The Slice

Brandon Johnson will enter the 2020 season as one of the most experienced players on Tennessee's team. After playing four games, then redshirting for the remainder of the 2019 season, Brandon wants to make sure he is being the leader his team needs for his final season on Rocky Top. In this episode, you'll learn more about Brandon's childhood and what it was like growing up with a dad in the MLB, how football became his one true love, and the home atmosphere he feels at Tennessee.

After a season-ending injury in 2018, Brandon Kennedy came into the 2019 season as one of the biggest leaders of the Vols offensive line. He paved the way for some of Tennessee's biggest rushing and passing performances of last season, and did so while also competing in the classroom and earning his Master's Degree in Sport Psychology. Kennedy is now coming back for his sixth season of eligibility because he believes there is more work to be done. In this episode, you'll learn about Brandon's selflessness, his love of watching film and why Tennessee was the best fit for him and his education. 

Bonus Episode: Kasey is joined by Big Cat, the co-host of the popular Barstool Sports podcast Pardon My Take. Also known as Coach Gus Duggerton, Big Cat discusses who the fictitious college coach is, how he came to be head coach of the Vols on his NCAA Football 14 campaign, and his plans for the season.

Eric Gray will head into his sophomore season with high expectations after a stellar freshman year. Gray was a huge contributor in Tennessee's last two games of the 2019 season, after rushing for 246 yards in the Vols' win against Vanderbilt, the most by any true freshman, and scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl. The sophomore running back talks about the ups and downs of his freshman year and how he developed through his first year of college football. You'll also get to hear about why he decided to stay in-state and why coming to Tennessee was the best decision for him.

Alontae Taylor was an instrumental part of Tennessee's season-ending six-game winning streak. The junior cornerback started playing on the defensive side of the ball once he got to UT and has now become one of the most valuable players in the Vols' secondary. Alontae talks about learning a new position and how Coach Pruitt has made him a better player. He talks about everything from growing up in a small town to becoming the Vice-Chairman of the SEC Leadership Council. 

Josh Palmer is returning as the top receiver for the Vols in 2020 after having an impressive junior season, tallying 34 receptions to go along with 457 yards and one touchdown. In this episode, you will learn more about Josh’s work ethic, leadership skills, growing up in Canada and his Jamaican background. 

Trey Smith is a standout offensive lineman who returned from a career threatening injury to capture All-SEC First Team honors in 2019. Trey made the decision to come back for his senior season to obtain his degree, improve his draft stock and help lead this Tennessee football team. His college journey has not been easy by any means and it’s something we dive into during Episode 2 of The Slice. You’ll also get to hear about Trey’s journey to Tennessee, how his family helped shape him into who he is today, and what kept him motivated during uncertain times. 

Henry To'o To'o had one of the best freshman seasons out of any player in the country. He came in second on the team in tackles and ended the season hungry for more. In our first episode of The Slice, we caught up with Henry and recapped his first season under Coach Pruitt, what the recruiting process with Tennessee was like and checked in to see how he's been doing since moving back home due to COVID-19.

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