FreakNotes: Updates from Butch; Kirkland and Tuttle; Richmond Suspension

Tennessee Vols Football News

August 30, Wednesday

• I hope everyone has had a fantastic Wednesday so far. We’re only five days away from Tennessee football! — Countdown thread.
• Today’s FreakNotes is a bit later than usual but there’s a lot to digest today, including news from Butch’s press conference that starting left tackle Drew Richmond has been suspended for the opener against Georgia Tech. I think we all had a pretty good idea that this was coming, however, it’s still disappointing. The good news is only one player is suspended and it’s only for one game. For comparison, Florida has 10 players suspended for its opener. In Richmond’s absence, Brett Kendrick will start at left tackle and Marcus Tatum will start at right tackle.
• Butch also said that injured linebacker Darrin Kirkland, Jr. had meniscus surgery today on his knee. The timetable for his return is still unclear. Colton Jumper, who Kendal Vickers called the leader of this defense, will start at middle linebacker.
• Shy Tuttle will be available to play, according to Butch. He will dress and make the trip to Atlanta, but it would be surprising if we see him on the field, in my opinion.
• On the opposite side, Georgia Tech could be without one of its top offensive weapons against Tennessee. “We’ll see,” Johnson said. “Well, he can’t play until he gets back out there. I’ll make a decision when he gets back. We can’t decide when he’s not practicing.” — Forum discussion: Looks like GT may be down another RB
• If you haven’t seen it yet, “What Other Message Boards Are Saying: Georgia Tech Edition” is a must read. Check it out. (h/t chatt-townVOL)
• Tennessee’s first official two-deep depth chart has been released. We’re five days away from the game yet it appears as though several key positions (six to be exact) don’t have a clear starter, or one simply isn’t being named. And no, Butch didn’t name a starting quarterback.
• Speaking of the depth chart, I can’t be the only one surprised to see Carlin Fils-Aime as the backup running back behind John Kelly. Ty Chandler anyone?
• The Vols are ranked No. 25 in the Football Outsiders Fremeau Efficiency Ratings.
• Josh Smith will be available to play in Tennessee’s opener. He was back at practice today, but it sounds like he probably won’t play, according to Brent Hubbs: “I wouldn’t rule him out, but I’m not sure how effective he would be at this point.”
• I know, I know. No one cares about Lane Kiffin. That said, I found this quote from him interesting. Apparently, ol’ Monte thought they should have stayed at Tennessee. — “You can’t look back, you just can’t,” Kiffin said. “I know my dad said we should have stayed (at Tennessee). But I’m not one to look back like that. I’m not a coulda, woulda, shoulda guy. But we sure did do some good things when we were there.”