Tennessee Vols morning report: First practice in full pads, attendance policy

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Another Tennessee Vols practice and Neyland Stadium policies lead our Volunteers news for Aug. 26, 2020.

Assuming there are no changes to the schedule, the Tennessee Vols will begin their football season exactly one month from today when they visit the South Carolina Gamecocks. Yes, things are drawing nearer in this very odd year, and we have more coverage on that.

Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with a new development that took place in practice Tuesday. It’s standard for this to happen each fall camp, but every new development to signal the season being closer amidst the pandemic is a big deal. More updates on attendance policies while this virus exists also warrant some coverage.

Finally, we have another bit of official national recognition for one of UT’s most recognizable players. So it’s safe to say it’s all Tennessee Vols football news today. Let’s start with the abstract developments happening, though.

Football holds first practice in full pads – Ryan Callahan, GoVols247

Fall camp continued for Tennessee football on Tuesday, and the Vols held their first full practice in pads. Meanwhile, quarterback Harrison Bailey, who was out last week, was back on the field. This practice came after a two-day break.

"Inclement weather forced the Vols inside Neyland-Thompson Sports Center for Tuesday’s approximately two-hour practice. All of Tennessee’s practices are expected to be closed to media in an effort to help players stay healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic."

UT announces attendance policy – UTSports

The Tennessee Vols detailed their plans for attendance amidst the pandemic during the season on Tuesday. Neyland Stadium is set to be at about 25 percent attendance for Rocky Top’s first home game, Oct. 3 against the Missouri Tigers. There are five home games on the team’s 10-game SEC-only schedule this year.

"Current UT students and active Tennessee Fund donors with season tickets will receive priority on 2020 football tickets. Tickets will be offered as season tickets based on Tennessee Fund annual gift amount and rank order. With the Vols scheduled to host five SEC opponents for the first time since 1959, the original season-ticket price has not changed."

Trey Smith named preseason AP All-American – Ralph D. Russo, APNews.com

One day after Tennessee football came in at No. 25 in the 2020 preseason AP Poll, the Associated Press had more love for a specific player on the Vols. Continuing with his preseason hype entering his senior year, 6’6″ 330-pound guard Trey Smith was named a first-team All-American by the outlet. The 47 AP Poll voters included players on teams who have postponed fall sports as well.

"The results show just how much star power will be missing from this pandemic-altered college football season. Twelve second-team All-Americans will also not play in the fall, including quarterback Justin Fields from defending Big Ten champion and preseason No. 2 Ohio State."