Tennessee Vols morning report: National Signing Day 2022 in the books
Normally this happens after the Super Bowl, but with the change in dates, lots of postseason college football news is happening a week and a half beforehand. All of it happens to affect the Tennessee Vols as well.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with a final wrap-up of National Signing Day, which cemented Josh Heupel’s second recruiting class at UT and first in which all the players were signed by him. We also have a college football all-star game involving two former Vols to cover.
Beyond college football, the Tennessee Lady Vols visit the Florida Gators tonight, and we’ll have a separate preview for that. We’ll close this post up with more preseason recognition in baseball and an award in men’s tennis.
No new commitments, one new signee on National Signing Day 2022 – UTSports
With 21 signees and a top 25 class across all services, the Tennessee Vols football team has completed its recruiting class. On Wednesday, they finished the class by signing defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins. Assembling the roster isn’t over, though, as UT added tons of walk-ons and may add more while they also target the transfer portal with their available scholarships.
"As of Wednesday afternoon, the #eVOLution22 class was ranked No. 12 by Rivals.com, No. 15 by 247Sports.com and No. 15 by On3.com. The class comes one year after the arrival of Heupel, who guided the Volunteers on a remarkable turnaround with seven victories and eight school team records last fall."
Two former Vols competing in East West Shrine Bowl – ShrineBowl.com
A pair of outgoing seniors for Tennessee football are set to take part in Thursday’s East West Shrine Bowl. Defensive back Theo Jackson and defensive lineman Matthew Butler will play for the West roster. The game is set for 8 p.m. ET this evening in Las Vegas, Nev. at Allegiant Stadium.
"The East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest running college all-star football game in the nation. The East-West Shrine Bowl is an important part of America’s football tradition, giving top college players a chance to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and a national television audience."
Baseball places two on another preseason All-American list – SportsWriters.net
After being named Baseball America All-Americans on Monday, Tennessee Vols baseball sophomore pitcher Blade Tidwell and junior outfielder Jordan Beck both were recognized as National Collegiate Baseball Writers Preseason All-Americans Wednesday. Tidwell earned First Team, and Beck earned Second Team.
"From this sterling group, there are 23 different conferences represented, along with 13 conference championships teams and 21 NCAA Regional teams from ’21, 23 total conferences and 60 different schools. The SEC, with 16 All-America choices, Big 12 with 12, and Atlantic Coast Conference with nine standouts topped all circuit selections."
Men’s tennis freshman recognized by SEC – SECSports.com
Shunsuke Mitsui was named SEC Men’s Tennis Freshman of the Week for his performances in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Kickoff Weekend. UT, ranked No. 1 in the nation, swept the Old Dominion Monarchs and Memphis Tigers last weekend with Mitsui’s help.
"The freshman from Shizuoka, Japan handily defeated Old Dominion’s Oliver Nolan, 6-1, 6-3 at the No. 6 singles slot Friday to open the ITA Kickoff Weekend. He then took down the Memphis doubles pair of Cutting and Sydow, 6-4 alongside doubles partner Emile Hudd."