Tennessee Vols morning report: Nine players to take part in 2022 Pro Day
There’s no basketball or football going on anymore, but that doesn’t mean the Tennessee Vols aren’t busy. After all, spring practice is underway, baseball and softball are riding high, and former football players are getting ready for the NFL Draft.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with coverage of those former football players, as UT’s annual Pro Day is set for today. Speaking of drafts, though, we have another story in women’s basketball surrounding a Lady Vol who has declared for the event.
Beyond draft coverage, both baseball and softball have midweek games on the diamond tonight. Given how well both programs are doing, they are worth paying attention to, and we’ll cover them. Let’s start with the former football players getting ready for the draft, though.
Nine players to take part in Pro Day – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
NFL scouts have come down to Knoxville, Tenn., Wednesday as the Tennessee Vols football team holds its annual Pro Day. Matthew Butler, Alontae Taylor, Velus Jones Jr., Cade Mays, Theo Jackson, Ja’Quain Blakely, JaVonta Payton, Kenneth George Jr. and Donovan Slates will all be taking part in it.
"On Tuesday afternoon, four of Tennessee’s Pro Day participants — defensive backs Alontae Taylor and Kenneth George Jr., defensive lineman Matthew Butler and wide receiver/return specialist Velus Jones Jr. — met with the media to discuss their respective NFL Draft processes and reflect on their careers with the Vols.Taylor and Jones were joined by offensive lineman Cade Mays at the Reese’s Senior Bowl."
Rae Burrell declares for NBA Draft – Jack Foster, SI.com
It was already a sure thing that Alexus Dye and Keyen Green wouldn’t come back since they were out of eligibility. Dye sent a message to Lady Vol Nation on Instagram. However, now Rae Burrell is joining them. Burrell had another year of eligibility left despite being a senior, but she revealed on her Instagram account Tuesday that she’s heading to the pros.
"In her collegiate career, Burrell racked up 1,131 points and 458 rebounds with a 40.2 career field goal percentage. Her senior season had its ebbs and flows, as Burrell suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season that would sideline her for the rest of non-conference play."
Baseball Vols to host Western Carolina – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
Ranked No. 1 across the majority of services now for the first time ever, the Tennessee Vols baseball team has a midweek matchup before resuming SEC play this weekend in a huge series against the Vanderbilt Commodores. It’s just one game and not part of a series.
"No. 1 Tennessee (23-1, 6-0 SEC) will host Western Carolina (11-13, 0-0 SoCon) Wednesday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.First pitch is slated for 5:30 p.m. EDT. SEC Network+ will televise the nonconference matchup."
Softball to host Lipscomb – UTSports
While baseball is thriving, softball is riding pretty high too after taking the series at the Florida Gators this past weekend. Now, the Tennessee Lady Vols have a midweek matchup of their own Wednesday against the Lipscomb Bison. UT comes in at 22-9 and 5-3 in the SEC, while Lipscomb comes in at 13-18.
"First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.Single-game tickets are available at AllVols.com and can also be purchased at the Sherri Parker Lee ticket office when gates open to the public at 4 p.m."