Josh Heupel, Rick Barnes discuss draft, roster management and more
CHATTANOOGA –– The Big Orange Caravan continues to roll along, with the most recent stop coming in Chattanooga. Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel, along with colleagues Rick Barnes and Kellie Harper, addressed the media on Monday evening and spent time at a reception with fans as well.
Monday marked Heupel’s first comments on the recent 2023 NFL Draft, which saw five former Vols get selected, including offensive tackle Darnell Wright (10th), quarterback Hendon Hooker (68th), wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (73rd), wide receiver Cedric Tillman (74th), and defensive end Byron Young (77th).
After the selections of Hyatt and Tillman, Heupel became the Head Coach with the most wide receivers selected (5) in the last three drafts, dating back to his time at UCF. Their selections also helped Tennessee extend its streak to four consecutive years of having a receiver taken, which is the longest streak in the SEC and tied for the longest in the nation.
Tennessee’s five picks through the first three rounds were the second-most of any program in the country.
Top 10
- 1New
AP Poll controversy
New Top 25 raises eyebrows
- 2
Penn State police warning
Saquon celebration triggers warning
- 3Trending
Kai Trump
President's granddaughter holds $1.2M NIL Valuation
- 4
New No. 1 in Coaches Poll
Top 25 shakeup
- 5
Ja'Juan Seider
ND targeting PSU assistant
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Following the Draft’s conclusion, several other former Vols got opportunities as undrafted free agents. Linebacker Jeremy Banks is headed to Tampa, while fellow Memphis native Jerome Carvin signed with Kansas City. Latrell Bumphus and Paxton Brooks are both going to the Colts rookie camp, as they will have the opportunity to make a roster as well. Elsewhere, Princeton Fant signed a deal with the Cowboys and is headed to Dallas looking for an opportunity.
The “Big Orange Caravan,” which has already made stops in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, will conclude on Wednesday after its final stop in the Tri-Cities.
