Notes and Links: August 10

I’m looking to add a new feature to the blog where I quickly highlight interesting news and notes in one place. I’m still working on how to best implement it, including where it will appear and how to format it for easy consumption. If you have any suggestions or thoughts, let me know in the comments below. I’d appreciate any and all feedback. Also feel free to comment below regarding any of the specific links. Thanks for reading.

August 10th, Thursday

• It looks as though Neyland Stadium could soon undergo a $106 million renovation project, receiving preliminary approval by the State Building Commission on Thursday. “The first phase of renovations will focus on improving the fan experience and include expanding and renovating the south concourse, replacing narrow corridors and adding restrooms. It also will add a new field wall on the south end zone to meet NCAA standards and improve safety for players, according to the feasibility study. The west lower bowl will have sections of deteriorating concrete removed and the visiting team locker room will be displaced and rebuilt. An onsite kitchen also will be installed for use by food vendors.”
• Vince Dooley said his son, former Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley, was a victim of bad timing at Tennessee; blames Fulmer and Kiffin; laughs all the way to the bank. “But I can assure you this — that in the three years at Tennessee, he made more money in three years than I did in 25 years at Georgia,” Dooley said. “So, while his timing wasn’t good on the football field, it was good in the pocket book.” — Psh. Says the dad who can’t even properly spell Derrick. | Obligatory Derek Dooley gif.
• The Tennessee basketball team defeated the Paris All-Stars 84-79 on Thursday, led by 19 points and 10 rebounds from Grant Williams. Junior Chris Darrington scored 15 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line, and freshman Derrick Walker added 14. The Vols finish their Europe trip with a 3-0 record and will return to the United States on Saturday. | Discussion: Tennessee Volunteers European Trip
• “Tennessee has plenty of new faces chasing the same old goal that has eluded the Volunteers for a decade,” wrote Steve Megargee of the Associated Press. “The Vols are chasing Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title that has eluded them since 2007. Tennessee hasn’t won the SEC since its 1998 national championship. Tennessee went hungry again last year despite being picked to win the East and opening the season ranked ninth.” — Maybe the underdog role will bode well for this year’s squad.
• Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Josh Dobbs yesterday, says he’ll know more after watching him on Friday. “He’s a bright-eyed, willing worker. He appears to learn from mistakes. That’s good,” Tomlin said. “He also appears to learn from the mistakes of others. That’s doubly good. But like a lot of things, we won’t know until we get him in the stadium. At that position, you’re defined by how you perform in certain circumstances. It will be good to get him in that stadium on Friday and watch him in terms of putting his skills on display.”
• Derek Barnett has had a rough training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles, at least according to Dave Zangaro of CSNPhilly who wrote: “It’s been kind of a rough training camp for the first-round pick. At times, he’s been getting stood up by several players on the roster. The hope that he could win a starting gig has faded over the last couple weeks.” In his defense, Barnett argues that after so many reps against the Eagles’ offensive linemen, they’ve picked up on his moves.
• Bob Shoop, Charlton Warren and Larry Scott met with the media on Thursday afternoon. In summary: Cortez McDowell leads at Will LB. Rashaan Gaulden has had an excellent camp. Freshman Shawn Shamburger could contribute this year. Micah Abernathy has been the most consistent safety and Theo Jackson has impressed for a freshman. Another freshman, wide receiver Josh Palmer, doesn’t shy away from competition and things have clicked for him early on. | Warren video | Scott video | Shoop video | utsports video | You can read more detailed quotes from the coaches: here
• The AP released a story this morning outlining the modifications to former Tennessee linebacker AJ Johnson’s bond after he was arrested for DUI last month. Johnson has a 10 p.m. curfew and must abstain from alcohol.
• Way too early bowl projections: CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm predicts Tennessee to play in the TaxSlayer Bowl on December 30th against Virginia Tech in a rematch of last season’s Battle at Bristol. Interesting matchup. | Discussion: Too early for bowl projections?
• Eight former Vols were named to the 2017 induction class for the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame on Thursday. Names of note include Monica Abbott, Phillip Fulmer, Justin Gatlin, Todd Helton and Gen. Robert R. Neyland.
• Three-star class of 2019 Georgia safety Malik Washington named Tennessee as his favorite, according to Chad Simmons. Washington had positive things to say about the atmosphere in Knoxville, and seemed impressed by Coach Jones and Coach Warren. He said “the players having fun” stood out to him when he visited this summer. | player thread: ’19 GA ATH Malik Washington
• Wednesday’s practice was closed and there’s no practice today, but UT released a few photos from yesterday’s session. Check them out to hold you over. Ty Chandler | 1v1 Drills | King Johnny | Nike Gear. Also check out the discussion from Tuesday’s practice.
• Is your car this cool? I bet not.
• Mike Farrell of Rivals listed “Ten five-stars in need of breakout seasons.” On that list are three current Vols: junior defensive lineman Kahlil McKenzie, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Drew Richmond and junior defensive lineman Kyle Phillips. | h/t itsme
• There’s been quite the outrage, both on the forum and around social media, about an article in which an NFL scout says a lot of Tennessee guys are “pretty damn soft” and calls senior tight end Ethan Wolf, “one of the softest players I’ve seen on film.” One ESPN staff writer fired back.
• We’re down to 25 days until Tennessee kicks off the 2017 season against Georgia Tech. Check out this photo of the Vols’ senior class from 25 years ago. Time flies. | Official countdown to the 2017 season
• John Adams notes the importance of scoring first against Georgia Tech. In all four of its losses last season, the Yellow Jackets’ opponents scored first. Only once in those four games did they come back to take the lead.
• If you missed it yesterday, Josh Dobbs will start for the Steelers on Friday against the Giants and Tennessee’s opener against Georgia Tech is officially sold out.

Help me out. Have a cool link you think should be included? Leave it in the comments below and I’ll take a look and consider adding it to the list.