By Steve Williams

There’s a few things we’ll be seeing in Tennessee football again under new head coach Jeremy Pruitt and it’s possible we may get a glimpse in the upcoming Orange and White game.

Remember the huddle?

Grandfathers and dads should be prepared to explain when young fans ask, “What’s that?”

Pruitt has indicated during spring practice his offense will huddle at times and sometimes go “no-huddle – we’re mixing up tempos.”

Tennessee reportedly also is moving away from an up-tempo spread offense to a pro style attack. That means the quarterback will be taking the snap from under center more often and throwing more play action passes.

Pruitt also would like to install a power run game. Of course that will take strong blockers up front and hopefully a fullback.

Apparently one thing Tennessee fans won’t be seeing again is the Smokey Grey uniforms. Personally, if the players like that look, I wouldn’t mind if they wore them once a year in a non-conference game. But the Vols need to wear the Orange and White in all the big games.

Tennessee players also will be going back to wearing black cleats – like back in the day when the Vols were winning championships!

 

BEARDEN’S RECORD of 38-2 this past season may be the most wins ever by a Knox County boys’ basketball team. If you know of one better, please let us know.

For sure it is a school record for the Bulldogs, said Coach Jeremy Parrott, and their 16 wins in district league play also was a new mark.

I can only verify top records of teams that played in TSSAA state championship games over the years. Holston’s 1978 Class AA state title team posted a 34-1 record and tops that list for winning percentage. Bearden’s 2011 Class AAA state runner-up team also is on that Top 10 list with a 35-3 record.

Parrott’s Bulldogs lost to eventual state champion Memphis East in this year’s semifinals.

“We were ranked nationally, different times through the year, in different positions,” said Coach Parrott.

 

OUTGOING HALLS football coach J.D. Overton said the “greatest satisfaction” from coaching is simply being a part of the team.

“It is incredible being a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Overton. “Seeing young men grow and develop into someone their parents and community can be proud of because they buy into this team concept is special.”

 

FORMER UT Athletic Director John Currie’s comment about Tennessee fans being “wacko” for how they reacted to his attempt to hire Greg Schiano may not have offended one group of fans.

I’m referring to that crazy bunch of Lady Vol softball supporters known as the “Locos!”