added men’s assistant coach James McKie: “It’s a huge achievement for both programs. It’s great to see all the hard work pay off. We all have to keep pushing, as the most important part of the season is at the end.”"