Tennessee Vols morning report: Trey Smith draft stock, Jordan Bone degree
Analysis surrounding Tennessee Vols football offensive lineman Trey Smith leads our Volunteers news for Monday, May 11, 2020.
What a weekend for the Tennessee Vols! The football program continued its recruiting dominance by securing three more players, two of whom are unanimous four-stars across the board and another of whom averages out to a four-star across all services.
That is obviously what dominated the headlines. Beyond that, though, there were still things to cover. Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with the draft stock of a specific football player, but it also includes a former basketball Vol’s Mother’s Day gift.
In addition to feature stories surrounding players, personnel news in volleyball is also a story along with honors for the rowing program. So there are still things to cover as everybody waits for sports to return. Let’s start with the individual features.
Trey Smith a top 15 draft prospect – Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
Rising senior offensive linemen Trey Smith is the Tennessee Vols football program’s best NFL Draft prospect as of right now for 2021. He was ranked No. 14 by PFF. Smith chose to return for his senior season instead of entering the 2020 NFL Draft earlier this year.
"Smith’s offseasons have been torpedoed due to blood clots in his lungs that have put his playing career in jeopardy. He was cleared to play on the eve of the 2019 season and understandably struggled out the gate. From Week 8 on, though, Smith was the second highest-graded Power-5 guard in football. Finally getting a full, healthy offseason should do wonders for his game and his draft stock."
Jordan Bone gets degree – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Former Tennessee Vols men’s basketball guard Jordan Bone obtained his degree in secret as a Mother’s Day gift for his mom Karen. He spoke in a video on the UT basketball Twitter account about how and why he did it.
"Bone left early for the 2019 NBA Draft and heard his name called with the 57th overall pick, ultimately landing in Detroit after a couple draft-night trades. He started 30 times in 31 games this season for the Grand Rapid Drive, the G-League affiliate of the Pistons coached by former Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall."
Volleyball announces transfer – UTSports
Head coach Eve Rackham of the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball program announced the addition of transfer Carissa Bradford from Pacific over the weekend. Bradford is an outside hitter who will have three years of eligibility.
"The addition of Bradford bolsters an already talented incoming class for the Lady Vols as Tennessee’s 2020 class received Highest Honorable Mention from Prep Volleyball in their Top 30 college recruiting classes. The Granada Hills, Calif., native played a key role in Pacific’s offense in 2019, playing in 116 sets over 30 matches with 27 starts. Bradford’s 231 kills ranked third on the team as she averaged just under two kills per set."
Rowing places dozens on All-Academic team – Big12Sports.com
Two dozen members of the Tennessee Lady Vols rowing team made the Academic All-Big 12 rowing team for 2020. Of those 24 members, 19 were first-teamers, and five were second-teamers. There were 163 first-teamers overall and 33 second-teamers.
"First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence."