Another Tennessee Vols football linebacker leaving the program and Jeremy Pruitt speaking lead our Volunteers news for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019.
This bye week was supposed to be a time for the Tennessee Vols football team to lay low and get a few things corrected. But constant attrition continues to plague the program, and it hit again on Wednesday. Well, actually it hit on Tuesday, but the confirmation of it on Wednesday is what makes our news.
Today’s morning update on Rocky Top leads with the report of the departure of another linebacker, the second in two days, and the third overall departure reported from the football team during that time. Does it mean anything? We’re not entirely sure just yet.
However, there is other football news as well. Jeremy Pruitt addressing the media during another press conference is a big part of the story. Finally, we have an update on the soccer schedule to bring you. But let’s start with more football personnel news.
Will Ignont leaves Vols – SEC Teleconference, SECSports.com
Junior Tennessee Vols football inside linebacker Will Ignont, who started the first two games of the season, is leaving the program. Jeremy Pruitt confirmed Ignont’s departure during Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, even though Ignont’s name was not in the NCAA transfer portal at the time. He joins junior linebacker Shanon Reid and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jacquez Jones, who did enter the portal as three guys who left the program in two days. Here is exactly what Pruitt said about the situation.
"“You know, Will has left the team for personal reasons. And he won’t be with us anymore.”"
Jeremy Pruitt speaks during bye week – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
With a 1-3 record and on an open week, Tennessee Vols football head coach Jeremy Pruitt spoke to the media Wednesday about the state of the program. He mentioned that freshman offensive lineman Chris Akporoghene is healthy, the quarterbacks would splitting reps evenly during the bye and confirmed that Ignont, Ried and Jones have actually left the program. Here’s a bit of what Pruitt said about the team’s improvement.
"“Our football team is 100 times better than it was this time last year. Our guys are working hard. We are stronger and more physical. But when it comes to success on winning the football game, you can’t turn the ball over and you have to create turnovers, and that is something that has hampered us in our three losses.”"
Women’s soccer to visit Auburn – UTSports
Coming off a 1-0 double-overtime loss at the Vanderbilt Commodores this past weekend, the Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team continues its SEC road trip Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. matchup at the Auburn Tigers. UT enters the game 6-2 and 0-1 in the league, while Auburn comes in at 4-3-2 and 1-0 in the conference.
"Thursday’s match will be broadcasted on SEC Network+, available online and through the ESPN app. Live stats will also be provided via SIDEARM Stats, and fans can follow @Vol_Soccer on Twitter for live match updates."