The Tennessee Volunteers football team welcomed a fresh batch of talent on the practice field for the 2024 season, blending a mix of 14 high school freshmen and 8 seasoned transfers into the squad.

Let’s take a detailed look at each of these new faces, with jersey numbers, heights, weights, and some standout facts.

Meet the Vol’s Future: 2024 Freshmen

• QB Jake Merklinger (No. 12): At 6’3″ and 205 lbs, this four-star quarterback comes from Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia. Apart from being a great quarterback, he’s also a top prospect, ranked No. 200 nationally and No. 12 among quarterbacks.
• WR Braylon Staley (No. 14): Standing 6’0″ and weighing 180 lbs, Staley is a four-star wide receiver from Strom Thurmond High School in Aiken, South Carolina. His prowess on the field earned him the No. 83 overall rank and No. 17 among wide receivers.
• RB Peyton Lewis (No. 22): At 6’1″ and 200 lbs, Lewis is a four-star running back from Salem High School in Salem, Virginia, ranked No. 123 overall and No. 10 at his position.
• DB Boo Carter (No. 23): This 5’11”, 185 lbs athlete from Bradley Central High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a four-star talent ranked No. 110 overall and the No. 2 prospect in Tennessee.
• Edrees Farooq (No. 26): A three-star safety from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, Farooq measures 6’0″ and weighs 190 lbs. He ranks as the No. 55 safety nationally.
• DB Kaleb Beasley (No. 28): Beasley, a 6’0″, 180 lbs cornerback from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is a four-star recruit ranked No. 125 overall and No. 17 at cornerback.
• DB Marcus Goree Jr. (No. 34): Another Bradley Central alum, Goree Jr., is a 6’1″, 175 lbs three-star safety ranked No. 52 among safeties nationwide.
• LB Edwin Spillman (No. 47): The 6’1″, 215 lbs linebacker from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is a four-star prospect ranked No. 338 overall.
• OL William Satterwhite (No. 50): A four-star offensive lineman from Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio, Satterwhite stands 6’3″ and weighs 300 lbs, ranked No. 280 overall.
• DL Kellen Lindstrom (No. 56): At 6’5″ and 240 lbs, Lindstrom is a four-star defensive lineman from Glendale High School in Springfield, Missouri, ranked No. 320 overall.
• OL Max Anderon (No. 71): This 6’5″, 310 lbs four-star offensive lineman from Reedy High School in Frisco, Texas, is ranked No. 319 overall.
• OL Jesse Perry (No. 72): Perry is a 6’6″, 295 lbs, three-star offensive lineman from Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, ranked No. 50 among offensive tackles.
• OL Gage Ginther (No. 78): A 6’5″, 295 lbs three-star offensive tackle from Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, Ginther is ranked No. 42 at his position.
• WR Mike Matthews (No. 89): Matthews, a 6’1″, 186 lbs five-star wide receiver from Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, is ranked No. 26 overall.

Seasoned Players: Latest Transfers to Vol’s

• WR Chris Brazzell II (No. 11): The 6’5″, 195 lbs Tulane transfer caught 44 passes for 711 yards and five touchdowns last season. He was a three-star prospect out of Midland Legacy High School in Midland, Texas.
• DB Jalen McMurray (No. 12): A Temple defensive back, McMurray stands 6’0″ and weighs 180 lbs, with 90 tackles and one interception over the last three seasons.
• DB Jermod McCoy (No. 13): At 6’0″ and 190 lbs, McCoy, a transfer from Oregon State, had 31 tackles and two interceptions last season.
• TE Holden Staes (No. 19): The 6’4″, 242 lbs tight end comes from Notre Dame, bringing with him the experience of catching 15 passes for 176 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games this season. He announced his decision to join Tennessee on December 15.
• DB Jakobe Thomas (No. 30): Thomas is a 6’2″, 192 lbs defensive back transferring from Middle Tennessee State. Over the last two seasons, he has tallied 108 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and four interceptions, proving to be a real force on the field.
• OL Lance Heard (No. 53): At 6’6″ and 340 lbs, Heard is a five-star prospect from Monroe, Louisiana, who was ranked No. 11 overall nationally in the 2023 recruiting class.
• TE Miles Kitselman (No. 87): At 6’5″ and 253 lbs, Kitselman transferred from Alabama, where he appeared in 13 games last season, mainly contributing on special teams. He committed to Tennessee on January 12.
• DL Jaxson Moi (No. 99): The 6’2″, 300 lbs defensive lineman from Oceanside, California, has played 24 games over the last two seasons at Stanford, recording 37 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks.

The 2024 group of new Tennessee Volunteers football team players includes talented freshmen and seasoned transfers. This is great news, making the exciting 2023-24 College Football Games season even better.

This group fills important spots on the team and brings new energy and drive. With Coach Josh Heupel leading them, these new players are ready to make a big difference in the next season.

NBA Teams are eyeing major trades to upgrade their rosters, focusing on realism based on available assets.

Boosting Teams with Strategic Trades

Every team has their wishlist ready as the NBA’s break rolls around. They’re all dreaming about trades that could level up their squads. We’re talking big moves, like grabbing a superstar or smart tweaks here and there. But let’s keep it real; these dreams gotta match what teams can actually do and what’s going on across the league.

Atlanta Hawks: Boosting Defense and Shooting Around Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks wanna beef up the team around Trae Young, making sure they’re solid on defense and sharpshooters. Even though they’re sticking with Dejounte Murray, it’s clear changes are needed if they wanna go deeper in the playoffs. The plan? Use Murray and whatever else they’ve got to build a squad that can keep up with Young’s killer offense.

Boston Celtics: More Muscle, Less Money

The Boston Celtics aren’t looking to shake things up too much. They just want one more solid player without blowing up their budget. They’ve got their core team ready for next season, so the goal is to keep their edge without spending too much cash.

Brooklyn Nets: Big Dreams with Ben Simmons’ Contract

The Brooklyn Nets see Ben Simmons’ big expiring contract as their ticket to snagging another star. Simmons hasn’t had the best time lately, but that contract could be just what the Nets need to bring in some fresh talent to run with Mikal Bridges and the team’s rising stars.

Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls: Smart Trades for a Brighter Future

The Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls are both eyeing the trade scene to give their teams a boost—Charlotte’s looking for a star to match with LaMelo Ball, and the Bulls seeking first-round picks for for Zach LaVine. It’s all about making smart moves to get ahead.

Cleveland Cavaliers: On the Lookout for a Wing

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for a formidable wing player, ready to use their newly available first-round picks as part of an enticing trade offer.

Making Moves to Match Dreams

From the Dallas Mavericks’ hunt for a third star to the Denver Nuggets needing some bench power, each team has its own set of dreams for the offseason. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors are thinking big by using their cap space wisely or making moves to stay in the championship race.

The Lakers’ Lofty Goals

The Los Angeles Lakers are thinking big, setting their sights on stars like Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell to team up with LeBron James. They’re looking to stay at the top in the tough Western Conference.

Wrapping Up: A Summer of Smart Moves

With the offseason on the horizon, NBA teams are getting down to business, plotting out moves that could change their luck. Whether it’s chasing star power, merging young talent, or managing their money smartly, the next few months are all about making the right moves to reshape what the league looks like.

Rumors swirl about Corey Davis potentially returning to the New York Jets, but his preference to play closer to Nashville puts this in doubt.

The Uncertain Comeback

Corey Davis, a well-known player for the New York Jets, hit a major turning point after deciding to take a short break from football. The Jets have said they’d like Davis back on the team, but it’s not clear if Davis feels the same way. After the Jets took him off the list of players who are retired or not playing, they gave Davis a chance to think about coming back or trying something new in football.

Coming back to New York isn’t impossible, but it’s not certain either. Even though Davis could rejoin at a lower price, he’s leaning towards playing for a team nearer to his family in Nashville, Tennessee. This wish and other chances he might have meant his return to the Jets isn’t guaranteed.

Facing the Competition

The Jets’ team setup brings its own challenges. Bringing in Allen Lazard might put him in direct competition with Davis, as they both play similar roles in the offense. This complicates the idea of Davis coming back, especially since having both might not work for the team.

Meanwhile, the Jets are looking to add more players to their receiving lineup, showing interest in different players. This move shows they’re looking for the best options to make their team stronger, even though they’d be happy to have Davis back.

Why Davis Paused His Career

Davis chose to pause his career after some deep thought and a wish to spend more time with his family. His break from football came after some tough times fitting into the Jets’ playing style and a struggling passing game, but his career has seen some standout moments both with the Titans and the Jets.

The Reaction to Coming Back

When it came out that Davis asked to play in the NFL again, people started talking about the chance of him coming back. The Jets are open to signing him again, but the final choice is up to Davis, who’s thinking about whether he wants to return to New York. Whether Davis returns to the Jets or not, his journey in the NFL is something people will watch.

The New York Mets are heading into the 2024 season with a mix of established stars and promising newcomers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to their projected lineup, rotation, and key questions as they look to compete at the highest level.

Projected 2024 Opening Day Roster

The Mets have crafted a strong lineup for the 2024 season, highlighted by key players expected to lead the team both offensively and defensively:

1. Brandon Nimmo (CF) – Nimmo enters the second season of his eight-year deal as the lead-off man, showing an uptick in power despite a slight dip in his average and on-base percentage​​.
2. Starling Marte (RF) – After a challenging year due to health issues, Marte looks to reclaim his All-Star form from 2022​​.
3. Francisco Lindor (SS) – Lindor continues to be one of the top offensive shortstops, coming off a season matching his home run tally from the previous year​​.
4. Pete Alonso (1B) – Alonso, known for his power-hitting, is entering what could be his last year with the Mets under his current contract​​.
5. Teoscar Hernandez (DH) – Hernandez is eyed to bring depth and power to the lineup, following an average of 24 home runs since 2018​​.
6. Jeff McNeil (2B) – After a drop in his batting average and OPS, McNeil looks to rebound back to his batting title-winning form​​.
7. Francisco Alvarez (C) – Alvarez, despite some inconsistencies, showed promise with 25 home runs and excellent framing skills​​.
8. Cody Bellinger (LF) – Considered a significant offseason acquisition, Bellinger is expected to bring a left-handed power bat to the lineup​​.
9. Brett Baty (3B), Starling Marte (RF), and Mark Vientos (DH) – These players are expected to play vital roles in the lineup, with Marte and Vientos potentially being platooned​​.

Starting Rotation

The Mets’ starting rotation is poised to be a mix of established names and emerging talents looking to anchor the team’s pitching staff:

1. Kodai Senga (RHP) – Senga is set to lead the rotation following an impressive debut season that saw him finish second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting​​.
2. Jose Quintana (LHP) – Despite starting his Mets career late due to surgery, Quintana showed effectiveness in his starts​​.
3. Luis Severino (RHP) – Severino, looking to rebound from a tough year, signed a one-year deal with the Mets​​.
4. Sean Manaea (LHP) – The left-hander, known for his solid pitching, is another key addition to the Mets’ rotation​​.

Three Key Questions

1. Can the Mets’ Pitchers Step Up? – After making big changes and smart player picks, whether the new pitchers and the team’s bullpen do well is super important for the Mets in 2024.
2. Will Pete Alonso Remain a Met Beyond 2024? – Alonso’s future with the Mets is uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract, with discussions on an extension still ongoing​​​​.
3. Can the Mets’ Youth Infusion Make an Immediate Impact? – With the inclusion of players like Cody Bellinger and prospects waiting in the wings, the Mets are looking to blend experience with youth for a successful 2024 campaign​​.

The Mets’ 2024 season looks set to be an exciting blend of well-known players and new talent. By bringing in new players and having key members come back, they hope to fix the problems from last year and go for a big win in the NL East. The team’s success will depend a lot on how well their batters and pitchers do, as well as how they deal with the uncertainties of some of their main players.

Chael Sonnen, a retired UFC legend, has openly accused Mike Tyson of faking his training video.

The Accusation

Sonnen, a figure known for his forthrightness, has taken to social media to voice his concerns over Tyson’s training videos. He suggests that Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, may not be as fully committed to his return to boxing as the videos suggest.

Sonnen hinted that the training footage, which is Tyson’s first since the announcement of the fight, may not be a genuine depiction of his preparation efforts. He criticized the brevity of Tyson’s pad work and sarcastically advised Tyson to “splash water on your face and T-shirt” to make it appear more like a real training session.

In the future, if you’re ever going to spend five seconds hitting mitts, as a way of making the audience believe you’re doing a training session, make sure you splash water on your face and T-shirt first. https://t.co/5MZ11RjshH

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) March 14, 2024

The Fight and Its Controversies

The fight, set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, pits Tyson against Paul, with a significant age gap of 31 years between the two. Tyson, nearing 58, faces concerns over the health risks associated with stepping back into the ring, especially without protective headgear.

Medical professionals have voiced apprehensions, citing the increased vulnerability of the brain to injury in older individuals. Despite these warnings, both Tyson and Paul have dismissed the idea of wearing headgear, aiming for a fully-sanctioned professional bout.

Public and Professional Reactions

The public reaction has been mixed, with some excited about the spectacle and others questioning the wisdom of the match-up, given the dramatic age difference and potential health risks for Tyson. Professionals within the sport, including Sonnen, have drawn parallels to previous matches where age and experience disparities led to swift conclusions, questioning the competitive integrity of the Tyson-Paul fight.

Sonnen isn’t just worried about the health risks of the fight; he’s also looking at how fair and entertaining the match will be. He’s raising bigger issues about whether it’s right or safe to have an experienced fighter take on someone much younger in a sport that’s really tough and can be dangerous.

As we get closer to one of the biggest fights of the year, the doubts about Tyson’s training make the story even more interesting. Tyson’s team hasn’t directly answered Sonnen’s claims, but this whole discussion shows how complex and tricky it can be to balance the fun, the competition, and the safety in fighting sports today.

Baseball fans are passionate about the game and show their love by collecting memorabilia linked to iconic moments and players. These items often sell for high prices, reflecting their rarity and historical significance. Here’s a rundown of the most expensive MLB memorabilia ever sold, showcasing the blend of sports history and the collectors’ world.

Jackie Robinson’s Debut Ticket Stub (1947) – $480K

Jackie Robinson’s MLB Debut edges out Michael Jordan’s NBA Debut at @Heritage_Sport to become the most expensive ticket ever sold.

Robinson: $480,000
Jordan: $468,000

Previous record was $270,600 for a Jordan debut stub. The record pre fall 2021 was $116k.

Tickets 📈🤯 pic.twitter.com/xIRVNFatSf

— Dylan Dittrich (@DylanDittrich) February 27, 2022

The ticket stub from Jackie Robinson’s historic MLB debut in 1947 sold for a whopping $480K. This game marked the first time an African American played in the MLB, breaking color barriers and changing the sport forever. Only seven tickets from this game exist today, making it a rare and valuable piece of baseball history.

Hank Aaron’s 755th Home Run Baseball (1976) – $650K

Here it is! First item from our Records Serie 🔥

Hank Aaron‘s 755th home run ball was sold for incredible price – $650,000! 💰 His hit was an absolute bomb 💣.#SMC #Investments #Finance #Sport #MLB #Baseball #Hank #Aaron pic.twitter.com/r8Ic8ZMJzI

— Sports Memorabilia Consulting (@smemconsulting) December 21, 2017

Hank Aaron’s 755th home run ball, a symbol of his incredible career and record-setting achievement, sold for $650K. This baseball signifies Aaron’s last home run, marking the end of a legendary stint in the MLB.

Barry Bonds’ 756th Home Run Baseball (2007) – $752K

Surpassing Hank Aaron’s record, Barry Bonds’ 756th home run baseball fetched $752K by a fan. The ball represents a controversial but historic moment, as Bonds recorded the most home runs in league history.

Babe Ruth’s All-Star Game Ball (1933) – $805K

A baseball hit by Babe Ruth for the first home run in an All-Star game history sold for $805K. This piece is tied to one of baseball’s greatest players and a significant moment in All-Star game history.

Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball (1998) – $3 Million

Mark McGwire became a national hero when he hit his 70th home run in 1998. A fan caught the ball, and it was later bought by comic book artist Todd McFarlane for $3 million, setting a record for sports memorabilia at the time​​.

Laws of Baseball – $3.2 Million

The “Laws of Baseball” documents, which helped shape the modern game, fetched $3.2 million at auction by Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams. These historical documents testify to the game’s early development and enduring appeal.

Babe Ruth’s 1920 Yankees Jersey – $4.42 Million

⚾️ Regarded as ‘the most desirable baseball artifact’ in history, Babe Ruth’s 1920 jersey sold for an astonishing $4.415m.

It is believed to be the oldest @Yankees jersey to ever adorn the baseballing great.https://t.co/cMLnXRTQ37 pic.twitter.com/KwwtVYDbxf

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) June 15, 2020

A 1920 Yankees jersey worn by Babe Ruth sold for $4.42 million, making it one of the most coveted pieces of MLB memorabilia. This jersey symbolizes the beginning of Ruth’s illustrious career with the Yankees.

Babe Ruth’s 1928-1930 Jersey – $5.64 Million

Another Babe Ruth jersey from the 1928-1930 seasons set the record by selling for $5.64 million. This period includes some of Ruth’s best years, further elevating the jersey’s value.

Honus Wagner T-206 Card – $7.25 Million

The T-206 Honus Wagner card, one of the rarest in sports card collecting, was sold for $7.25 million. Its scarcity and Wagner’s status as a baseball legend make it the “holy grail” of sports cards.

Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps Card – $12.6 Million

This week started off with a bang, as we approach Labor Day weekend. The “Finest Known Example” of a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, graded by SGC, sold through Heritage Auctions for a record $12.6 million! Explore Mantle’s cards over the years: https://t.co/PxbEanPveW#TheHobby pic.twitter.com/I8hfPLm0FQ

— GTS Distribution S&E (@GTSDistribution) August 31, 2022

Topping the list, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for an astonishing $12.6 million. Its rarity and connection to Mantle, one of baseball’s most beloved figures, have made it the most expensive piece of MLB memorabilia ever sold.

Ultimately, these sales highlight the rich history of baseball and the deep connection fans and collectors have to the sport. Each item tells a story, preserving a moment in time that resonates with fans across generations.

DeMar DeRozan scores 46 points, passing three Hall of Famers on the NBA‘s all-time scoring list in a single game, leading the Bulls to a victory over the Pacers.

DeRozan’s Unforgettable Night Leads Bulls to Victory

DeMar DeRozan pushed the Chicago Bulls to a hard-earned win over the Indiana Pacers with an impressive 46 points, including a game-changing 3-pointer in overtime, finishing with a score of 132-129 for the Bulls. The game on Wednesday night was not just about DeRozan’s standout play but also highlighted the intense competition of professional basketball as the season moves into its critical final stages.

A Nail-Biting Finish

🌟 Season-high 46 points
🌟 Overtime victory

DeMar DeRozan delivers a Nightly Notable performance 👏 pic.twitter.com/4OoMEfTHzb

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) March 14, 2024

The end of the fourth quarter was full of suspense, with Myles Turner of the Pacers sinking consecutive 3-pointers to take a 3-point lead. However, DeRozan’s composure under pressure, marked by a critical free throw and a fadeaway jumper with just 0.3 seconds on the clock, sent the game into overtime, showcasing his reputation as an “incredible closer,” according to Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

DeRozan’s Overtime Heroics

DeRozan scored the Bulls’ first eight points in a tense overtime, putting the game out of the Pacers’ reach. Despite Pascal Siakam’s aggressive defense and the team’s strategy to double-team DeRozan, his early scoring in overtime was too much for the Pacers to catch up with.

Key Performances

Other significant contributions came from the Bulls’ Alex Caruso with 23 points and Ayo Dosunmu with 20 points. Myles Turner led with 27 points and five 3-pointers on the Pacers’ side, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points and nine rebounds. Haliburton also impressed with 17 points and 14 assists.

What This Means for Both Teams

This victory is more than just another win for the Bulls; it demonstrates their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities essential for playoff success. For the Pacers, despite the loss, their competitive spirit and ability to push a formidable opponent to the limit are clear indicators of their potential. As the regular season nears its end, both teams will look to build on this experience, aiming for a strong finish and a favorable position heading into the playoffs.