Tennessee Vols morning report: Fall camp begins, Coaches Poll out
The Tennessee Vols football team beginning fall camp and the program receiving Coaches Poll recognition lead our Volunteers news for Friday, Aug. 2, 2019.
Welcome to the first weekend in August. The first football game of the year took place Thursday night, and America’s favorite sport will now take over for the next six and a half months. That is also true for the Tennessee Vols, who have their own preseason to begin.
In fact, our morning update on Rocky Top begins with the UT football program beginning its preseason today. Numerous coaches spoke on Thursday, so we’ll give a quick take on things beginning to take shape.
We also have more preseason news with UT receiving a surprise vote in a preseason poll. And, in a preview of another fall sport, there is some women’s soccer recognition to get to. Let’s start with the football news.
Jeremy Pruitt, coaches kick off fall camp – UTSports
The Tennessee Vols football program is set to begin fall camp today, and Fan Day is set for Sunday, Aug. 4. Jeremy Pruitt, Derrick Ansley, Jim Chaney, Tee Martin, Kevin Sherrer and Chris Rumph all met with the media Thursday to discuss the start of preseason. Some interesting points include the fact that Trey Smith has not been cleared to play yet, the eligibility status of Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle transfer Aubrey Solomon is still up in the air, Georgia Bulldogs safety transfer Deangelo Gibbs will take a redshirt, and Baylen Buchanan will be limited the first couple of weeks of camp.
"Tennessee’s on-field coaching staff has been a part of 16 national championships and directly coached over 200 NFL Draft selections. The Vols added offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley and assistant head coach Tee Martin, who led Tennessee to the 1998 national championship and will also coach wide receivers and serve as passing game coordinator."
Vols receive vote in Coaches Poll – USA TODAY
Tennessee football received a surprise vote in the 2019 preseason Amway Coaches Poll. Jeremy Pruitt is a voter this year, but there’s still no telling where it came from. The Vols face three teams who are in the top 10 of the poll, though: the No. 2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, the No. 3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 8 ranked Florida Gators.
"The Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports is conducted weekly throughout the regular season using a panel of head coaches at FBS schools. The panel is chosen by random draw, conference by conference plus independents, from a pool of coaches who have indicated to the American Football Coaches Association their willingness to participate."
Two soccer Vols on MAC Hermann Trophy watch list – machermanntrophy.org
Tennessee soccer seniors Katie Cousins and Maya Neal were both named to the 2019 Mac Hermann Trophy Preseason Watch List, announced by United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club. They were among 61 players named to the list.
"The MAC Hermann Trophy, presented by World Wide Technology, is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players of the year. This year’s winners will be announced in January 2020 at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis."