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"Talking 'Bout Friends Forever (Always will be here)"
Peyton Manning, who was in Knoxville this past weekend for his charity golf tournament, didn't merely hit the links but spent plenty of time on campus as well.
- He presented the 2014 Peyton Manning Scholarship to this year's winners Alex Crockett and Cody Sain.
- He worked out with the team and -- as you will see from this utsports.com article -- apparently took a picture with every single teammate and all of their cousins. Here's one I liked:
- He also spoke very highly of our prolific-recruiting man in charge, And before you think to yourself -- "well what's he supposed to tell the media? That Jones sucks?" -- check out his comments and tell me whether they represent going-through-the-motions praise, or actual, sincere, according-to-hoyle praise:
I think it's going in the right direction. I think Butch had a lot of work to do when he got here. He's put in that work. He's signing some of his players. Every coach wants to have their players. He's been patient. At the same time, he's been hard-working, as he was advertised to be. He's done that. I just see it continuing to get better. I really do. I really like Butch. I'm a big Butch Jones fan.
Peyton also said that him and Jones communicate regularly, but did not specify what they usually chat about. But I would imagine they probably talk a lot about Miley Cyrus, Lebron James, the excellent television series Fargo starring Billy Bob Thornton, and of course the upcoming Saved By The Bell biopic.
Miscellany
Jawuan James signs a four-year deal with the Dolphins.
Eric Berry still bleeds orange. Well, duh.
Jakob Johnson, the freshmen defensive tackle from Germany, predicts that the U.S. and Germany will tie in their match on Thursday., but that Germany will go on to win the whole thing. I respect his answer -- loyalty to the homeland, but not at the direct expense of his current country of residence.
Former Vol John-Patrick Smith is in the doubles draw at Wimbledon, but unfortunately my homeboy Rhyne Williams didn't make it in the singles draw. He's been bothered by a shoulder injury, in his defense. Anyway, best of luck to J.P. in the doubles draw, and of course to The Great Great Rafael Nadal in the singles portion. Vamos!
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