Tennessee Vols morning report: Jeremy Pruitt, Rick Barnes preview week
Multiple Tennessee Vols press conferences lead our Dec. 15 Volunteers news.
It’s always a big Monday when the Tennessee Vols are in the midst of football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball seasons all at once. However, even by those standards, this past Monday made a ton of news.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with two coaches giving their usual weekly press conferences. There wasn’t much news on that front alone, but it was something we still had to address as we usually do.
However, then there was a football transfer for us to cover along with a weekly SEC recognition. Later in the evening, a new game on the women’s basketball schedule also made news. So there’s still plenty for us to cover, starting with the pressers.
Jeremy Pruitt kicks off Texas A&M week – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
Coming off a 42-17 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores, Tennessee Vols football head coach Jeremy Pruitt previewed the Texas A&M Aggies at his press conference. Pruitt said some guys may and may not participate in Senior Day since all players could return next year, that Cade Mays is day to day and that the quarterback rotation would continue. Here’s a bit of what else he said.
"“We’ve got a great opportunity on Saturday. I know our guys are looking forward to it. It’s kind of like bowl practice this week. We don’t have school, so we’ll get a lot of opportunity to get prepared for this game, and I know our guys are excited about it.”"
Rick Barnes previews busy week – Rob Lewis, VolQuest.com
A 2-0 start has propelled the men’s Tennessee Vols basketball program back into the top 10 of both polls. They will face the Appalachian State Mountaineers Tuesday night, beginning a stretch of four games in nine days. In the midst of all that, head coach Rick Barnes previewed the week. Here’s what he said about the rotation.
"These minutes are going to be very important, and the guys have to understand that it’s about us getting better and having great respect for our opponent. But those minutes aren’t going to be given to anybody. They’re going to be minutes that are earned starting in practice. That’s how we’re going to move forward.”"
Brandon Johnson enters transfer portal – Matthew Ray, SI.com
After five seasons in the Tennessee football program, senior wide receiver Brandon Johnson will enter the transfer portal. Johnson made the announcement on his Twitter account Monday.
"Over the course of his career, Johnson has caught 79 passes for 969 yards and one touchdown. He made a highlight reel catch earlier this season that was featured on Sports Center, but now he will look to transfer. Sources have indicated that a reunion at Arkansas State with Butch Jones could be possible."
Bryce Thompson earns SEC honors – SECSports.com
In Saturday’s win over the Vanderbilt Commodores, Bryce Thompson came down with his second interception of the season. It was a pick-six that gave the Vols a 10-7 lead in the second quarter, earning him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"It was the first pick six of Thompson’s career and the 10th turnover forced of his career (eight interceptions, two forced fumbles). Thompson added two tackles and was the highest graded defensive player of the game with a 91.2 coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus."
Women’s basketball adds Indiana to schedule – UTSports
On the heels of their Sunday matchup at the Texas Longhorns being postponed, the Tennessee Lady Vols have added the No. 15 ranked Indiana Hoosiers, who are 2-1, to their schedule. Kellie Harper’s team will visit Bloomington, Ind. with a 3-1 record on Thursday.
"UT and Indiana have played only one time previously, meeting in the Communiplex Classic in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 27, 1987. No. 1/3 Tennessee cruised to a 91-52 victory on that occasion. The Lady Vols carry a 79-14 all-time record vs. current members of the Big Ten Conference into Thursday’s contest."