Tennessee

2024 Tennessee State Football Preview

Published

3 months ago

June 20, 2024

2023 Record: 6-5 (2-4 Big South-OVC)
Returning Starters: 9 (7 Off, 2 Def)
2023 Offensive Rank (YPP): No. 113
2023 Defensive Rank (YPP Allowed): No. 24

Returning All-Conference Players: James Lowery (1st Team; K), Jordan Gant (2nd Team; RB), Jackson Foster (2nd Team; P), Eriq George (Freshman Of The Year; DL)

Notable Incoming Transfers: Jalal Dean (Tennessee Tech; WR), Keandre Booker (SEMO; LB), CJ Evans Jr. (Austin Peay; RB), JayT Jackson (Georgia State; DB), Tyler Jones (Missouri; DB), Connor Meadows (Tennessee; OL), Marvin Atuatasi (Morgan State; OL), Aiden Smith (Bryant; WR), Kierron Smith (Georgia Southern; DL)

Tennessee State finished with a winning record for the first time since 2017, which signaled another step forward for the Tigers under head coach Eddie George. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have been in a position to win the conference entering the final week of October but have failed to capitalize on late-season opportunities.

Offensive inconsistency has prevented the Tigers from reaching their full potential the past two seasons. Tennessee State hired Travis Partridge as the new offensive coordinator as he looks to revamp an offense that ranked seventh in total offense in the Big South-OVC last season.

Quarterback Draylen Ellis returns for his third season at Tennessee State and will be the x-factor for this offense. If Ellis can find the same success he had at Austin Peay, then the Tigers can immediately become a contender. Ellis started six games last season, recording 1,075 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 252 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.

Ellis will have plenty of weapons to utilize as the Tigers return multiple starters at wide receiver and running back. Running back Jordan Gant returns after his Freshman All-American season in 2023. He led the Tigers with 553 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns last season. He will be joined by former Austin Peay running back CJ Evans Jr., who has over 1,300 career rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Tigers return three wide receivers with starting experience, led by senior Dayron Johnson, who ranked second on the team with 349 receiving yards in 2023. Karate Brenson and Delanie Majors also return after combining for 426 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season. Former Tennessee Tech wide receiver Jalal Dean is a name to watch after posting a career-high 323 receiving yards last season. The offensive line is the biggest question mark for Tennessee State, but the Tigers signed plenty of experience by adding six transfers to the room this offseason.

Tennessee State’s defense has consistently been one of the top units in the conference over the past two seasons. The Tigers led the OVC in total defense two seasons ago and ranked third in the conference last season. There will be plenty of defensive turnover next season as cornerback Fondren Hollis III and defensive tackle Lathun Snipes are the only two returning starters.

The Tigers added eight defensive transfers but have multiple players from last season who will be forced into bigger roles in 2024. Defensive tackle Jalen Bell returns after missing last season with an injury but was a two-time All-Conference selection at Mississippi Valley State. There will be a question mark after Terrell Allen’s departure to Tulane. Last season, defensive lineman Eriq George earned Freshman All-American honors and could step into a much larger role in 2024. A name to watch is Keandre Booker, who brings plenty of experience after recording 92 tackles and 20 tackles for loss at SEMO.

The secondary loses four starters but will return multiple key contributors who played significant snaps last season. Jalen McClendon is expected to step into a larger role at cornerback and compete for the starting job across from Hollis III. Defensive backs Dion Villiers and Boogie Trotter are primed for breakout seasons at safety and nickel, while former Georgia State defensive JayT Jackson will push for a starting job this offseason.

Head coach Eddie George made necessary changes to his offensive staff, which could be the key for the Tigers to once again compete for the conference title. The 2024 season could define George’s tenure in Nashville, as the Tigers are expected to compete for the first conference championship since 1999.

2024 Tennessee State Football Schedule

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Officer who helped with rescue of Tennessee hospital patients says it was 'organized chaos'

Published

1 hour ago

September 28, 2024

Press Room

Officer who helped with rescue of Tennessee hospital patients says it was 'organized chaos'

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Tennessee

Dozens saved in East Tennessee as floodwaters overcome a hospital

Published

11 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Dozens saved in East Tennessee as floodwaters overcome a hospital

EAST TENNESSEE (AP) — Patients and their caregivers sought shelter Friday on a Tennessee hospital’s roof after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene drove them from the building’s interior and conditions made rescue efforts difficult.

The dramatic scene at Unicoi County Hospital near the North Carolina border was one of several that played out across the southern U.S. in Helene’s wake, as flooding caused by its storm surge and rain sent thousands of police officers, firefighters, National Guard members and others on rescue missions. Hundreds were saved, but at least 40 died.

Unicoi County Hospital tried to evacuate 11 patients and 43 others Friday morning after the Nolichucky River overflowed its banks and flooded the facility, but the water was too treacherous for boats sent by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The decision was made to take everyone to the roof.

“The water there simply came up faster with more debris than was safe to operate in the rafts to ferry from a dry point back to the hospital,” said Patrick Sheehan, Tennessee’s emergency operations director.

After other helicopters failed to reach the hospital because of the storm’s winds, a Virginia State Police helicopter was able to land on the roof. Three National Guard helicopters with hoist capabilities were on the way, officials said.

“We ask everyone to please pray for the people at Unicoi County Hospital, the first responders on-scene, the military leaders who are actively working to help, and our state leaders,” said Ballad Health, the hospital’s owner, on social media.

Middle Tennessee schools score 2024 National Blue Ribbon for academic excellence

There are a lot of great schools in our area. Congratulations to four schools in the mid-state that were awarded National Blue Ribbons for Academic Execellence. The were among six in Tennessee to receive that honor. They were among 356 schools across the United States to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education!

-Lelan Statom

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Tennessee

Helene in Tennessee: Track flood warnings, power outages and damage reports due to severe weather

Published

19 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Helene in Tennessee: Track flood warnings, power outages and damage reports due to severe weather

Communities across Tennessee could experience heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts and flash flooding through Friday morning as the remnants of Hurricane Helene move through the area.

After hitting the Florida coast, the remnants of the Category 4 storm are moving through Georgia as it continues to weaken. The storm will move into East Tennessee before curving northwest across Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.

“The main concerns with this system for us will be heavy rain/flooding and very strong winds,” the weather service said.

LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Helene brings rain, flooding and gusty winds to Knoxville

The weather service’s Friday morning report states that Hurricane Helene’s remnants will mainly bring tropical downpours this morning. Flash flooding will be possible with an additional 2 to 4 inches expected in some places.

A flood watch is in effect for East and Middle Tennessee through Saturday morning.