Tennessee Vols morning report: Football 2021 spring practice dates set
A wild aftermath to the 2020 Tennessee Vols football season is finally winding down, and after a coaching change and tons of transfers, UT can finally begin to look ahead to 2021. More news that hit the stands Wednesday made that clear.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with the football program setting its dates for spring practice and the Orange and White game. We also have news on former players invited to the NFL Combine. Beyond football, though, men’s basketball makes news with a press conference involving two key players, and a women’s basketball award update also makes news.
Recaps in baseball and women’s golf also make today’s report along with another award involving men’s tennis, so there is plenty of news to get to despite no basketball games in the middle of the week. Let’s start with the football coverage.
Spring practice to begin March 23 – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
Josh Heupel’s staff is almost filled out, and all that’s left is for him to confirm his final addition with an announcement. Now, the Tennessee Vols football team can look ahead to spring practice, which was announced Wednesday to begin Tuesday, March 23. The Orange and White game is set for Saturday, April 24.
"A kickoff time and further details about the spring game in accordance with ongoing COVID-19 protocols will be announced in the coming weeks.The Vols did not have a spring game in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tennessee took part in two practices before spring athletics were canceled."
Three Vols invited to NFL Combine – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
Trey Smith, Josh Palmer and Bryce Thompson all received NFL Combine invites. This year, the combine will be held virtually and take place on a school’s Pro Day, which will be on March 25 in Tennessee football’s case.
"The NFL informed its teams back in January that the Combine, typically held in Indianapolis around the end of February and start of March, was changing formats. The biggest alteration to the annual event was no in-person workouts would be held with all interviews and psychological testing being done virtually with limited in-person medical exams."
Yves Pons, John Fulkerson address media – Rob Lewis, VolQuest
On Sunday, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team will finish the regular season against the Florida Gators. It may be the final home game for seniors Yves Pons and John Fulkerson, although given the NCAA COVID-related eligibility ruling, they could come back next year. Both spoke with the media Wednesday. Pons talked about his memories at UT. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“It’s been an amazing four years since I’ve been here. I got everything I wanted and it was a great experience. I got much better in basketball and my skills, and I had the chance to meet amazing people. It’s amazing, I’m from another country so it’s a new culture and new language, so that was a fun experience.”"
Fulkerson, a fifth-year senior after taking a redshirt in 2016-2017 due to a season-ending injury, spoke about whether or not he may come back next year. This is his explanation.
"“Have I made a decision yet? Not yet. Am I thinking about returning? Of course. It’s hard to pass up this institution, this basketball program, these coaches, my teammates, the university. And so absolutely I’m thinking about returning.”"
Rennia Davis a finalist for Cheryl Miller Award – HoopHallAwards.com
In the midst of five straight games scoring over 20 points, Rennia Davis made a huge cut on Wednesday. The Tennessee Lady Vols senior forward is now one of five finalists for the Cheryl Miller Award, given annually to the nation’s best women’s college basketball small forward.
"Cheryl Miller took women’s basketball off the court and into the air above the rim. With tremendous grace and athletic dexterity, Miller established a legacy throughout her high school and college career that is unparalleled."
Baseball Vols top Austin Peay on the road – UT Daily Beacon
After splitting a four-game series with the Indiana State Sycamores over the weekend, the No. 17 ranked Tennessee Vols men’s baseball team took the diamond again Wednesday in a road game against the Austin Peay Governors. UT scored five runs in the fifth inning, and pitcher Elijah Pleasants came out of the bullpen to pitch six innings, allowing only three hits and no runs.
"Tennessee (8-2) traveled to Clarksville for a game that was added to its schedule earlier this week. The Vols’ original opponent, Dayton, pulled out of the game on Monday, so they added a road trip to Austin Peay (1-6) and took care of business."
Women’s golf completes Gamecock Invitational – UTSports
With a final score round of 3-under at 291, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf program completed the third and final day of the Gamecock Invitational, hosted by the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, S.C., in 13th place. Sophomore Nicole Whiston was the team’s top performer.
"Whiston led the Lady Vols this week, recording her second top-20 finish of the season and the first since the Liz Murphey Fall Collegiate Classic in November. The sophomore carded a three-day score of +3 (219) to finish tied for 20th."
Johannus Monday recognized again by SEC – SECSports
For the sixth straight week, Tennessee Vols men’s tennis freshman Johannus Monday was named SEC Freshman of the Week. Monday helped UT defeat the No. 22 ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs 6-1 last Friday and the Ole Miss Rebels 7-0 on Sunday.
"Against Mississippi State, Monday battled through two tiebreaks (7-6(4), 7-6(4)) to knock of No. 87 Florian Broska in a unique match where neither player broke the others serve. On Sunday, Monday gave the Vols a 2-0 lead with a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory over No. 62 Tim Sandkaulen."