Tennessee Vols morning report: NCAA lets athletes return to campus
Athletes for the Tennessee Vols returning to campus leads our May 21, 2020 update.
Just as developments occur to return college sports to normalcy, the Tennessee Vols make a splash once again with a major four-star commitment for their 2021 class Wednesday night. So yes, they continue to be on a roll and stealing headlines as we cover things happening currently with the program during quarantine.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with a major decision by the NCAA that was made on Wednesday and the effect it will have on UT. This could be the start of what everybody has been waiting for, although it will take some time to get where everybody wants to be.
We also have a coverages of one of the school’s head coaches’ takes on this whole situation, and there is a transfer story in softball to get to. So the news is still flowing as the Tennessee Vols are still picking up elite football recruits. Let’s start with the NCAA news.
June 1 marked as date athletes can return to campus – Pete Thamel, Yahoo Sports
The NCAA voted Wednesday to begin approve voluntary workout activities for football, basketball and women’s basketball players beginning June 1, ending a shutdown on all athletic activities set to last through May 31. Still, the privileges will be limited and depend on the restrictions of state and local governments where each school resides.
"The availability and frequency of testing will be a big issue. There will be no NCAA mandate on required frequency of testing. It will be up to the schools and political decision-makers to develop protocols on the tests, which cost approximately $100 each. “No one wants to get into that,” said a source. “They want to leave it to your own campus and state.”"
Kellie Harper speaks about quarantine – Maria M. Cornelius, GoVols247
When the NCAA shut down all activities, the Tennessee Lady Vols were a bubble team waiting to see if they would get into the tournament under first-year head coach Kellie Harper. Throughout the pandemic, Harper and her staff have found ways to adjust to the situation. Here’s a bit of what she said.
"“You do what you need to do for the day, and it looks different every day. We have been very productive as a staff in these last two months. We’re trying to move forward in a lot of areas. One area that we can’t is on the court work with our team.”"
Softball adds transfer Ivy Davis – UTSports
Arizona Wildcats transfer Ivy Davis has landed with the Tennessee Lady Vols softball program. Once a top 50 recruit, Davis started 21 of 25 games at first base with Arizona this past year before the season was cut short.
"The Huntington Beach, Calif., native finished with .305 batting average in the abbreviated season, coming off one of the best offensive showings in her collegiate career. Davis recorded 13 RBI, three homers and finished with a .508 slugging percentage."