Tennessee Vols morning report: Offensive linemen speak on spring ball

Talk about a crazy day for the Tennessee Vols on the recruiting trail. After struggling in the transfer portal, men’s basketball picked up four-star center Jonas Aidoo. Meanwhile, football picked up its first commitment of 2022 in three-star linebacker Elijah Herring.

Our morning update on Rocky Top actually involves the signing of another recruit in basketball. We also have continuing coverage of spring football, as multiple players spoke with the media on that front Wednesday. Then there are individual recognitions we have to cover in baseball, football, swimming and diving and women’s tennis.

Finally, there are scheduled events we have to cover, including recaps in softball, women’s tennis and swimming and diving. So there’s plenty to dive into. Let’s start things off with our continuing coverage of the football program.

Offensive linemen discuss spring practice – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest.com

As spring practice continues for the Tennessee Vols football program, offensive linemen Jerome Carvin, Cade Mays and Cooper Mays spoke with the media Wednesday. Carvin discussed learning a new system under Josh Heupel and Glen Elarbee. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“It’s been a transition, early on, learning a new playbook, but man, we took strides. This offense is fast. You know, it’s a tempo offense, so we’ve got to learn quick.”"

Cade and Cooper Mays spoke to the media together. Cooper Mays talked about taking a big leap, which Elarbee said he had taken the day before. Here’s what he took that to mean.

"“I’ve gotten a lot better with their whole technique. Everything’s kind of different this year, so I’m trying to just work on what they’ve implemented and do it better each and everyday.”"

Adjusting to the tempo was also a topic of conversation. However, Cade Mays did not come across as phased by that. Here’s what he said.

"“We’re playing football at the end of the day, so whatever offense it is, we’re going to go out and play. I’m sure the wide receivers love getting vertical down the field and stuff, but as an offensive lineman it’s the same thing. We’re running the ball, passing the ball. It’s very balanced.”"

Basketball signs Quentin Diboundje – Grant Ramey, GoVols247

French guard Quinten Diboundje, who committed to the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball program last week, signed with Rick Barnes and co. on Wednesday. Diboundje, a 6’6″ shooting specialist who weighs somewhere between 180 and 185 pounds, was a three-star on Rivals but not rated on 247Sports. Initially from Montpelier, France, he has been playing in Florida.

"Tennessee noted in Wednesday’s press release that Diboundje will compete with the French national team this summer at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia. Diboundje is the fourth name in Tennessee’s 2021 class, joining five-star point guard Kennedy Chandler and four-star wing Jahmai Mashack, both of which signed with the Vols in November during college basketball’s early signing period."

Brandon Kennedy makes NFF Hampshire Honor Society – footballfoundation.org

After completing his sixth year of college ball, Tennessee football offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy was named a National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society member. He is the 16th player from UT to earn that honor since it began in 2007.

"An elite group of 897 players from 256 schools qualified for membership in 2021, the Society’s 15th year. The initiative has now honored 13,064 student-athletes since its inception."

Shortstop makes Golden Spikes watch list – USABaseball.com

With a .405 batting average, Tennessee Vols baseball senior infielder Liam Spence was named to the Golden Spikes Award midseason watch list Wednesday. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

"The midseason watch list features 45 of the nation’s top amateur players from the high school and college ranks and includes 34 athletes who have played their way onto the watch list since the preseason list was announced on February 18. The Golden Spikes Award Advisory Board will continue to maintain a rolling list of athletes, allowing players to play themselves into consideration for the award before announcing the semifinalists on June 8."

Softball sweeps Tennessee State – Ken Lay, VolsWire.com

Two days removed from shutting out the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, dominant pitching continued for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team Wednesday. They improved to 31-6 by sweeping the Tennessee State Tigers in a doubleheader.

"Tennessee, ranked 16th in the nation, nabbed a pair of victory over the Tigers, claiming the opener 2-1 and posting a 3-0 shutout in the night cap.Hits came at a premium for the Lady Vols all day, but Tennessee was opportunistic in both contests."

Women’s golf opens SEC Tournament – UTSports

On Wednesday, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf program finished the first round of the SEC Tournament in 10th place at two-under. Freshman Vanessa Gilly led the way for UT with a total score of 67. Tournament play resumes Thursday.

"Gilly made six birdies on the day, including back-to-back birdies on two occasions. After 18 holes, she is tied for fourth place at 5-under and will look to build off the best round of her collegiate career tomorrow."

Women’s tennis falls to Texas A&M – UTSports

In their regular season finale, the Tennessee Lady Vols tennis team fell 4-3 to the Texas A&M Aggies on the road. Up next for them is SEC postseason play, beginning Monday, April 19. Despite the loss, senior Johanna Silva reached a milestone for the program with another singles win.

"When UT (14-7, 8-5 SEC) was down 2-1, the senior from Hamburg, Germany downed Riley McQuaid on court six in straight sets (6-3, 7-6(3)) to claim her 86th career singles win. She is now tied for 15th all-time in program wins at Tennessee."

Multiple Vols earn swimming and diving honors – SECSports

A pair of Tennessee Vols swimming and diving freshmen were recognized by the SEC Wednesday. Bryden Hattie was named SEC Male Freshman Diver of the Year, and Mona McSharry was named SEC Female Freshman Swimmer of the Year.

"For the All-SEC Teams, the First Team consists of the top finisher in each event at the SEC Championships, and the Second Team consists of the second- and third-place finishers in each event. The All-Freshman Teams consist of any redshirt or true freshman who finished either in the top eight or is the highest scoring freshman of each event at the SEC Championships, excluding relay events."

Tenika McGiffin women’s tennis SEC Player of the Week – SECSports

Before the Tennessee Lady Vols tennis team lost its regular season finale, one of its players received recognition for her play the previous week. Senior Tenika McGiffin was named SEC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week for her role in helping UT top the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide this past weekend.

"The senior won both of her singles matches and earned a ranked win in doubles. Against Auburn, she and partner Elenora Molinaro were ahead of Georgie Axon and Adeline Flach 6-5 when the doubles point was clinched. She then earned a straight-set win over Flach on court five to score UT’s first singles point. Against Alabama, McGiffin and Molinaro earned their first win over a ranked opponent when they downed No. 49-ranked Moka Ito and Loudmilla Bencheikh 6-4 on court one to clinch the doubles point."