FOOTBALL
Tyler Bray, who was as you know, already pretty good, is "better than ever" this spring, according to Da'Rick Rogers. And wonder of wonders, we have not one but two solid backups for him in Justin Worley and newcomer Nathan Peterman, about whom folks are raving. Could it be that we're actually building a team with some depth? Why, yes, thank you very much.
Peterman isn't the only new face getting attention this spring, either. There are several guys making names for themselves, including Byron Moore, who's getting first team reps and who had this lovely bit about tight end Cam Clear:
Moore said he’s "pretty much" adjusted to life in the SEC after a full season with the Vols, but he’s still not quite to used to watching a player like Clear — who, at 6-6, 285 pounds, is approximately the size of many offensive tackles — barreling down the field with a full head of steam.
"It’s kind of ... what’s the word? Shocking," said the 6-1, 196-pound Moore. "It’s shocking when you see him turning up field. You be like, ‘Oh, snap!’
"But you’ve got to get him down someway, somehow. That’s our job."
Moore said he and others have learned the hard way how to give themselves a chance to get Clear on the ground.
"You better pick something quick, before he gets on you," Moore said with a laugh.
Moore is one among many competing for starting gigs in the secondary, something Derek Dooley says is fortunate because the unit is not very good yet and needs a large pool of candidates. Complicating matters is that they're all learning yet another new scheme (when will it end!). Although none of them has much experience in Sunseri's 3-4, Prentiss Waggner is taking the reins because he has the most experience at new experiences.
And finally, Dooley has good things to say about James Stone:
"He is [making the most of an opportunity for playing time]. James is doing really well. He's shown a lot of improvement in his strength levels," Dooley said.
"He's playing right guard right now because Zach (Fulton's) down. The good thing about James is he can play every position. That's sometimes a bad thing, because we take advantage of him and then he can't really settle in and get good at something. But he's doing really well. James is awesome."
Oh, and no charge for the Orange and White game this year. Woo. Who's going?
HOOPS
The basketball team got back at it yesterday, but Jeronne Maymon is likely to miss much of spring practice. Mike Griffith takes a look at next year's team, triggered by the ESPN writer poll putting the Vols at #24.
RECRUITING
Alabama defensive tackle visits Tennessee Vols again
A defensive tackle from Dadeville, Ala., who visited Tennessee for the first time in February returned to Knoxville on Saturday for one of the Vols' spring practices.
Tennessee Vols impress five-star athlete Derrick Henry on visit
Five-star athlete Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., who has been committed to Georgia since last summer, made his first visit to Tennessee's campus over the weekend.
VolQuest.com - Rivals/VTO NC: Top sleepers
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
VolQuest.com - Another trip scheduled for Jones
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
VolQuest.com - Woulard parts with his USF commitment
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
VolQuest.com - Four-star Latham talks Knoxville trip
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
VolQuest.com - DE Rogers has leaders?
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
VolQuest.com - Charlie High on the radar
VOLQuest.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
BASEBALL
University of Tennessee Athletics: Baseball
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Vols vs. Memphis
ETCETERAS
Mike Strange: It's an SEC world " GoVolsXtra
First, Nick Saban hoisting a crystal football. Then, John Calipari basking in that one shining moment amid a waterfall of confetti.
Lady Vols expect the best from Georgia " GoVolsXtra
There will be added amps of electricity in the air at Lee Stadium when Tennessee hosts a softball doubleheader with Georgia today.
Lady Vols Drop To 22nd In ITA Rankings - Tennessee
APRIL 3 RANKINGSAfter splitting two matches over the weekend, Tennessee fell three spots to No. 22 in Tuesday's ITA rankings.The Lady Vols host their final two home matches of the season this weekend, facing No. 63 Auburn on Friday at...
Caitlyn Williams WBIR Feature - Tennessee
Freshman Caitlyn Williams was recently featured by WBIR's Kris Budden. Check out the video above....
ON TOUR: Smith, Peers Win Again - Tennessee
Four-time Tennessee All-American John-Patrick Smith and former Baylor standout John Peers had not played a match together since early February, but picked up right where they left off Monday at the $50,000 Tallahassee Challenger in Florida.Smith and Peers, who won...
Happy Birthday - April 3: Athan, Bailey, Hatcher - Tennessee
On April 3, we wish Happy Birthday to a trio of Lady Vols: rowers Taylor Athan and Jennifer Bailey along with senior soccer player Chelsea Hatcher. ...
ON TOUR: ATP Tour Rankings (4/2/12) - Tennessee
Here are the Vols' updated ATP Tour rankings as of April 2, 2012. The Vols are listed by highest singles ranking first. The number in parenthesis denotes change from previous week. Rhyne Williams Singles: 369 (-1) Doubles: 390 (+8) Note: Selected as...
Happy Birthday - April 2: Tyler Law, Zach Osborne - Tennessee
On April 2, we wish Happy Birthday to rising sophomore soccer forward Tyler Law and senior baseball shortstop Zach Osborne ...
University of Tennessee Athletics: Men's Track
McWhorter, Davis Nominees Announced
University of Tennessee Athletics: Men's Swimming
Vols Help at Elementary Fundraiser