David Cobb - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Secondary competition remains expansive for Vols

by David Cobb ·September 20, 2018

In Jeremy Pruitt's ideal world, fluctuation in Tennessee's rotation of defensive backs would be minimal during games.

Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson runs with the ball after intercepting a deflected pass during the first half of a home win against East Tennessee State on Aug. 8. Thompson is one of eight players who have spent time at defensive back for the Vols during their first three games this season.

The Vols Beat Podcast: Tennessee-Florida more important for Jeremy Pruitt or Dan Mullen?

by David Cobb ·September 20, 2018

Times Free Press sports columnist Mark Wiedmer joins the podcast to opine on the upcoming Tennessee-Florida game.

Tennessee's Kyle Phillips (5) and Darrell Taylor (19) celebrate teammate Daniel Bitull's (35) sack during the Vols 24-0 win against UTEP on Saturday in Knoxville.

Jeremy Pruitt senses more urgency as Vols prepare for Florida

by David Cobb ·September 20, 2018

Tennessee's SEC opener is just a few days away.

Tennessee's Marquez Callaway eludes a would-be tackler during last Saturday's 24-0 win against UTEP in Knoxville.

Reflections of 1998: Vols opened up passing game in rout of Houston

by David Cobb ·September 19, 2018

Tennessee's offense needed a jolt - and got it - in the third game of the 1998 season.

Fullback Shawn Bryson played a prominent role for the 1998 Tennessee football team as a blocker, receiver and runner, and he caught a touchdown pass in a 42-7 rout of Houston as the Vols improved to 3-0. Bryson later worked as an assistant coach for UTC and is now the head coach at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in northeast Georgia.

Vols get one of highest-rated basketball commitments in program history

by David Cobb ·September 19, 2018

The nation's 14th-ranked basketball prospect in the 2019 recruiting class committed to Tennessee on Wednesday.

Rick Barnes, shown signing an autograph during the Big Orange Caravan's stop in Chattanooga this past May, has turned the program's on-court success into momentum for recruiting.

How Steve Spurrier, boldness and an Uber driver helped Vols strength coach Craig Fitzgerald rise

by David Cobb ·September 19, 2018

Being cheap and available - and aggressive - landed Craig Fitzgerald in the SEC

Tennessee strength coach Craig Fitzgerald broke into the Southeastern Conference by being "cheap and available." Now, he's one of the most respected in his profession

Vols notes: Wood-Anderson eager to see rivalry with Florida up close

by David Cobb ·September 18, 2018

Dominick Wood-Anderson is from California, but Tennessee's junior tight end said Tuesday that he grew up watching the Tennessee-Florida rivalry.

Tennessee tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson carries the ball after a catch during the Vols' home win against East Tennessee State in September 2018.

Vols remember sour taste of 2017 Florida game

by David Cobb ·September 17, 2018

Tennessee and Florida are both in their first seasons under new coaches and have lost a combined 16 straight games to Power Five conference opponents.

Florida's Tyrie Cleveland, bottom left, celebrates his game-winning touchdown with fellow wide receiver Brandon Powell as Tennessee defensive back Micah Abernathy hangs his head in despair after the Vols lost 26-20.

Vols notes: TV viewers see Jeremy Pruitt’s coaching intensity

by David Cobb ·September 17, 2018

The SEC Network broadcast crew highlighted the confrontation after the game

Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt questions Matthew Butler about a roughing-the-passer penalty during Saturday's game against UTEP at Neyland Stadium. The host Vols won 24-0 to improve to 2-1 overall before beginning SEC play next week.

Cobbservations: After watching Tennessee play, Jeremy Pruitt’s recruiting strategy makes more sense

by David Cobb ·September 17, 2018

Recruiting stars be danged, the Vols are not strong in the trenches.