Tennessee Vols morning report: Josh Heupel previews Vanderbilt

Thanksgiving is two days away, and as the Tennessee Vols move past what was a thrilling weekend in their three major sports, UT fans clearly have plenty to be thankful for. Success in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball has a lot to do with that.

Our morning update on Rocky Top continues with coverage of the football and men’s basketball programs. One deals with an update on the rankings, and the other deals with multiple press conferences looking ahead to the final week of the regular season. This comes as the program added a key football commitment for 2022 Tuesday in edge rusher Joshua Josephs.

Beyond the press conferences in football, though, we’ve got another recognition story involving a specific player to bring you based on what he did this past weekend. Finally, we’ll close out with an update on the men’s tennis program. Simply put, there’s plenty of news, but it’s football heavy.

Josh Heupel recaps South Alabama, talks Vanderbilt – Matt Ray, SI.com

Two days after their 60-14 win over the South Alabama Jaguars, the Tennessee Vols football team was back at work Monday preparing for the final game of the regular season against the Vanderbilt Commodores. This is a game that could assure them a winning record to close out the year. Josh Heupel spoke about the week Monday. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“From the moment I got here, I never placed a ceiling on what our football team could do. You’ve heard me say it, that we’re in a race against ourselves. I’m so proud of the growth from the first day that I got here to who we are now.”"

Seniors discuss final home game – Austin Price, VolQuest

Saturday will be Senior Day for a few Tennessee football players, although some of them could still take advantage of the 2020 COVID eligibility ruling and come back next year. Defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. won’t be able to do that, though, and both spoke Monday. Blakely talked about the impact UT had on him. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“Really everybody that I have come in contact with in my time here at Tennessee has meant something to me in such small ways and big ways. (I have) just been blessed to be here and have those people in my corner, and know that I can call them whenever I need them.”"

Jones, meanwhile, talked about his decision to transfer from the USC Trojans after the 2019 season. Here’s his explanation for that.

"“At USC, I would’ve never known it would’ve unfolded this way with me coming to Tennessee. It’s just amazing, living life a day at a time. I’ve been blessed, and everything has been going well for me.”"

Tim Banks speaks at Knoxville QB Club – 99.1 The Sports Animal

With local five-star Texas A&M Aggies defensive line commitment Walter Nolen in the audience, UT defensive coordinator Tim Banks spoke at the Knoxville Quarterback Club Monday. At one point, he appeared to make a final pitch to Nolen, despite his commitment elsewhere, by touting defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who was in attendance. Here’s what he said about Garner.

"“I’ve known Coach Garner since I’ve been in coaching. He’s very consistent, no matter where he’s at, whether he’s at UT or some of the lesser programs that he’s been in the SEC.”"

SEC recognizes Velus Jones Jr. – SECSports

In addition to speaking Monday, Jones was recognized by the Southeastern Conference for his play against the South Alabama Jaguars. He shared Special Teams Player of the Week honors with Missouri Tigers place kicker Harrison Mevis.

"Jones Jr. finished with a career-best 246 all-purpose yards, including 47 yards on three punt returns and a dazzling 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter as Tennessee became bowl eligible with a 60-14 win over South Alabama.It was UT’s first kickoff return for a touchdown since Ty Chandler had a 91-yard return vs. Indiana State on Sept. 9, 2017. It was the second of Jones’ college career as he had a 100-yarder while at USC in 2019."

Men’s basketball moves up in AP Poll – AP.org

After losing to the Villanova Wildcats but beating the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off this past weekend, the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team moved up two spots in the Associated Press top 25. UT is now at No. 15.

"The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ college basketball poll, with first-place votes noted in parentheses, are determined by a points system. A team receives 25 points for a first-place vote, 24 points for a second-place vote and so on through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking."

Coaches Poll standing unchanged for men’s basketball – USA TODAY

While they moved up in the AP Poll, Tennessee basketball’s position didn’t change at all in the Coaches Poll. UT was No. 17 in that poll just like the AP Poll last week, and that’s where they remain this week.

"The Ferris Mowers Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, is conducted weekly throughout the regular season using a panel of head coaches at Division I schools. The panel is chosen in consultation with the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The voters represent each of the 32 Division I conferences that receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament."

Tennis releases 2022 spring schedule – UTSports

Three days after the women’s tennis program released its 2022 spring schedule, the Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program followed suit. Rocky Top will begin play on Wednesday, Jan. 12, hosting the ETSU Bucs.

"UT’s spring consists of 22 dual matches, with 15 in Knoxville and seven on the road. Tennessee boasts an impressive 39-4 record in home dual matches over the past three seasons, including 22-straight victories of such dating back to January 2020."