Tennessee Vols morning report: Darrell Taylor, Tyler Byrd, draft prep
Interviews with Darrell Taylor and Tyler Byrd as the Tennessee Vols prepare for the NFL Draft lead our Volunteers news for Thursday, April 23, 2020.
The NFL Draft is here. It’s going to be a unique one, as it will all be virtual, but it will certainly be intriguing. Multiple Tennessee Vols players are hoping to hear their names called, although it’s a safe bet that none of that will happen tonight.
Still, our morning update on Rocky Top is loaded with draft coverage. We have an overarching story to cover, but then there are a couple of key interviews with players who put their names in, one of whom is expected to be selected, for us to cover.
Beyond the draft, though, we’ve got confirmation of an interesting event involving Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning, which we’ll obviously cover. So there is plenty of news for us to get to today. Let’s start with the draft coverage.
Six Vols hoping to be called in NFL Draft – UTSports
With the first round of the NFL Draft underway, six Tennessee Vols football players are hoping to have their names called over the next three days: Daniel Bituli, Marquez Callaway, Jauan Jennings, Darrell Taylor, Nigel Warrior and Dominick Wood-Anderson. None of them are expected first-rounders, but they all have a chance to be called at some point.
"Multiple Tennessee Vols are ready to take the next step in their football careers as the 2020 NFL Draft takes place Thursday through Saturday live on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Round 1 airs beginning at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. Rounds 2 and 3 will be held Friday with a 7 p.m. start. Rounds 4 through 7 get underway at noon Saturday."
Darrell Taylor speaks with VFL Films – Vol football Twitter
Over the past week, Tennessee football edge rusher Darrell Taylor’s draft stock has risen significantly. He did an interview with Kasey Funderburg that was posted to the UT football Twitter account about what might happen and his preparation for the draft. Here’s a bit of what he said about how Jeremy Pruitt and his staff helped him.
"“Having two years with them, I learned a lot with them at Tennessee. It was a great opportunity to have those coaches coach me. They coached me hard, prepared me for what I’m about to do now.”"
Tyler Byrd speaks on career – Matthew Ray, SI.com
He’s not expected to be drafted, but Tennessee football wide receiver Tyler Byrd did submit his name. In a recent interview, he talked about his time on Rocky Top. Here’s a bit of what he said about his crucial touchdown catch this past year against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
"“It was a very exciting moment. I was just playing things by ear and waiting for my chance to showcase what I can do. So, my moment finally came, and I tried to run with it the best I can, and it ultimately resulted in a touchdown. I was trying to catch the ball and do my job.”"
Peyton Manning charity golf game on – Bob Harig, ESPN.com
After a few weeks of rumors, Peyton Manning and Tigers Woods are officially on for a coronavirus relief fundraiser. The two will pair together and face Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson. The event is set to air live on TNT at an unnamed location without spectators, and it could happen during Memorial Day Weekend.
"A firm date and location for the match have not been decided, although a source told ESPN that it is expected to be held in Florida. Turner Sports said event organizers are working with state and local government and public health officials to ensure the event follows safety and health protocols."