Four Vols Garner Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team Accolades
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Four Vols Garner Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team Accolades

Posted on December 13, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee football garnered four honorees on the 2024 Freshman All-SEC Team as the league office concluded its awards rollout Thursday.

Tennessee’s four recipients are the program’s most since having four players recognized in 2011. Tight end Ethan Davis, defensive lineman Jordan Ross, linebacker Jalen Smith and defensive back Boo Carter are UT’s representatives on the team, with Carter being recognized at both defensive back and return specialist.

Playing in all 12 games with five starts, Carter total 35 tackles – three tackles for loss – with one sack, one interception and three quarterback hurries at the STAR position. He notched a career-high seven tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a hurry in the Vols’ victory over Florida, which earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors. He emerged as a dangerous punt returner during the season, returning 12 punts for 198 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per return.

Carter is the first UT freshman to receive SEC All-Freshman laurels as a return specialist since Shawn Summers in 1992.

A redshirt freshman, Davis played in 11 games for the Vols in 2024. The physical tight end finished the regular season with 13 receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 7.7 yards per catch.

Hailing from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Ross appeared in 10 games for Tennessee during his first year on Rocky Top. The talented true freshman defensive lineman made an immediate impact in game one as he blocked a punt and returned it for a 49-yard touchdown. Ross closed out the regular season with three total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

2024 Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team
Offense
QB
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

RB
Caden Durham, LSU
Jadan Baugh, Florida*
Nate Frazier, Georgia*

WR
Ryan Williams, Alabama
Cam Coleman, Auburn

TE
Ethan Davis, Tennessee

OL
Bradyn Joiner, Auburn
Josiah Thompson, South Carolina
Bryce Lovett, Florida
Malachi Wood, Kentucky

C
DJ Chester, LSU

AP
Ryan Williams, Alabama

Defense
DL
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Colin Simmons, Texas
Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma
Jordan Ross, Tennessee

LB
Jalen Smith, Tennessee
Chris Cole, Georgia*
Myles Graham, Florida*
Demarcus Riddick, Auburn*

DB
KJ Bolden, Georgia
Boo Carter, Tennessee
Zabien Brown, Alabama
Jay Crawford, Auburn

Special Teams
PK
Brock Taylor, Vanderbilt

P
Tyler White, Texas A&M

RS
Boo Carter, Tennessee

KOS
Aeron Burrell, LSU

LS
Gannon Burt, Florida

* – Ties

2024 Tennessee Postseason Award Honors as of Dec. 12

DC Tim Banks
Broyles Award Finalist

DB Will Brooks
Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist

DB Boo Carter
Freshman All-SEC

TE Ethan Davis
Freshman All-SEC

QB Nico Iamaleava
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist

OL Cooper Mays
Rimington Trophy Finalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Second Team (AP)

WR Bru McCoy
Witten Award Semifinalist
Comeback Player of the Year Semifinalist
SEC Community Service Team

DB Jermod McCoy
Thorpe Award Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (AP)
All-SEC Second Team (Coaches)

DE James Pearce Jr.
Bednarik Award Semifinalist
Lombardi Award Semifinalist
Walter Camp Player of the Year Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Second Team (AP)

LB Keenan Pili
NFF Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

DL Jordan Ross
Freshman All-SEC

RB Dylan Sampson
SEC Offensive Player of the Year (AP, Coaches)
USA Today SEC Player of the Year
Maxwell Award Semifinalist
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (AP, Coaches)

LB Jalen Smith
Freshman All-SEC

OL Javontez Spraggins
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)

KOS Josh Turbyville
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)

Offensive Line
Joe Moore Award Semifinalist

AMR Facing Fines Over $90,000 for Not Responding to Knox County Emergency Calls on Time
WVLT

AMR Facing Fines Over $90,000 for Not Responding to Knox County Emergency Calls on Time

Posted on December 12, 2024

For the first time since July, American Medical Response is facing fines for not responding to Knox County emergencies on time.

The fines came in October, and AMR is citing large events, like the dynamite found at CMC Steel – a recycling facility, for the late response times. AMR says they were on the scene for 30 hours.

In October, AMR was late to 281 of the highest priority calls, resulting in more than $92,000 in adjusted fines.

Those fines stem from a new contract with Knox County which penalizes AMR if they don’t make it to calls within a set time frame.

Meals on Wheels Taking Gift Bag Donations for the Holidays

Meals on Wheels Taking Gift Bag Donations for the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Meals on Wheels is asking for help this holiday season brightening up seniors’ mornings with gift bags.

The organization has a program that allows people in East Tennessee to put together gift bags for seniors who will be spending the holidays at home, away from family.

Those interested are asked to put together bags with items like large pens, books, bars of soap, towels and more.

For more information and additional gift suggestions click here.

Meals on Wheels plans to deliver the bags on Christmas morning, along with a holiday meal.

Christmas tree generic (Pexels)
Claiborne County Sheriff: ‘Multiple Suspects’ in June Double Murder

Claiborne County Sheriff: ‘Multiple Suspects’ in June Double Murder

Posted on December 12, 2024

Clairfield, TN (WOKI) Officials say there are multiple suspects in a double murder in Claiborne County.

More than six months after two men, Nathan Hamblin and Robert Hatfield, were found murdered at the abandoned Kopper Glo Coal Mine, investigators believe the suspects knew the men, but they’re having a hard time finding them and believe they may have left East Tennessee.

Officials with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office say there has not been an arrest made yet, but you are asked to contact TBI or the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at 423-626-3385 if you have any information.

Nathan Hamblin and Robert Hatfield were killed at the abandoned Kopper Glo Coal Mine back in June. (Courtesy: Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office)
Morgan Wallen Pleads Guilty in Chair-Throwing Case

Morgan Wallen Pleads Guilty in Chair-Throwing Case

Posted on December 12, 2024

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Update 12/12: Country music star Morgan Wallen appeared in a Nashville courtroom Thursday pleading guilty in his now infamous chair-throwing case.

Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, reduced Wednesday from felony reckless endangerment.

A Nashville judge approved a plea deal wherein the award-winning singer will serve seven days of jail time at a DUI rehab center.

The 31 year-old was arrested after he was seen throwing a chair from the top of Eric Church’s bar Chief’s during their opening weekend on April 7th.

The chair reportedly landed just a few feet away from two officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department, who were on foot patrol that night along Broadway.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV / WVLT) Update 12/10: Country singer Morgan Wallen did not appear in court on Tuesday but his lawyer went before a Nashville judge regarding his charges from April 2024, when he threw a lounge chair off the top of a Broadway bar.

Wallen, 31, was arrested for throwing a chair from the top of Chief’s, Eric Church’s bar on the night of April 7, 2024.

According to an arrest report, two Metro Nashville Police Department officers said the chair landed three feet from where they were patrolling on Broadway.

Wallen was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct as a result.Wallen’s lawyer attempts to explain what’s next for the singer’s court case in Nashville.

Wallen’s lawyer appeared briefly and filed the paperwork on Tuesday with the Davidson County judge. Now Wallen’s case will head to the Circuit Criminal Court.

A new court date has yet to be finalized.

Original: (WOKI) Knoxville native and Country music superstar attorney’s will appear in a Nashville court today on behalf of Morgan Wallen.

Wallen faces four charges stemming from an April incident where he was arrested for allegedly throwing a chair from a rooftop bar on Broadway.

The chair was thrown six stories from Chief’s, Eric Church’s bar.

Two Metro Nashville Police Department officers say the chair landed three feet from them.

Wallen was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct.

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in 2022 Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Shooting

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in 2022 Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Shooting

Posted on December 12, 2024

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) A South Carolina man is convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend at a Gatlinburg rental cabin in May, 2022.

According to Sevier County court records, a jury found Julian Popoca, of Wellford, South Carolina, guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday; he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The shooting took place on May 30, 2022 at a cabin on Caney Creek Road, off of the Gatlinburg Spur.

Popoca was arrested following the incident. His arrest warrant shows Popoca admitted to deputies that he had shot his girlfriend during an argument.

A South Carolina man is convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend at a Gatlinburg rental cabin in May, 2022. (Credit: Frankly Media)
AAA Predicts Record Number of Travelers this Holiday Period

AAA Predicts Record Number of Travelers this Holiday Period

Posted on December 12, 2024

Triple A projects over 119 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period which runs from December 21st to January 1st.

Triple A expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year and is we are expected to be the record set in 2019.

It is forecast that 107 million people or 90% of travelers driving to their destination while almost 8 million will fly.

If you’re driving, the worst traffic delays will be the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Knoxville Police Take a Teen into Custody after Reportedly Firing Shots after Domestic Dispute
KPD

Knoxville Police Take a Teen into Custody after Reportedly Firing Shots after Domestic Dispute

Posted on December 12, 2024

Knoxville Police say a 17-year-old is taken into custody after firing shots following an argument.

Officers responding to a shots fired call in the area of Walker Boulevard and Underwood Place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Witnesses reported that the suspect walked away from the scene after the shooting but Officers found him within minutes on Valley View Drive and took him into custody.

KPD says the suspect admitted to firing the gun into the air multiple times following a domestic argument.

The suspect was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a weapon.

No injuries were reported.

2025 Football Schedule Dates Announced
Courtesy / UT Athletics

2025 Football Schedule Dates Announced

Posted on December 12, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A season-opener versus Syracuse in Atlanta followed by Southeastern Conference home games against Georgia, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt highlight the 2025 Tennessee football schedule.

The league office unveiled the full slate of 2025 dates on the SEC Network Wednesday evening. Conference opponents are identical to 2024 with the game location flipped from what was played this season.

All four of the Volunteers’ non-conference games were previously announced. Tennessee opens the season in the Aflac Kickoff Game on Aug. 30 against Syracuse in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

A Sept. 6 home opener versus East Tennessee State precedes the Vols’ SEC opener against Georgia on Sept. 13 in Neyland Stadium. It will be the earliest meeting between the two teams in 30 years since UT won 30-27 in Knoxville on Sept. 9, 1995.

A third straight home game against non-conference foe UAB on Sept. 20 is followed by Tennessee’s first road appearance of the year, a Sept. 27 matchup at Mississippi State. UT will make just its second appearance in Starkville since 2008 and first since Oct. 13, 2012.

The Vols return home to host Arkansas on Oct. 11, representing the Razorbacks’ first trip to Knoxville since 2015. Tennessee then plays back-to-back road games with its Alabama rivalry renewed in Tuscaloosa on the traditional Third Saturday in October (Oct. 18) followed by a Oct. 25 game against Kentucky in Lexington.

Three of the Vols’ four games during the month of November will be played in Neyland Stadium. For the first time since the double-overtime thriller on Sept. 12, 2015, Oklahoma visits Knoxville on Nov. 1. Tennessee’s final non-conference game is Nov. 15 against New Mexico State in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Vols then travel to Gainesville to take on Florida on Nov. 22 in what will be the latest meeting between the two teams in the Swamp since the infamous Dec. 1, 2001, UT win. That contest was rescheduled after the events of 9/11.

Tennessee closes the regular season at home versus Vanderbilt on Nov. 29.  

The 2025 schedule once again features two open dates. Tennessee will be idle on Oct. 4 and Nov. 8.

Fans can renew their 2025 season tickets at AllVols.com. Fans interested in joining the 2025 season ticket waiting list can fill out the season ticket interest form at UTsports.com/seasontickets.

The Volunteers carry 20 consecutive home sellouts into the 2025 campaign. Tennessee drew a combined 713,405 fans in Neyland Stadium in 2024, which ranked sixth in the FBS and third in the SEC.

2025 Tennessee Football Schedule
Date, Opponent, Location
Aug. 30, vs. Syracuse, Atlanta, Ga. (Aflac Kickoff Game)
Sept. 6, EAST TENNESSEE STATE, KNOXVILLE
Sept. 13, GEORGIA*, KNOXVILLE
Sept. 20, UAB, KNOXVILLE
Sept. 27, at Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss.
Oct. 11, ARKANSAS*, KNOXVILLE        
Oct. 18, at Alabama*, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Oct. 25, at Kentucky*, Lexington, Ky.
Nov. 1, OKLAHOMA*, KNOXVILLE
Nov. 15, NEW MEXICO STATE, KNOXVILLE
Nov. 22, at Florida*, Gainesville, Fla.
Nov. 29, VANDERBILT*, KNOXVILLE

* – denotes SEC game

AP, Coaches Tab Dylan Sampson As SEC Offensive Player of the Year
Courtesy / UT Athletics

AP, Coaches Tab Dylan Sampson As SEC Offensive Player of the Year

Posted on December 12, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference office announced Wednesday afternoon that Tennessee junior running back Dylan Sampson was selected by the league’s head coaches as the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native received the same recognition from the Associated Press, becoming the second Vol in three years to sweep the awards as selected by the coaches and the AP.

Sampson becomes the sixth running back in conference history to be named the coaches’ SEC Offensive Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 2003. He joins Darren McFadden (2006-07), Trent Richardson (2011), Tre Mason (2013), Derrick Henry (2015) and Kerryon Johnson (2017) as the only running backs to receive the honor.

During the Josh Heupel era (2021-present), Tennessee has garnered three player of the year honors from the league’s head coaches. In addition to Sampson, Velus Jones Jr. was recognized as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021 while Hendon Hooker was selected as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. Hooker was also tabbed the AP SEC Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2022 campaign.

Sampson produced the most prolific rushing campaign in Tennessee history during the 2024 regular season, breaking school records for rushing yards (1,485), rushing touchdowns (22), points scored (132), total touchdowns scored (22) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11). Sampson led the conference in 11 different categories, including 123.8 rushing yards per game and 22 rushing touchdowns — tied for the fifth-most rushing scores in SEC single-season history.

2024 Tennessee Postseason Award Honors as of Dec. 11

DC Tim Banks
Broyles Award Finalist

DB Will Brooks
Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist

QB Nico Iamaleava
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist

OL Cooper Mays
Rimington Trophy Finalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Second Team (AP)

WR Bru McCoy
Witten Award Semifinalist
Comeback Player of the Year Semifinalist
SEC Community Service Team

DB Jermod McCoy
Thorpe Award Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (AP)
All-SEC Second Team (Coaches)

DE James Pearce Jr.
Bednarik Award Semifinalist
Lombardi Award Semifinalist
Walter Camp Player of the Year Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Second Team (AP)

LB Keenan Pili
NFF Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

RB Dylan Sampson
SEC Offensive Player of the Year (AP, Coaches)
USA Today SEC Player of the Year
Maxwell Award Semifinalist
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (AP, Coaches)

OL Javontez Spraggins
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)

KOS Josh Turbyville
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)

Offensive Line
Joe Moore Award Semifinalist

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner

Country News

Four Vols Garner Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team Accolades
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Four Vols Garner Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team Accolades

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee football garnered four honorees on the 2024 Freshman All-SEC Team as the league office concluded its awards rollout Thursday. Tennessee’s four recipients are the program’s most since having four players recognized in 2011. Tight end Ethan Davis, defensive lineman Jordan Ross, linebacker Jalen Smith and defensive back Boo Carter are UT’s representatives on the team, with Carter being…… Continue Reading

AMR Facing Fines Over $90,000 for Not Responding to Knox County Emergency Calls on Time
WVLT

AMR Facing Fines Over $90,000 for Not Responding to Knox County Emergency Calls on Time

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

For the first time since July, American Medical Response is facing fines for not responding to Knox County emergencies on time. The fines came in October, and AMR is citing large events, like the dynamite found at CMC Steel – a recycling facility, for the late response times. AMR says they were on the scene…… Continue Reading

Meals on Wheels Taking Gift Bag Donations for the Holidays

Meals on Wheels Taking Gift Bag Donations for the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Meals on Wheels is asking for help this holiday season brightening up seniors’ mornings with gift bags. The organization has a program that allows people in East Tennessee to put together gift bags for seniors who will be spending the holidays at home, away from family. Those interested are asked to put…… Continue Reading

Claiborne County Sheriff: ‘Multiple Suspects’ in June Double Murder

Claiborne County Sheriff: ‘Multiple Suspects’ in June Double Murder

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Clairfield, TN (WOKI) Officials say there are multiple suspects in a double murder in Claiborne County. More than six months after two men, Nathan Hamblin and Robert Hatfield, were found murdered at the abandoned Kopper Glo Coal Mine, investigators believe the suspects knew the men, but they’re having a hard time finding them and believe…… Continue Reading

Morgan Wallen Pleads Guilty in Chair-Throwing Case

Morgan Wallen Pleads Guilty in Chair-Throwing Case

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Update 12/12: Country music star Morgan Wallen appeared in a Nashville courtroom Thursday pleading guilty in his now infamous chair-throwing case. Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, reduced Wednesday from felony reckless endangerment. A Nashville judge approved a plea deal wherein the award-winning singer will serve seven days of…… Continue Reading

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in 2022 Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Shooting

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in 2022 Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Shooting

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) A South Carolina man is convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend at a Gatlinburg rental cabin in May, 2022. According to Sevier County court records, a jury found Julian Popoca, of Wellford, South Carolina, guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday; he was sentenced to life in prison…… Continue Reading

AAA Predicts Record Number of Travelers this Holiday Period

AAA Predicts Record Number of Travelers this Holiday Period

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Triple A projects over 119 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period which runs from December 21st to January 1st. Triple A expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year and is we are expected to be the record set in 2019.…… Continue Reading

Knoxville Police Take a Teen into Custody after Reportedly Firing Shots after Domestic Dispute
KPD

Knoxville Police Take a Teen into Custody after Reportedly Firing Shots after Domestic Dispute

Posted on December 12, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Knoxville Police say a 17-year-old is taken into custody after firing shots following an argument. Officers responding to a shots fired call in the area of Walker Boulevard and Underwood Place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. Witnesses reported that the suspect walked away from the scene after the shooting but Officers found him within minutes on Valley…… Continue Reading

2025 Football Schedule Dates Announced
Courtesy / UT Athletics

2025 Football Schedule Dates Announced

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A season-opener versus Syracuse in Atlanta followed by Southeastern Conference home games against Georgia, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt highlight the 2025 Tennessee football schedule. The league office unveiled the full slate of 2025 dates on the SEC Network Wednesday evening. Conference opponents are identical to 2024 with the game location flipped from what…… Continue Reading

AP, Coaches Tab Dylan Sampson As SEC Offensive Player of the Year
Courtesy / UT Athletics

AP, Coaches Tab Dylan Sampson As SEC Offensive Player of the Year

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference office announced Wednesday afternoon that Tennessee junior running back Dylan Sampson was selected by the league’s head coaches as the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native received the same recognition from the Associated Press, becoming the second Vol in three years to sweep the awards as…… Continue Reading