SEC Country Tennessee Podcast

This is the final Tennessee episode from SEC Country. Josh Ward says his goodbye on the show while also announcing some good news regarding the podcast. Josh talks to Mike Griffith about the last two years talking about Tennessee football and athletics. There has been a lot of change since the podcast began.

Highlights from today's show:

* Josh Ward provides info on new Tennessee QB commit Brian Maurer

* Matt Franklin, Maurer's head coach at West Port HS, joins the show (4:25 mark) to provide info on Maurer's development as a quarterback and his ability both throwing and running the ball.

* Hear stories from Mike Keith (12:45 mark) and Charles Davis (15:15) as they helped pay tribute to John Ward on Wednesday night.

Today's show begins with Josh Ward talking about one national publication's ranking of Tennessee's football team and coach Jeremy Pruitt entering the 2018 season. Hear what Athlon writer Braden Gall thinks about UT trying to reach a bowl game in Pruitt's first year. Josh talks more about that before turning the conversation to the late John Ward, who will be honored at Thompson-Boling Arena on Wednesday evening. Hear from Bert Bertelkamp and David Cutcliffe as they discuss what Mr. Ward meant to Tennessee - and what UT meant to him.

Today's show takes a look at Tennessee's quarterback battle. Josh Ward lays out some of the strengths that both Keller Chryst and Jarrett Guarantano offer. Josh talks to Mike Griffith about the position as well as the offense overall, which will be led by new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton. Josh also mentions some numbers that reflect how challenging the last decade has been for Tennessee.

Tennessee landed a commitment from linebacker/defensive end Jalil Clemons from Starkville (Miss.) High School during the weekend. He joins Josh Ward on today's show to talk about committing to the Vols and why he's so confident in coach Jeremy Pruitt and his staff. Josh updates Tennessee's 2019 class rankings and how the Vols compare to the rest of the SEC. Hear from VFL wide receiver Joey Kent (11:55 mark) as he discusses his touchdown against Alabama on "play No. 1" in 1995 and the impact John Ward made on Tennessee.

Josh Ward opens today with a few more memories of John Ward. Hear from VFL Bert Bertelkamp as well as Ryan McGee of ESPN as they share their experiences from being around the legendary Tennessee broadcaster. Josh also talks to Rivals.com recruiting writer Adam Friedman about several prospects, including offensive lineman Darnell Wright and athlete Quavaris Crouch. And Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt made a comment this week that might provide more optimism for the upcoming season.

Today's show offers a tribute to legendary broadcaster John Ward, who passed away on Wednesday. Josh Ward (no relation) shares some thoughts on John Ward and the impact he made on so many Tennessee fans. Hear from of his iconic calls, including Johnnie Jones' game-winning touchdown run against Alabama in 1983 and the final play of the 1998 Florida game.

Today's show focuses on the improvements Jeremy Pruitt is trying to make to Tennessee's football program and the potential impact we might see this year. Josh Ward and Mike Griffith discuss a realistic win total for Tennessee, at least as it stands right now, heading into the 2018 season. Hear from Florida Gators beat writer Edgar Thompson, who provides info on Tennessee's big rival. There are some similarities between the Gators and the Vols right now. And VFL Jason Witten shares his opinion on Tennessee's hire of Jeremy Pruitt.

Josh Ward opens today’s show with a note on Maryville running back Tee Hodge, who recently received an offer from Tennessee. Jesse Smithey if 5StarPreps.com provides more insight. Josh welcomes to the show Mike Griffith, who discusses positions for Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt and his staff to focus on this upcoming fall. And UT's new weight room came with quite a price tag.

Today's show looks at the summer workouts going on right now with Tennessee's football team. The focus today is on the quarterbacks. It's now a four-man race thanks to the arrival of grad transfer Keller Chryst and true freshman JT Shrout. Josh Ward and Mike Griffith talk about the quarterback battle and the importance of those quarterbacks establishing relationships with their teammates. The arrival of offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy could also bring flexibility to the coaches' options up front, which Josh and Mike discuss on today's show.