Tennessee Vols morning report: Brandon Johnson, Deandre Johnson speak
Interviews with Brandon Johnson and Deandre Johnson lead our Tennessee Vols news for Sept. 30.
We’ve reached the final day of September. Fall and football season are in full swing, even if the pandemic has not gone away, and the Tennessee Vols have fans all over the world excited about where the program is heading after last week’s win at the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Our morning update on Rocky Top continues with the football program’s preparations for this week’s game against the Missouri Tigers. Multiple seniors spoke Tuesday about the game and where they stand at the moment, a day after the coaches spoke.
In addition to touching on that, we also have news of a basketball player preparing something interesting. We’ll then close with recognition for another women’s soccer player, as those keep coming in this week. Let’s start, however, with the football news.
Brandon Johnson, Deandre Johnson speak ahead of Missouri – UTSports
After solid performances in the Tennessee Vols football program’s win at the Missouri Tigers, senior wide receiver Brandon Johnson and senior outside linebacker Deandre Johnson both spoke on Tuesday. Brandon Johnson, who had a one-handed grab and three receptions for 73 yards, talked about his expanded role in the system. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“We just buy in to Coach Pruitt and what he is telling us, we put on more steam that is what we do. And if it is not going our way, Coach Pruitt always tells us to find a way to win, no matter what it is or what the score says you got to find a way to win. I think as a team we are really buying into that, and that is how we have come out on top.”"
Deandre Johnson, who had two and a half sacks and was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, looked ahead to the Missouri Tigers. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“One of the biggest things we focused on this offseason was just coming together as a unit. Guys are just buying in to the program, buying in to what Coach Pruitt is saying every day and it’s just coming to light. These guys are working hard, busting their tails off and we just want to win, so it’s coming to light.”"
Yves Pons to host virtual cooking class – WATE
On Sunday, Oct. 25, Tennessee Vols basketball senior forward Yves Pons will host a virtual cooking class on zoom in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in East Tennessee. The class will last from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"During the two-hour interactive class, the Frenchman will teach participants how to make an entree and dessert from his native county. The class is open to anyone and costs $50, all proceeds will go directly to the Make-A-Wish foundation."
Wrenne French on TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week – Topdrawersoccer.com
Coming off the Tennessee Lady Vols soccer program’s 1-0 win over the No. 10 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores Sunday, UT senior defender Wrenne French was named to the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week. French played all 92 minutes in the game and was crucial to her team securing a shutout in the game.
"It was a close battle between the two in-state rivals, with Tennessee edging the game by a 1-0 score in overtime. French anchored a defensive effort that limited Vanderbilt star Haley Hopkins to just one shot on goal, setting the table for the winner."