University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Report: UT Continues Prep for South Carolina
October 11, 2017 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones spoke to reporters at Wednesday's press conference in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio.
The Volunteers host South Carolina on Saturday with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, marking the 36th meeting between the two programs since 1903.
Jones spoke about some of the challenges the Gamecocks present with their talented offense.
"Offensively it all starts with the quarterback, (Jake) Bentley," Jones said. "He really does a good job of managing the game. They also have as good of a tight end as I've seen in a long time. They have a very good running back corps and great length at the wide receiver position. I've been very impressed with them."
Jones has been impressed with the progress the defense has made against the run and versus the pass. Tennessee's pass defense ranks third in the nation, while its run defense continues to make strides and rise up the national rankings.
"I think we've done a very good job of tackling and being more gap conscious, more gap sound in our run fits," Jones said. "I think it's been a combination of individuals playing to the scheme, executing their assignment and doing their job."
Eight Former Vols Set to Be Inducted into Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame
Tennessee Athletics announced its eight-person 2017 induction class for the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame back in August. The star-studded class includes Monica Abbott (softball), the late Ray Bussard (coach; men's swimming), Phillip Fulmer (coach; football), Justin Gatlin (men's track), Todd Helton (baseball), Jeremy Linn (men's swimming), the late Gen. Robert Neyland (coach; football) and Delisa Walton Myricks (women's track).
The Class of 2017 will be celebrated this weekend with events and activities surrounding the Vols' game against South Carolina. The Hall of Fame activities will include a private induction ceremony on the evening of Friday, Oct. 13. The inductees also will be recognized on the field at Neyland Stadium at the end of the first quarter.
VFL Reunion This Weekend
Tennessee will host its fourth annual VFL Reunion, welcoming former players back to Rocky Top and Neyland Stadium.
Butch Jones and the Vols will welcome back over 200 former players as part of the program's VFL Reunion game. The VFLs will have the opportunity to take part in the Vol Walk and will also join Team 121 in the greatest Tennessee traditional of all, running through the T as UT takes the field.
