Tennessee Vols morning report: Velus Jones Jr. joins football program
USC Trojans transfer wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. joining the Tennessee Vols football program leads our Volunteers news for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020.
Today is a big day for the Tennessee Vols. A historical rivalry that uplifted an entire sport is set to return, and it revolves around UT specifically. We’ll get to that, but believe it or not, football again leads the way.
Our morning update on Rocky Top begins with another player added to the football program. The news of this kid broke last week, but his addition was made official today. We also have an inaugural award that a current Vol is set to receive. Suspensions related to an upcoming men’s basketball game generates coverage as well.
In addition to our preview of this big women’s basketball rivalry, we have preseason baseball and softball awards to bring you along with news of another scheduled softball matchup later this spring. Let’s start with the football news.
USC transfer officially joins football program – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
Graduate transfer wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who has spend his last three years with the USC Trojans, has officially joined the Tennessee Vols football program. The announcement of the addition of the former four-star from Alabama who stands at 6’0″ 190 pounds was made on Wednesday afternoon.
"In three seasons at USC, Jones totaled 36 catches for 347 yards and averaged 24 yards on 81 kickoff returns, and he scored touchdowns receiving, rushing and on a kick return in his career with the Trojans. Jones had a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in USC’s season opener against Fresno State in 2019, and he received All-Pac 12 second-team honors as a return specialist after averaging 24.3 yards on 29 kickoff returns."
Trey Smith earns Fritz Pollard Trophy – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
Two weeks after announcing his decision to return for his senior season, Tennessee football offensive lineman Trey Smith was named the winner of the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy. The award recognizes players who have a combination of courage, community service and elite performance on the field. He’ll be honored at a ceremony on Jan. 30
"The upcoming senior in 2020 will be honored with the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy at the 15th annual Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards on Jan. 30. The event will take place at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in conjunction with Super Bowl LIV."
Kansas players suspended for UT game – Big12Sports.com
Following their brawl in a win over the Kansas State Wildcats, the Kansas Jayhawks will have two players suspended for their game against the Tennessee Vols basketball program. Backup forwards Silvio De Sousa and David McCormack will both be out, as they received 12 and two games respectively. Kansas State also had two suspensions, James Love and Antonio Gordon.
"Additionally, both programs were reprimanded for violations of the Big 12 Sportsmanship Policies as a result of players leaving the bench area during the incident.“This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated and these suspensions reflect the severity of last evening’s events,” said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby."
Kellie Harper previews UConn matchup – Mike Anthony, Hartford Courant
On Thursday night, the No. 23 ranked Tennessee Lady Vols will visit the No. 3 ranked UConn Huskies to renew their one-time fierce rivalry at 7 p.m.. The two haven’t played since 2007. Kellie Harper talked about her approach to the game.
"Harper, who was point guard Kellie Jolly with this rivalry at its boiling point, was brought “home” to fix a proud program struggling only by its lofty standards.“We wanted to instill some work ethic and make sure [players] understood how we wanted it to look — and not just on the court, but off the court on a day-to-day basis — and really establish our expectations for as them as Lady Vols,” said Harper, who is 15-3 this season and 300-211 over 16 years."
Alerick Soularie a baseball preseason All-American – D1Baseball.com
Junior outfielder Alerick Soularie continues to represent Tennessee baseball on a national stage. He was named a First-Team All-American outfielder by D1Baseball Wednesday.
"The SEC leads all conferences with 18 Preseason All-America spots, followed by the ACC (13) and the Pac-12 (five). Eleven out of the 14 SEC schools are represented on the three Preseason All-America teams."
Two Vols earn softball Preseason All-SEC – SECSports.com
Sophomore pitcher Ashley Rogers and senior infielder Chelsea Seggern represented Tennessee softball as two members of the Preseason All-SEC softball team on Wednesday. UT is one of only four teams to have multiple players selected.
"In a class-by-class breakdown, the 2020 team consists of six seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. The Preseason All-SEC Softball Team is voted on by the league’s head coaches and consists of a minimum of 14 players."
Softball to host Team USA in exhibition – UTSports
On April 8 at 7 p.m., Tennessee softball will host the 2020 USA Women’s National Softball Team in an exhibition. The game is part of Team USA’s “Stand Beside Her” Tour and will be on ESPNU.
"Fans will have an opportunity to see the Lady Vols take on Team USA as the Red, White and Blue’s Olympic squad prepares for Tokyo 2020. Spectators will also have a chance to welcome back legendary Lady Vol Monica Abbott (2004-07), who holds the NCAA record in career strikeouts (2,440), innings pitched (1,448.0), victories (189) and starts (206)."