Blount County, TN (WOKI) Two people are facing numerous drug charges following a multi-agency execution of a search warrant at a home in Blount County.
Officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office say roughly half a dozen different drugs, to include suspected fentanyl pills, were confiscated at the home on Russell Road in Rockford shared by suspects 53-year-old Jamie Henry and 54-year-old Amanda Whitehead.
BCSO says drug paraphernalia and $8,300 in cash were also recovered from the residence.
Henry and Whitehead were arrested and face multiple charges including “maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold.”
Two people were arrested after a multi-agency drug bust, according to officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy: BCSO)
Oak Ridge, TN (WOKI) Calling it the “single-largest investment in Tennessee history,” Governor Bill Lee Wednesday announced a new, multi-billion-dollar uranium enrichment facility for the city of Oak Ridge.
The project, lead by Orano USA, will take up 750,000 feet in the Roane County area of Oak Ridge with a facility set to bring more than 300 jobs into the area.
Officials with the Paris, France-based company say the site will enrich uranium for energy and government use.
Jean-Luc Palayer, the CEO and president of the French company, said Oak Ridge was the perfect spot to build the facility.
“We are very pleased to make this announcement with the great state of Tennessee. The warm welcome, responsive engagement and established nuclear energy community in Oak Ridge, as well as access to continuous and stable power, have been key factors for this site selection,” Palayer said. “We’re already preparing for our next required steps, including securing available Federal support and customer commitments, obtaining an NRC license and Orano’s Board approval, but today we celebrate this major milestone towards bringing a new enrichment facility online to help meet our country’s need for an increased, secure domestic nuclear fuel supply.”
The company took advantage of a $60 million state funding pool, the Nuclear Energy Fund, aimed at bringing more nuclear energy business into the state.
“Our administration created the Nuclear Energy Fund in partnership with the Tennessee General Assembly to support and expand the state’s nuclear ecosystem, and in the last six months, we’ve announced four projects that will further strengthen Tennessee’s position as a leader in safe, clean and reliable energy for the future,” Lee said. “Tennessee is the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, and we are proud to partner with Orano to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth and greater opportunity for Tennesseans.”
Orano USA is the second company to use money from the fund.
The uranium enrichment center will take up 750,000 feet, making it one of the largest in the country. (Governor’s Office Video Message)
Loudon County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Now former Greenback High School Head Football Coach Tommy Clemmer has been removed from the team’s staff after an incident with a student.
WOKI’s news partner, WVLT reporting that representatives with Loudon County Schools provided a statement saying Clemmer did not “create a positive atmosphere in and out of the classroom.”
He’s been replaced with Coach Gray Williams, who is serving in the role in the interim.
Loudon County Board of Education Policy No. 5.610 sets the expectation that all teachers and coaches create a positive atmosphere in and out of the classroom, and that they extend courtesy and respect to all students. When those expectations are not met though, action must be taken. Therefore, as of the afternoon of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Loudon County Schools has removed Coach Tommy Clemmer from the football staff and named Coach Gray Williams as the Interim Head Football Coach at Greenback High School. We have full faith and confidence in Coach Williams, and we remain committed to placing the focus back on our student-athletes to ensure they experience a winning and rewarding football season. – Loudon County Schools
Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office confirm Clemmer was involved in the incident on Friday during a football game. They say the parents of the student and the student directly did not want to press charges at the time.
Now former Greenback High School Head Football Coach Tommy Clemmer has been removed from the team’s staff after an incident with a student, LCS says.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As game prep for No. 24/23 NC State continues, wide receiver’s coach Kelsey Pope and secondary coach Willie Martinez, along with select players met with the media on Tuesday afternoon following practice at Haslam Field.
No. 14/12 Tennessee will look to carry over its momentum on both sides of the ball from last Saturday’s season opener against Chattanooga in which the wide receivers and secondary both put forth stout performances.
UT’s wide receiver room accounted for 344 of the team’s 414 yards through the air and featured nine different wideouts that had at least one catch.
“Going out and seeing those guys make plays is awesome,” Pope said. “I also think that there is accountability with having a deep room that you have to go show up. You’ve done enough to create an expectation. The satisfying part and the best is really yet to come. We have to continue to work so that on each Saturday we can see those plays being made.”
On the flip side, the Vols’ new-look secondary held the Mocs to just 153 passing yards on 13 completions and posted six pass breakups on the day.
“We kept saying that you have to come out in midseason form,” Martinez said. “Like I said a little while ago, you don’t have preseason games where you have a scrimmage. We just scrimmage ourselves. We had to be at midseason form and that had to be with the communication, the alignments, then obviously executing the defense. I thought for the most part we did that.”
The Vols and Wolfpack will square off in primetime on Saturday night in Charlotte at Bank of American Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised nationally on ABC.
On if Bru McCoy did anything on Saturday that surprised him… “I wouldn’t say surprising, but it’s really refreshing to see him. He has a step or two that I don’t think he had before. He’s lost a ton of weight coming back from the injury. It was just awesome to see him back and in rare form from our perspective as coaches. I’m sure from a fan’s perspective, you guys watching it, it was great to see No. 5 back out there in Neyland. It was awesome.”
On what the most satisfying part of the wide receiver room was against Chattanooga… “I think the satisfaction. I think that’s yet to come. Going out and seeing those guys make plays is awesome. I also think that there is accountability with having a deep room that you have to go show up. You’ve done enough to create an expectation. The satisfying part and the best is really yet to come. We have to continue to work so that on each Saturday we can see those plays being made.”
On if the wide receiver rotations in the first half Saturday are what the staff anticipates moving forward in the season… “We hope to play more guys. We have a liberty in that room that we have a bunch of guys we trust. It’s been the first time we’ve had that since we’ve been here. I absolutely want to continue to play more guys. To my previous point. It has to be a trust aspect. Guys have to earn it every single week. As they keep doing that, they’ll keep seeing playing time and will keep making plays.”
On what he saw from Dont’e Thornton Jr. against Chattanooga… “He’s just able to play fast. He caught one early which led to another. He got off to a hot start, which is awesome for him and for our group to be able to see that because they feed off one another. His biggest deal is staying positive, regarding if there are good or bad things happening. He’s done that this offseason and it’s led to him gaining a ton of confidence. As long as we keep him trending that way, I think you will continue to see him trend as well as a player.”
On if it motivates guys to know that the ball is going to arrive in the right spot from Nico Iamaleava if they work for it… “I played quarterback in high school and college, and I played receiver at a high level for a long time. I’ve seen a handful of guys that receivers want to go play for, and you can see it and sense it. They love playing for that guy (Nico). Absolutely love playing for him. It’s infectious in practice. It’s obviously easy in the game because the crowd is there and there is adrenaline. They absolutely love playing for that guy. As talented as he is, he’s an even better teammate and a better leader. That’s’ a testament to him and the growth that he’s shown since coming onto campus. It makes our group, our camaraderie and it makes the chemistry that much better when those guys love each other, and they play hard for one another. They love playing for him.”
On what the NC State secondary does well that will challenge the offense and receivers… “NC State is a veteran group. They have a ton of older guys. They’ll present some pictures on the backend where you have to be ready for a ton of different coverages and looks. You have to be ready for a ton.”
On the status of freshmen WRs Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley… “As far as those young guys, they’re trending in the right direction right now. We are going to continue to take it day-by-day with those guys. They’re trending and they’re working hard to get back.”
On what Squirrel White and Chas Nimrod were able to do on Saturday… “I think both of those guys played tremendous without the ball. We keep talking about the depth in the room. There are a lot of things that come with that that you have to be able to handle. There are positives out there, but if there is depth in the room then there is also only one ball. Every day won’t be my day. What I challenge these guys to do is that even if they’re not a five, six catch guy on that specific Saturday, you have to go affect the game. You have to do it in the run game. You have to go be a great teammate without the ball. If you watch Squirrel White and his tape from this weekend, it was his best game by far of him blocking on the perimeter. It did not matter if we were at the 50-yard line or the plus-two-yard line going in, he was being violent and he was playing hard in the run game. Chas was the exact same way. Both of those guys did a tremendous job. For me as a coach, those things are probably more fulfilling than the touchdown catches, because you don’t see it. There is no applause, nobody even notices it. It’s a character thing. I enjoy seeing those aspects being played out on Saturday.”
On the performance of Chris Brazzell II and Nathan Leacock running down a potential interception return for a TD… “Chris did an awesome job. Especially with him getting here, he’s really the newest guy in the room. He has done an incredible job of getting himself prepared to play. He’s always in the building. He’s truly done what it takes to learn this offense and learn how we operate and do things. If he continues to operate in that way, you’ll continue to see good things from him.
“Nathan Leacock’s play, that’s what you want to see as a head coach, as a receivers coach, shoot, as an AD because that gives you a glimpse of what your football team looks like. That’s a kid who maybe didn’t play as many snaps as he wanted to early. I don’t think he had a catch at that point, and as soon as the pick was thrown, he didn’t bat an eye. He turned and sprinted in the opposite direction to stop a touchdown. They had an opportunity to go kick a field goal that drive also, and I think they missed a field goal. We kept those guys out of the end zone solely from that play. That is a kid who has battled injuries. That is a kid who has gone through adversity. He’s fighting like crazy to go make a play and add value on the field. That shows you what type of culture you have when a guy like Nathan Leacock, a young guy, he is exemplifying that. You have to imagine what that building looks like every day. Seeing him do that hypes you up in the team meeting. We praised him on the sideline. That was an awesome play. That was really good by him. That’s who Nate is. He is a fighter, and he is going to keep swinging until the very last second. That was awesome to see.”
On why he thinks the wide receiver room has such great chemistry… “They all still want the ball. They are still receivers, but I think they truly love each other. It’s easy to go celebrate for a guy you really care about. I know his family, I know what he’s been through. It’s easy to go celebrate with a guy who I’ve been in the trenches with, I’ve sweated with, I’ve sacrificed with. It makes it really easy. Even if I want personal success, I have to go help that guy celebrate. I think that’s what you’re seeing on the outside. They all want the ball, which I want them to want the ball. We have to understand that some days are going to be my day, and if it’s not you have to go affect the game in a different way. You have to go add value some type of way.”
On if he expected the game to unfold for the slot receivers the way it did… “That’s really just how it unfolded. You have no way to predict. You know what coverages are coming, you have beaters at a different position. It really just happens how it happens most of the time. You get designated shots sometimes, you get designated calls sometimes. That’s just the way it unfolds sometimes.”
On the character of Chris Brazzell II… “He’s a gamer. He is one of the most competitive guys on the team. Right before kickoff, he’s screaming on the sideline. I was worried that something was wrong. That’s his demeanor. He’s in it, he’s engulfed. He immerses himself in this game. I think Chris is one of those guys who is all or nothing. He’s going to do something 100 percent of the time at full speed. That’s why you see him out there so much. He loves the game, which gives him a shot to be really successful and good at this game.”
On Boo Carter’s performance in his first collegiate game… “I thought he did a great job. We had a couple guys that played for the first time, and he was one of them. Made some plays. Moment wasn’t too big for him. Obviously, we love to see what he looks like this game, because obviously you’re going to try to make the biggest improvement from game one to game two, but I thought he played well.”
On the challenge of preparing for NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion… “He’s a great player. We’re aware of it. He’s been very productive in his career. You know, just not doing more than your job, really, just do your job. Obviously, you have eye discipline. Be aware of where he’s at because he can move, he can be in any kind of position. He can be in the backfield, obviously, he can be an outside receiver, he can be an inside receiver, he’s a ball in hand guy. But, no more, no less. Not doing more than what your job is and, obviously, being disciplined to know, don’t let the motions and the shifts get you off of what your assignment is. And that’s what they do, they do a great job with their scheme, and we just have to do a great job of executing.”
On what exactly Boo Carter needs to improve on going into week two… “I think, for the most part, all the guys, you want to make the biggest improvement from game one to game two. There’s no preseason games obviously in college, and to be able to play the amount of guys we played in the first ballgame and get the experience, the ones that didn’t have it (was important). We just want to see the alignments, maybe a little bit better. The communication has to be a lot better. That’s where we have to improve on. And that’s player to player. It’s not so much someone like Boo (Carter) or whoever it is, you know what I mean? It’s got to be between the whole backend, and we want to see the improvement of communication. Getting lined up at a faster pace and getting their eyes where they belong.”
On if the secondary’s performance in game one was typical compared to past season openers… “We kept saying that you have to come out in midseason form. Like I said a little while ago, you don’t have preseason games where you have a scrimmage. We just scrimmage ourselves. We had to be at midseason form and that had to be with the communication, the alignments, then obviously executing the defense. I thought for the most part we did that. Obviously, we’ve got some things that we have to correct, things that we didn’t like how we executed. This is a different game from a standpoint of how much more they give us. We have to improve tremendously with the communication, like I said just a minute ago, but I thought they played hard, I thought they played energized. I think for a first ballgame it was pretty good. It really was from a backend standpoint, the entire defense.”
On the challenge of preparing for a quarterback with so much experience, such as NC State quarterback Grayson McCall… “He’s athletic, he’s obviously had a lot of success from the previous spot that he was at. He’s got leadership. He’s got good awareness, field awareness, of what defenses are doing, so you’ve got an experienced guy back there with some weapons, athletic players outside at the receiver position, at the tight end position, the running back position. We’ve got to make sure that we’re well aware of the situations in the ballgame, you don’t have an inexperienced guy. He’s had a lot of success. We just have to do a really good job of trying to create long situations on third down and stay out of third and shorts, where they’re actually controlling the situation. He’s obviously a tremendous player, he can beat you with his running, along with his arm. He’s proven that in the past.”
On the impact the headset communication had on the defensive backfield… “It was good. It was good to be able to show them the picture as opposed to drawing on a board. Anytime you can see it live, or what looks like live, what they just did five minutes earlier was good. It was good for communication, obviously it helped us a lot.”
On what he saw from cornerback Jermod McCoy… “I thought, again, he’s going to continue to grow and get better and better. I saw a guy that his experience showed up in situations. We had a defensive call down in the red zone where he was very aware of what he was getting based off the call and he knew what to anticipate what kind of route the receiver was playing. The experience, the little things, he’s got great field awareness, and his experience showed up in that moment and some other plays, too.”
On how Jalen McMurray and other depth cornerbacks that played against Chattanooga… “I think, for the most part, those guys all played really well. Jalen was, again the same thing I just answered, someone who you can see has experience. Some of his decision making and alignments and having the feel for what’s coming with the defense and the formation showed up. So, the experience showed up. There wasn’t a lot of plays he was being attacked on, but there were some and he didn’t have a chance to throw it, where he looked really good and kind of knew what was going on, so his experience really helped us.”
On how Kaleb Beasley and Marcus Goree Jr. looked in their first game action… “For Kaleb (Beasley), obviously he had a setback early on in the spring and to get where he’s at right now is really good because he missed a lot. For him to catch up on some of the reps he didn’t have that some of the other guys had and execute it in a game (was important). He wasn’t perfect, by no means, but to see the calmness of a freshman in his first year (was impressive). I know he was here earlier than most are now. To make adjustments, didn’t do it quite well, like it was supposed to be on one of the plays he had, but he was able to take the coaching and the adjustment. It was seamless the rest of the way, so it was really good. Marcus (Goree Jr.) got in there late, was really good, it was awesome to get Marcus in there at the end. Made a tackle, made a nice play on a seam route that they threw. It’s good to get all the guys that got in there. That’s a tremendous advantage to get those guys experience in that situation.”
On NC State’s defense… “They do a really good job with their defensive scheme. That itself presents a lot of problems as far as mentally trying to get to the right guys. Moreover, they have great talent too. They’ve had a really good defense the last few years, and I’m sure further than that, and this year is no exception.”
On Nico Iamaleava’s performance against Chattanooga… “I thought he did really well. I’ve never claimed to know what quarterback play is like and that I know what is going on, but from the eye test of a fan, which is what I am for quarterbacks, it looked like he did really well.”
On the offensive line executing in Tennessee’s fast-paced offense… “It takes a really high level of conditioning. That starts with the way we practice and the way we do things in the offseason. We have to practice and work out the right way. Nothing really prepares you for football actually, but we get as close as possible.”
On how important it is to stay calm when it’s his time to go into the game… “You’re always going to go hard on the field and give 100 percent into the game no matter what the situation is. Knowing that we have all of these defensive linemen, it just helps you know to give all of yourself on the field, and you know someone will come get you if you get tired.”
On the anticipation of playing a game in his home state… “I am very excited for this game. My family, high school friends and coaches are coming. It’s going to be fun to be back home and be in the stadium I always went to with my dad, watching the Panthers games growing up. It’s going to be cool.”
On where he has made his most improvements from last season… “I would say I made the most improvement in really understanding the playbook now, so I can play fast. I no longer play cautious. I know what I’m doing now, so there are no more excuses. I know what I am doing, and I need to just keep playing fast.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee men’s basketball standout Zakai Zeigler is a Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason Second Team All-American, as announced Tuesday afternoon.
This is the first formal preseason All-America team released in advance of the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Zeigler, a senior guard, was a First Team All-SEC designee and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24. He has twice been one of 10 semifinalists for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
A native of Long Island, N.Y., Zeigler averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during a stellar 2023-24 campaign during which he shot 34.4 percent from deep. After playing in a reserve role the first six games of the year, as he fully recovered from a season-ending left knee injury in 2022-23, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals across his 30 starts as a junior, posting a 36.4 percent 3-point clip during that stretch.
The two-time reigning SEC assists leader, Zeigler is one of four three-time All-SEC Defensive Team selections in league history. He owns the Tennessee record for career assists in NCAA Tournament play (38) and was a member of the 2024 NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team after leading the Volunteers to the Elite Eight.
Zeigler is one of four SEC players who made the Blue Ribbon Yearbook cut, joining Alabama’s Mark Sears (first team), Auburn’s Johni Broome (second team) and Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV (second team).
For news and information about the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
2024-25 BLUE RIBBON YEARBOOK PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS
First Team R.J. Davis, North Carolina Hunter Dickinson, Kansas Alex Karaban, Connecticut Caleb Love, Arizona Mark Sears, Alabama
Second Team Johni Broome, Auburn Cooper Flagg, Duke Braden Smith, Purdue Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
Third Team Robbie Avila, Saint Louis Graham Ike, Gonzaga Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State J’Wan Roberts, Houston
Fourth Team Oumar Ballo, Indiana L.J. Cryer, Houston Axel Lendeborg, UAB Great Osobor, Washington Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
No fatalities reported by Knoxville Police over the Labor Day weekend.
Knoxville Police increased traffic enforcement between Friday and Labor Day and issued nearly 300 citations and five DUI arrests were made. There were 295 total citations issued including 87 for speeding and there were 44 crash investigations.
Below is a breakdown of KPD’s Labor Day weekend traffic report:
295 total citations 87 speeding citations 309 warnings 44 crash investigations 12 crashes with injury 0 fatalities 5 DUI arrests 53 motorists assisted
KPD said it conducted its enhanced traffic enforcement in an effort to keep the roads safe during the holiday.
Monroe County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a deadly house fire Tuesday morning in Monroe County.
Officials with the Madisonville Police Department say the fire broke out around 5:00 a.m. in the 500 block of Old Cemetery Road, and there were reports of people possibly trapped inside.
MPD says when officers arrived on the scene, the home was engulfed in flames and that two adults and a child had escaped the residence, but two other adults and a child were still unaccounted for within the burning home.
According to MPD, officers and firefighters with the Madisonville Fire Department tried to rescue those trapped inside, but the flames were too intense for emergency crews to reach them.
“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy, not just today but in the difficult days ahead,” MPD said.
“We also wish to express our gratitude to the Madisonville Fire Department, Monroe County EMS, Monroe County E-911, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 10th District Attorney General’s Office, Sweetwater Police Department, and Monroe County Rescue Squad for their support and assistance during this investigation,” MPD continued.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the fire.
Additional information, including the identities of those who died, has not been released.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) He pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication among other charges; now, the man accused of killing the son of the University of Tennessee’s swim coach, is headed to prison.
Knox County Courts announcing Tuesday that Shannon Walker has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the death of 24-year-old Ben Kredich with an additional eight years of supervised probation upon his release.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, Walker was driving on Kingston Pike just west of Concord around 4:00 p.m. in August of 2023 when he crossed several lines of traffic, hitting Kredich.
Prior to the crash, Walker had reportedly been taken to Parkwest Medical Center after receiving Narcan. He was discharged from the hospital about an hour before the crash.
In total, Walker pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication, four counts of reckless endangerment, and possession with intent to sell fentanyl. In addition, he is prohibited from having a driver’s license while on probation.
According to KPD, Shannon Walker was driving on Kingston Pike just west of Concord around 4 p.m. in August of 2023 when he crossed several lines of traffic, hitting Ben Kredich.(Courtesy: KPD)
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Lightning from a recent summer storm is to blame for the Flint Gap Fire burning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park fire officials and fire investigators making that announcement Tuesday say the exact date of the lightning strike is unknown, but the fire burning near Hannah Mountain was reported to the park on August 26 and is currently 17 acres in size.
The park says there is low potential for significant growth over the next few days due to the current high humidity, lack of strong winds, and shaded terrain.
Park officials add that lightning caused wildfires are relatively rare in the Smokies with most occurring during the month of August.
Currently, the park says there are ground crews and a “Type 3” helicopter working on the fire. Crews are monitoring fire activity and working to identify areas where they can safely confine and contain the fire. No structures are threatened.
As of Tuesday, the park said Parson Branch Road and some park trails and backcountry campsites are closed due to the potential fire danger.
GSMNP officials advise checking the park website for road closures and other updates before visiting the park.
Photo 2 of tree struck by lightning near Hannah Mountain. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following another successful season opener under head coach Josh Heupel, No. 15/15 Tennessee was back to work on Monday morning as it begins prepping for a ranked matchup against No. 24/22 NC State in the Duke’s Mayo Classic on Saturday night in Charlotte.
The Vols opened their 2024 campaign with an emphatic 69-3 victory over in-state foe Chattanooga but know this weekend’s opponent will present a steep challenge and will require a locked-in mentality throughout the week and on gameday.
“We have a big football game this week,” Heupel said during his Monday press conference. “Really good opponent that we are playing. They play all three phases of the game really well together.
“Defensively, they’ve been really good. It will be a great test for us up front, on the perimeter and at quarterback. Offensively, they have a really experienced quarterback. They have great playmakers around him. Their special teams are really good too. Huge test for us this week. It’s one we’re excited about, travelling a few hours down the road. Looking forward to seeing Vol Nation show up. It will be a great contest.”
Heupel made it clear on Monday that learning from last Saturday’s victory and finding areas of improvement will be important for the team in order to continue improving each and every week.
“Everybody faces the same challenge,” Heupel said. As a competitor, you can live in what everybody is talking about last week, but the reality is that you’re only as good as your next performance. Prepare, practice the right way and get ready to go play.”
Redshirt senior safety Will Brooks added to Heupel’s point when asked what the defense could improve upon from week one.
“There is obviously always something to improve on,” Brooks said. “Our coaches do a great job of finding our weaknesses, pointing those out to us and just making sure we are continuously improving throughout the season so we are getting better each week.”
The Vols and Wolfpack will square off 7:30 p.m. Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium on ABC with Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.
Videos and quotes from Monday’s availability with Heupel and select players can be seen below.
Opening statement… “Good start this past weekend. Appreciate our fans, they did an awesome job. Players were in this morning and got an opportunity to learn from the film. We have a big football game this week. Really good opponent that we are playing. They play all three phases of the game really well together. Defensively, they’ve been really good. It will be a great test for us up front, on the perimeter and at quarterback. Offensively, they have a really experienced quarterback; they have great playmakers around him. Their special teams are really good, too. Huge test for us this week. It’s one we’re excited about, traveling a few hours down the road. Looking forward to seeing Vol Nation show up. It will be a great contest.”
On what wide receiver Kevin Concepcion does well for NC State… “First of all, he has elite speed, really good hands, and he makes plays on special teams. On the offensive side of the ball, they do a really good job of moving around and finding space for him to work and operate. He’s strong and explosive. We have to know where he is throughout the course of the football game.”
On the emphasis they put on being more effective over the middle of the field on offense… “It’s been a part of our offense. Last year, we weren’t as efficient in the middle of the field as we wanted to be. Had a good start to it this past week. There are a lot of things within the structure of what we’re doing offensively that we could be better at, too. The guys have had an opportunity to watch it with their coaches today, and we have to make improvements. This is a good football team we’re getting ready to go play.”
On what he liked about Nico Iamaleava’s vision on when connecting with receivers… “I thought he was extremely accurate and had his eyes in the right spot. Did a really good job of hitting windows; that’s in-between defenders at the second level and over-under balls between the second and third level.”
On what it means for Nico Iamaleava to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors… “It means that he played well in Week 1 and had an opportunity to grow, learn from the tape today and get ready for a really good football team this week. Young quarterback who is going to continue to get better. Great test this week that we have coming up in NC State.”
On what it was like to finally see the defensive line depth in action… “A bunch of guys that played up front will continue to rotate as we go. I thought they all played extremely hard. Did a good job disrupting blocks. There are some things we have to get better at, but effort and technique for the most part was really good. One of the strengths of that unit is the ability to play multiple guys so you are fresh upfront. I thought our second level did a really nice job playing physically and playing downhill too.”
On if he was surprised on how the running backs were able to be physical, despite previous health issues… “I wasn’t surprised by the way they ran the football. Each of them has a different story as far as their progress physically. A couple of guys had offseason surgery, but throughout the course of training camp, they worked themselves back into playing football in playing shape. I felt like they were executing those things that we wanted them to fundamentally at the end of the runs. There are some things they have a chance to grow from here watching the film, but excited about the way that group played as a whole.”
On how he felt about the tight ends, particularly Ethan Davis… “Ethan made some nice plays out in space. I thought the other guys did a really good job out in space as well. All three of them played solid in the core, in the run game, and a couple times they were in protections as well. Like that group, we have to continue to grow and get better this week.”
On Nico Iamaleava’s Week 1 to Week 2 progression and a challenge that a quarterback faces in that second game… “Everybody faces the same challenge. As a competitor, you can live in what everybody is talking about last week, but the reality is that you’re only as good as your next performance. Prepare, practice the right way and get ready to go play.”
On what makes NC State so impressive in the secondary… “They have some transfers that they brought in. All three levels of their defense playing together is a big part of the picks and their zone coverage dropping out, making the windows tough. In their pressure, applying pressure to the quarterback, getting home and making it uncomfortable for him.”
On his evaluation of the starting offensive line… “I thought they played really solid. We rotated some early in the football game. Some things that all of them can do better fundamentally, but all-in-all, thought it was a solid performance.”
On Lance Heard’s first game and his adjustment to the tempo of the offense… “I thought he was really comfortable in what we were doing within the tempo of our offense. He performed really well. I thought he played extremely well.”
On the status of DB Rickey Gibson III… “We held a couple of guys on game day, you might have seen them warm up. End of the day, he’ll be ready to roll this week. I just felt like for our football team and the longevity, there were a couple of guys we held out that could’ve played in that one, but we’ll hold them for this week.”
On if he thinks the offensive and defensive lines are the deepest since he’s been at Tennessee… “Yeah, for sure. I think I’ve said it before, but as we’ve had to navigate our roster, build our roster back from when I first got here while taking some deductions, this is certainly the deepest that we’ve been, and we’re close to being at full strength. We’re not quite there yet, but this will be the last year that we’re a little bit thin. As a whole, the development, the body types and athleticism that we have is definitely the deepest that we’ve been.”
On redshirt freshman placekicker Max Gilbert… “I feel really good with him. Really strong leg. I like his competitive makeup, very confident and comfortable no matter what situation we’ve put him in. Obviously game day is a different deal, but really solid. He’s got a smooth swing, he’s consistent, and I trust him.”
On getting the start on defense… “It was a great experience. The atmosphere was incredible. It was super exciting to be able to get out there, start the game and get the season started off fast which was really nice.”
On finding things on film to improve on even after a comprehensive win… “There is obviously always something to improve on. Our coaches do a great job of finding our weaknesses, pointing those out to us and just making sure we are continuously improving throughout the season, so we are getting better each week.”
On Boo Carter’s urgency getting the quarterback… “He is obviously a really talented player. He is super dynamic. He has just been continuously improving all throughout camp. You all saw it in the first game how explosive and talented he is.”
On how it felt to score his first touchdown as a Vol… “It’s a great feeling. You wait for that moment your entire time when you’re playing offense here at Tennessee. Just being able to score that first touchdown in front of 102,000 is a dream come true. It was an amazing feeling.”
On what makes the tight end room at Tennessee so effective… “Honestly, just how we piggyback off of each other’s games. I feel like all three of us can do whatever we need to do, whatever our coaches ask from us. Whether that is blocking or being out in space, I feel like we are all more than willing to get in the core, bang up and hear those loud noises, but also go outside the core, work in space and make big explosive plays. I feel like the potential with our group this year is through the roof. There is no limit for us.”
On how important the timing with Nico Iamaleava was when he scored his first touchdown on Saturday… “It’s extremely important. Especially being in the red zone. You only have a very limited amount of time before the defensive line is at the quarterback. You have to be moving fast and be decisive with your decisions. He knew where I wanted the ball, and I knew where he was going to throw the ball. It was a good chemistry thing between us two.”
On observations of how Keenan Pili played… “Keenan played great, just like how I thought he would. He got 15 snaps and each one of those he was very disciplined, made a difference. Was at the point of attack almost every single play. It’s great to come in behind somebody like that who you can learn so much from.”
On what there is to clean up defensively… “Football is never going to be perfect, there’s always something that you can find. So even with the score the way it was, we’re still looking at the film and finding ways that we can perfect our game.”
On the energy in the locker room getting ready for the neutral site game… “We can’t wait. I know it’s the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, I’ve been watching that my whole life. Can’t wait to be a part of that. Just can’t wait to get together with the guys again and go play, it’s going to be fun.”
Posted on September 5, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Blount County, TN (WOKI) Two people are facing numerous drug charges following a multi-agency execution of a search warrant at a home in Blount County. Officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office say roughly half a dozen different drugs, to include suspected fentanyl pills, were confiscated at the home on Russell Road in Rockford shared…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Oak Ridge, TN (WOKI) Calling it the “single-largest investment in Tennessee history,” Governor Bill Lee Wednesday announced a new, multi-billion-dollar uranium enrichment facility for the city of Oak Ridge. The project, lead by Orano USA, will take up 750,000 feet in the Roane County area of Oak Ridge with a facility set to bring more…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Loudon County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Now former Greenback High School Head Football Coach Tommy Clemmer has been removed from the team’s staff after an incident with a student. WOKI’s news partner, WVLT reporting that representatives withLoudon County Schools provided a statement saying Clemmer did not “create a positive atmosphere in and out of the…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
FootballSeptember 03, 2024 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As game prep for No. 24/23 NC State continues, wide receiver’s coach Kelsey Pope and secondary coach Willie Martinez, along with select players met with the media on Tuesday afternoon following practice at Haslam Field. No. 14/12 Tennessee will look to carry over its momentum on both sides of the ball from last…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee men’s basketball standout Zakai Zeigler is a Blue Ribbon Yearbook Preseason Second Team All-American, as announced Tuesday afternoon. This is the first formal preseason All-America team released in advance of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Zeigler, a senior guard, was a First Team All-SEC designee and the SEC Defensive Player…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments
No fatalities reported by Knoxville Police over the Labor Day weekend. Knoxville Police increased traffic enforcement between Friday and Labor Day and issued nearly 300 citations and five DUI arrests were made. There were 295 total citations issued including 87 for speeding and there were 44 crash investigations. Below is a breakdown of KPD’s Labor…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Monroe County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a deadly house fire Tuesday morning in Monroe County. Officials with the Madisonville Police Department say the fire broke out around 5:00 a.m. in the 500 block of Old Cemetery Road, and there were reports of people possibly trapped inside. MPD says when officers…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) He pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication among other charges; now, the man accused of killing the son of the University of Tennessee’s swim coach, is headed to prison. Knox County Courts announcing Tuesday that Shannon Walker has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the death of 24-year-old Ben…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Lightning from a recent summer storm is to blame for the Flint Gap Fire burning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park fire officials and fire investigators making that announcement Tuesday say the exact date of the lightning strike is unknown, but the fire burning near Hannah Mountain was reported to…… Continue Reading
Posted on September 3, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
FootballSeptember 02, 2024 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following another successful season opener under head coach Josh Heupel, No. 15/15 Tennessee was back to work on Monday morning as it begins prepping for a ranked matchup against No. 24/22 NC State in the Duke’s Mayo Classic on Saturday night in Charlotte. The Vols opened their 2024 campaign with an…… Continue Reading
