Tennessee Vols morning report: Hendon Hooker, Cade Mays, Len’Neth Whitehead honored
Monday was the chance for Tennessee Vols fans to revel in such an impressive win over the Missouri Tigers, and it showed with numerous players being recognized by different outlets. At the same time, they had to get ready for this week’s game.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with continuing coverage of the football program on both fronts. Three players were recognized by two outlets, Monday’s weekly press conference to kick off this week too place, the time for another game was set, and an assistant coach spoke at a weekly event.
Beyond football, though, we have a volleyball award to cover along with ongoing events in men’s and women’s golf. A men’s tennis signing also made news, so there is plenty. for us to touch on today. Let’s start with all the football coverafe.
Cade Mays, Len’Neth Whitehead honored by SEC – Jack Foster, SI.com
Two members of the Tennessee Vols football team’s rushing attack were recognized for their efforts in helping UT run for 458 yards in their 62-24 win over the Missouri Tiger Saturday. Offensive lineman Cade Mays and running back Len’Neth Whitehead each won a weekly award.
"Tennessee senior offensive lineman Cade Mays has been named SEC offensive lineman of the week, and freshman running back Len’Neth Whitehead has been named SEC co-freshman of the week. It is the first time this season a Volunteer has been given SEC honors, and now two have been awarded following Tennessee’s division win over Mizzou."
Manning Award recognizes Hendon Hooker – AllStateSugarBowl.org
It’s safe to say Hendon Hooker is Tennessee football’s full-time starting quarterback now. After his efforts in helping UT beat Mizzou, he was named one of the eight Manning Award Stars of the Week on Monday.
"Hooker, who also rushes for 80 yards and a touchdown, becomes the first Vol quarterback since 2016 to throw multiple TD passes in four straight games as he leads the Volunteers to scores on their first nine possessions in a 62-24 SEC win over Missouri on the road."
Josh Heupel, Ollie Lane preview South Carolina – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest
On the heels of the biggest win of his early career at UT, head coach Josh Heupel spoke on Monday along with offensive lineman Ollie Lane to kickoff the week ahead as his team prepares for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Heupel mentioned that Al Wilson would be honored Saturday for his College Football Hall of Fame induction. Here’s a bit of what he said about South Carolina.
"“You look at how they’ve played inside the conference already against two really quality opponents. For us offensively, we’ve got to do a great job of running the football and being balanced. Defensively, got to control and dominate the line of scrimmage. Special teams will be a huge part in this football game.”"
Lane, meanwhile, talked about being a local player and a contributor to the program. Here’s how he described it.
"“I basically describe it as I’m living the dream. Every time coming up through high school at Gibbs, it was my dream to come and play football here at Tennessee, and when I finally got the opportunity, I knew exactly the decision I wanted to make.”"
Start time for Ole Miss announced – Dan Harralson, VolsWire
Following this week’s game against South Carolina, Tennessee football will be back in front of a night audience. The Vols will host the Ole Miss Rebels at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
"The matchup will showcase former Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin against the Vols. Kiffin served as Tennessee’s head coach in 2009 and is in the same capacity at Ole Miss."
Willie Martinez speaks at Knoxville Quarterback Club – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Secondary coach Willie Martinez of the Tennessee Vols football team addressed the Knoxville Quarterback Club Monday afternoon. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“Really, it’s awesome to be back. The last time I was here, obviously we went 3-0 in bowl games, was really rocking and rolling. It was really some fun times to see the thing turn. It’s a great place. I say that to everybody about Rocky Top.”"
SEC recognizes volleyball senior – SECSports
Thanks to her efforts as the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team split with the Texas A&M Aggies last weekend, Ava Bell was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week. This is her first weekly honor from the league.
"Tennessee’s Ava Bell, a senior middle blocker from Austin, Texas, registered 23 kills on 35 attempts with just one error for a .629 hitting percentage over three matches. On the week, Bell averaged 2.85 points, 2.30 kills and 1.00 blocks per set for the Lady Vols."
Golf teams compete in Blessings Collegiate Invitational – BlessingsCollegiate.com
The first day of the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Ark., saw the Tennessee Vols men’s golf team in fourth place at Even and the Lady Vols golf team in 10th place at plus-32. Play resumes Tuesday and will last through Wednesday. Scores for all 10 participating teams can be found here.
"The Blessings Collegiate Invitational is a 54-hole stroke play competition, with the men’s and women’s teams competing on the same course and in the same conditions throughout the week. The comprehensive tournament field includes a lineup of distinguished programs from each of the Power 5 Conferences as well as one American Athletic Conference team."
Men’s tennis sends duo to Round of 16 at ITA event – WeAreCollegeTennis.com
Freshman Shunsuke Mitsui and senior Emile Hudd reached the Round of 16 at the first day of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Doubles Qualifying event. This is part of the ITA All-American Championships, which includes multiple singles and doubles Tennessee Vols players. The women’s event starts on Monday.
"Live scoring and live streaming will be available for the men’s tournament. Fans can follow along with the men’s tournament on the Tulsa website. Live scoring will be provided by Tennis Ticker for the women’s tournament and will be available prior to the start of play."
Men’s tennis signs Blaise Bicknell – UTSports
Florida Gators transfer has officially signed with the Tennessee men’s tennis program. Head coach Chris Woodruff announced the signing Monday.