Tennessee Vols morning report: NIL plan, SEC transfer rule, baseball regional
We’ve reached the first Friday in June, and the Tennessee Vols continue to be loaded with news. From the start of a new postseason to how rules changes will affect the program, it’s a huge day of coverage, which isn’t common this time of year.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with two specific rules changes. One involves how UT plans to address new legislation affecting player benefits, and another deals with the SEC in general and how it is handling transfers. At the same time, the baseball NCAA Tournament officially begins, and we have to preview that.
Beyond those three huge stories, there are individual recognitions in baseball, men’s basketball and rowing along with certain athletes in swimming and diving getting set to compete on a huge stage. Simply put, there is plenty to cover. Let’s dive in with the rules news.
UT officially introduces NIL plan –UTSports
With new legislation on Name, Image and Likeness involving college athletes in many states, the Tennessee Vols have officially introduced a plan to help players handle the matter. Tennessee became the 15th state to pass such legislation last month.
"In addition to securing the services and expertise of leading-edge NIL-focused firm Altius Sports Partners, Tennessee Athletics also has worked closely with on-campus experts to enhance the university’s for-credit Entrepreneurship minor in UT’s Haslam College of Business. A recent leadership gift from an anonymous Tennessee Fund donor has been earmarked for continued development of the university’s NIL-centric academic programming as well."
SEC intraconference transfers can play immediately – SECSports
As the transfer situation changes across the country, the Southeastern Conference took part in it Thursday with a new rule. Transfers from one SEC school to another will be allowed to play immediately, and the new rule also goes into effect immediately.
"The change in policy, which takes effect immediately, will better align with NCAA legislation adopted in April 2021 that established a universal one-time transfer opportunity applicable to student-athletes across all sports.As a result of the SEC’s new policy, student-athletes who transfer directly within the Conference will no longer be required to serve an automatic year in residence at their new school before being eligible for competition."
Baseball begins regional play – NCAA.com
A 6 p.m. ET home game against the Wright State Raiders today marks the start of NCAA Regionals for the No. 3 overall seed Tennessee Vols baseball team. UT is hosting its regional this weekend, which also includes the Duke Blue Devils and Liberty Flames.
"Regional play begins today in the 2021 DI baseball championships. The field of 64 teams will play in 16 locations with games beginning at noon."
Kennedy Chandler invited to U19 Training Camp – USAB.com
Incoming Tennessee Vols men’s basketball freshman Kennedy Chandler has been invited to the men’s basketball U19 World Cup Team Training Camp. Chandler is among 10 players who will be true freshmen on college basketball teams this fall.
"Twelve athletes with prior USA Basketball experience are among the 27 athletes who have accepted invitations to attend the 2021 USA Basketball Men’s U19 World Cup Team training camp. The athletes, age 19 years old or younger, will compete June 20-22 at TCU in hopes of being named to the 12-member team that will represent the USA at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup for Men."
Jake Rucker earns All-American honors – Baseballnews.com
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper named Tennessee baseball junior infielder Jake Rucker a third-team All-American. Rucker is hitting .332 on the year with seven home runs.
"Collegiate Baseball’s National Player of The Year is University of Arkansas closer Kevin Kopps. He put up astounding numbers as he posted a 10-0 record, 10 saves, 0.81 ERA and struck out 105 batters with only 15 walks."
Rowing places 23 on Academic All-Big 12 – Big12Sports.com
Of the 174 members on the 2021 Academic All-Big 12 rowing team, for 2021, 23 came from the Tennessee Lady Vols, all First Team. UT had three players among the 29 that earned perfect 4.0 GPAs: senior Gia Hodges, senior Rebecca Caruso and sophomore Kelly Henley.
"A total of 113 members are from Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia, while the remaining 61 are from the league’s two affiliate members in the sport – Alabama and Tennessee.The first team is comprised of 163 honorees, while the second team totals 11."
Swimming sends 18 to Olympic trials – USA Swimming
The Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s swimming programs will send 18 athletes to the 2021 Olympic Team Trials. Those trials begin Friday in Nebraska.
"Future stars will shine brightly at the Wave I “wildcard weekend” from June 4-7, and the Olympic team will be named from June 13-20."