Tennessee:

Bartholomew, CP, Thomas Set For NFL Mini Camps

By Jason Yellin on May 3, 2013 11:38 AM

Three former Vols will take part in NFL Rookie Mini Camps this weekend as nine teams open practice. Among the players who will make their debuts with their new teams is first-round draft pick Cordarrelle Patterson with the Minnesota Vikings.

. @ceeflashpee84 poses for his first headshot as a Viking. twitter.com/Vikings/status...
-- Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 3, 2013

With the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Thomas will be on hand, although he is still sidelined with a shoulder injury. Check out his quotes from when he met with the media in South Florida: Transcript: Dallas Thomas touts his versatility. Thomas also learned on Thursday that he will be wearing No. 70 in aqua and orange.

My football jersey number is #70
-- Dallas Thomas (@225boy71) May 3, 2013

The third former Vol in action this weekend will be fullback Ben Bartholomew with the New England Patriots. His signing was officially announced by the team late in the week: Patriots sign 19 Rookie Free Agents

Friday's Tennessee Football Briefing (5/3/13)

By Jason Yellin on May 3, 2013 8:17 AM

The Knoxville News Sentinel has a story on Johnny Majors' thoughts on Butch Jones and his the new coach will handle the team: Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones

Butch Jones spoke in Mufreesboro at the soldout All Sports Banquet on Thursday night. Check out this story from Daily News Journal about Jones' inspirational speech to the local students.

On Thursday, the SEC & ESPN Announced A New TV Network in Atlanta. Check out some national stories on the new SEC Network.

- Associated Press: SEC Network primer: What you need to know

- AL.com: SEC Network will mean more money, but not necessarily for the players

- AL.com: What does the SEC Network mean for your football viewing habits?

- AL.com: SEC Network banks on passionate fans for widespread distribution in 16 months

- AL.com: What goes on the SEC Network? Tailgating shows, pro days, recruiting talk and more

- AL.com: Mike Slive: SEC Network likely would have happened without expansion

- Athens Banner Herald: SEC enters its 'golden age' with announcement of conference's TV ...

- CBS Sports.com: With SEC Network announcement, Slive cements legacy

- Charlotte Observer: SEC teams with ESPN for a national television network

- Chattanooga Times Free Press: ESPN to start SEC Network in August 2014

- Chicago Tribune: SEC Network to debut in August

- Columbus Ledger Enterprise: SEC Network to feed fans ' seemingly insatiable appetite

- Columbus Ledger Enterprise: SEC announces agreement with ESPN

- Dallas Morning News: SEC Network another reason to smile

- ESPN.com: SEC Network to broadcast 24/7

- Florida Times Union: New SEC Network to launch in 2014

- Kansas City Star: Commentary: SEC and ESPN have much to boast about

- Memphis Commercial Appeal: SEC Network to launch in August 2014, bringing more money ...

- Minneapolis Star Tribune: The SEC Network is official, and the money will roll right in

- Montgomery Advertiser: SEC, ESPN reach deal on new sports network

- New York Times: SEC Will Start TV Network in 2014

- Orando Sentinel: U-verse first cable provider to pick up new SEC, ESPN network

- Saint Louis Post Dispatch: SEC network becomes a reality

- SI.com: The SEC Network is a real thing now: Frequently Asked Questions

- Sporting News: SEC Network with ESPN to launch in 2014

- USA Today: SEC Network could lead to big money, expansion

Jones To Speak In Mid-State Thursday Night

By Jason Yellin on May 2, 2013 10:13 AM

More than 240 high school athletes from Rutherford County and Cannon County will be honored tonight at Middle Tennessee Christian School in The Daily News Journal's 20th annual All Sports Banquet presented by First Tennessee Bank.

The banquet is slated to begin at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:45 p.m. The banquet is expected to be at capacity. University of Tennessee football coach Butch Jones is the guest speaker for the sports program, which is expected to be the largest in its history.

Get the latest on the event in the The Daily News Journal.

Thursday's Tennessee Football Briefing (5/2/13)

By Jason Yellin on May 2, 2013 8:40 AM

Get the latest on the Vols with these new stories:

- From the Chattanooga Times Free Press, take a look at how senior Ja'Wuan James looks to become more of the leader: Ja'Wuan James learns to lead Vols senior lineman, becomes more vocal

- GoVols247 has a story on Justin King and his outlook on his career: King to prospects: Think long-term

- Nooga.com provides and update on the Vols' quarterback competition: Spring provides few answers for UT's quarterback battle

- Volquest goes behind the scenes with offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian: Vols' Coach Jake takes pride in all-day access

Here's a look at some of the Vols' new pros in the news

- From the Knoxville News Sentinel, check out this story on Tyler Bray's father Jeff Bray and how difficult going undrafted was for the quarterback: Tyler Bray's father says NFL draft was 'brutal'

- This Associated Press story from Missouri touches on Bray's signing: Chiefs sign Bray, trade Arenas to Cardinals for fullback

- The Associated Press looks at the Vikings' first-rounders including UT's Cordarrelle Patterson: NFC North Three 1st-round picks excite Vikings

- Titans' blog Titan Sized analyzes the team's selection of Justin Hunter, calling him the "Value" of the Tennessee Titans Second Round

- The Palm Beach Post has an entry on Dallas Thomas, while is expected to miss the team's offseason program: Miami Dolphins being thorough, acting fast in their search for offensive tackle help

Wednesday's Tennessee Football Briefing (5/1/13)

By Jason Yellin on May 1, 2013 8:19 AM

Hello May! We are 122 days until the season opener vs. Austin Peay on Aug. 31. Get the latest on the Vols with these stories.

- GoVols247 has this story on the emergence of running back Alden Hill: Hill hoping hot spring just a start.

- Inside Tennessee takes a look at Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line coach Steve Stripling: Fantastic fill-in.

- With the 2013 NFL Draft in the books, Nooga.com explores potential Tennessee draft selections for the 2014 Draft: Looking ahead at Tennessee's 2014 draft prospects

- Volquest writes about Zach Azzanni and how he is looking for consistency with the Vols' receivers: Focus is constant for Vols WRs.

With some NFL mini camps getting underway this weekend, here's a look at some of the Vols' recent draft picks and NFL additions in the news.

- The Tennessean has this piece on Justin Hunter and his potential impact on the Titans: Justin Hunter might be prize catch Tennessee Titans often have lacked

- The Titans website has a look behind-the-scenes of the draft including Hunter's selection: Titans All-Access: 2013 Draft Recap.

- Fox Sports North has a story on Cordarrelle Patterson and how the Vikings might look to use him: Vikings intend to put Patterson's versatility to good use

- The Vikings website has a video feature on their first-round picks including Cordarrelle Patterson: Video: Meet The First Round Picks

The Herman Lathers Story From WVLT

By Jason Yellin on April 29, 2013 3:47 PM

Check out this emotional story about Vols linebacker Herman Lathers and all that he has overcome from WVLT, Volunteer TV.

Monday's Tennessee Football Briefing (4/29/13)

By Jason Yellin on April 29, 2013 8:14 AM

Check out the latest stories on the Vols football program including several articles on UT products heading to the NFL.

- CBS Minnesota: Vikes 1st Round Pick Patterson: 'I Feel Like A Superhero'

- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Bray must mature to make it in the NFL

- Daily Norseman: Vikings Were Very Interested In Cordarrelle Patterson

- ESPN.com: Tyler Bray an interesting get for Chiefs

- Examiner: Butch Jones interview: His close friendship with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

- Kansas City Star: Tyler Bray intriguing as a future Chiefs quarterback

- Knoxville News Sentinel: After draft, some former Vols know their destination, others still searching for homes

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Bray became the NFL draft's real "Mr. Irrelevant"

- Raiders.com: McKenzie Post-Draft Press Conference

- Vikings.com: Cordarrelle Patterson Arrives At Vikings Complex in Winter Park

Sunday's Tennessee Football Briefing (4/28/13)

By Jason Yellin on April 28, 2013 8:40 AM

The NFL Draft is in the books and the Vols had four selections in 2013, the most since six in 2010. Check out the latest on the draft picks with these stories:

- CBS Sports.com: Report: Undrafted Vols QB Tyler Bray signs with Chiefs

- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Undrafted Tyler Bray, Da'Rick Rogers sign as free agents

- Daily News Journal: Titans addressed needs, but is it enough?

- ESPN.com: In Hunter, another piece for Locker

- ESPN.com: Source: Chiefs sign QB Tyler Bray

- GoVols247: Several former Vols find NFL homes

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Tyler Bray shut out at NFL draft, but Mychal Rivera lands with home-state team

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Vols tight end Mychal Rivera drafted by Oakland Raiders

- Nooga.com: Rivera goes in sixth round to Raiders; Bray undrafted

- Raiders.com: Mychal Rivera Chats with Media

- Raiders.com: Raiders Select Tennessee TE Mychal Rivera in 6th

- Sun Sentinel: Transcript: Philbin--We saw a lot of film on Dallas Thomas

- The Tennessean: Hunter believes knee problems in past

- The Tennessean: Video: Justin Hunter at Baptist Sports Park

- TitansOnline.com: WR Justin Hunter, QB Jake Locker Look Forward to Connecting

- TitansOnline.com: Slideshow of Justin Hunter's first day with the Titans

Saturday's Tennessee Football Briefing (4/27/13)

By Jason Yellin on April 27, 2013 8:47 AM

The Vols continued to be in the limelight at the NFL Draft as two more UT products were selected on Day 2 of the draft. Justin Hunter Was Drafted By Titans and Dallas Thomas Was Selected By The Dolphins In NFL Draft.

Day 3 gets underway at 12 Noon. Follow along with our 2013 Tennessee NFL Draft Central.

Here are the latest stories on the Vols' draft picks.

- Associated Press: Titans move up in draft to get Tennessee WR Hunter

- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Titans trade up to draft Vols' Justin Hunter

- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Miami takes Vols' Thomas in round 3

- ESPN.com: Patterson took unlikely path to NFL

- ESPN.com: A night of high drama in Minnesota

- ESPN.com: In Hunter, another piece for Locker

- GoVols247: Hunter, Thomas chosen in draft

- Inside Tennessee: Patterson's patience, confidence pay off

- Inside Tennessee: Hunter, Patterson to see dreams come true

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Second-round draft pick: Justin Hunter selected by Tennessee Titans

- Knoxville News Sentinel: UT's Dallas Thomas picked by Miami Dolphins in NFL draft

- Minneapolis Star Tribune: Cordarrelle Patterson faces heady comparisons, crazy hype

- Minneapolis Star Tribune: Vikings thrilled with their three top-tier acquisitions

- Nooga.com: Tennessee Titans select Justin Hunter; Dolphins draft Dallas Thomas

- The Tennessean: Hunter, Thomas drafted; Bray awaits call today

- TitansOnline: Titans' Aggressive Pass Lands Justin Hunter

- TitansOnline: Titans Evaluate Selection of Justin Hunter

Here are some other stories on the current Vols:

- GoVols247: Blanc aiming for big summer

- GoVols247: Coleman, Randolph impress Martinez

- Volquest: Building off spring practice

Butch Jones Interview On The Huge Show

By Jason Yellin on April 26, 2013 11:57 AM

Vols head coach Butch Jones took part in a lengthy interview in his homestate of Michigan on Thursday. Jones talked about coming to Tennessee and his path to Knoxville along with his recruitment of No. 1 NFL Draft selection Eric Fisher and variety of other topics.

Listen back to the 24-minute podcast: Butch Jones-Tennessee Football Head Coach