Category: Sports

by Jim Wyatt, TitansOnline.com

The Titans, like the rest of the NFL, are working from a distance this April.

Virtual offseason programs started this week, and players are spending a lot of time in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At least for now, quarantine life is the way of life.

On Tuesday, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and safety Kevin Byard joined reporters on a Zoom conference call to give an update on what they’ve been up to in recent weeks.

And each one was asked what a day looks like for them right now.

Here’s what they said:

Ryan Tannehill: Throwing with Titans TE Jonnu Smith, working out, family time, and home projects

Tannehill has been with his wife and two kids at his home in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the offseason.

Here’s what Tannehill said when asked what his days look like:

“It’s not so exciting. Usually in the morning I get up, a couple days a week I’ll go throw. Jonnu is down here, so I’ll go throw with Jonnu (Smith) a couple of days a week down here in South Florida. Get a workout in, run on the field. I’ll come back to the house, have some breakfast, usually spend a few minutes with the kids there. I have a little gym at my house, and I’ll head out to the gym and get a workout in. Depending on the day, upper (body), lower (body), combination, recovery – it could be yoga, could be Pilates, something like that. By that time, it is getting close to lunch, I’ll spend a little time with the kids, have some lunch. My wife is really holding down the cooking – I think she is probably sick of cooking, because she cooks every meal. But she does a great job and keeps us all fed and happy. I’ll have some lunch, and then in the afternoon, it kind of just depends on what the day is (as to what I’ll do). Projects around the house — I am a guy that can’t really sit still and not do anything. I don’t really watch much TV or movies or anything like that during the day – I am a guy that likes to do something. So, it is either working out, watching some tape, going over a playbook or if I had anything around the house (to work on). Right now, one thing I am working on is hanging up a pull-up bar in my gym. So I am trying to get that all squared away and up. Of course, I am no pro, so it is taking me multiple trips to pick up supplies and re-cut wood and things like that. It could happen faster, but I am getting it done. And I am enjoying family time along with just being able to start preparing to get ready for the season.”

Kevin Byard: Diaper-changing, family time, and workouts – including a lot of time on the Peloton

Byard said he bought a Peloton for his wife last year, but he’s been using it himself while at home. Several of his teammates said they’ve tried to buy one themselves, but they’ve been on back order, and they’re still waiting. Recently, he began training again with Jason Spray while using social distancing. But he’s spent most of his days at home with his wife and daughter.

Here’s what Byard said when asked what his days look like:

“A day in the life for me has been dramatically different because of the quarantine. I think that is for most people in America honestly. Somebody in my position, I am very routine-based, so my routine has been changed and thrown off a little bit. But I have been able to adjust as time has gone on. First and foremost, my wife and I are woken up by our daughter early in the morning – 6 or 7 in the morning. She gets me up – that’s my alarm clock at this point. I don’t even need an alarm clock. So, I get up, change her diaper, clean her and things like that. I usually try to get my workouts in around 10 or 11ish after she finishes her breakfast. Other than that, it is being with my wife, being with my family, watching TV and videos. I have different things that I do to try and keep myself occupied. I read books. … I am actually partnering with NeoroTrainer, a new reality thing where I am training my mental to strengthen my reaction time. It is really family time, training, family time, training. There is really nothing else to do at this point because I am staying at home and everything else is closed down. I am just trying to do everything I can do to be the best family man, best husband, be the best father I can be. When everything picks up I’ll focus on that but I am focusing on staying in shape and trying to be the best man I can for my family.”

Executive Director Bernard Childress and the TSSAA state office staff are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on interscholastic athletics in Tennessee.

Due to the ongoing social distancing efforts, the Board of Control’s three-day meeting originally scheduled for June in Murfreesboro has been cancelled. The Board will take into consideration the items from the June agenda at the August meeting. The first day of the June meeting was to be set aside for a classification study session. Instead of a face-to-face meeting, each Board member will be sent the plans they requested to review with the goal of holding the classification study session in late July.

“The classification process is very important to our member schools and with so many different variables and plans to discuss, I believe this is a meeting that should take place in-person if at all possible,” said Bernard Childress, Executive Director. “The plans under consideration by the Board and the decisions they’ll be making on classification will not go into effect until August 2021, which does allow us some leeway on the timeline considering the circumstances.”

In regards to the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar and what school-related activities are permitted during the months of May, June, and July, all member school athletic programs will need to follow the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar as written.

TSSAA is recommending that member schools follow the state and local government along with the CDC and local Health Department guidelines concerning social distancing, understanding that these guidelines will continue to change from county to county and as the summer progresses.

“It is totally the decision of local Boards of Education, Directors of Schools, and/or Heads of School as to how much they are going to allow coaches to do face-to-face activities with their students,” added Childress.

“No one knows when school or non-school teams will be allowed to compete against one another,” he continued, “but in terms of practice, coaches should already be familiar with the Council’s calendar for their sport and are free to conduct practice sessions within the framework of those rules and the social distancing guidelines of health professionals and their LEA.”

Schools have also been advised that summer begins when the school and/or school system was originally scheduled to be dismissed. Up until that point, all sports are in the off-season. In following the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar, it should be noted that coaches may conduct “online” practice sessions as long as they are following the guidelines which are specific to their sport. As usual, weight lifting and conditioning, even if conducted “online,” must be open to all students and not required of any of them to participate.

The “Dead Period,” a two-week period in the summer where coaches are not permitted to be in contact with players, will remain in place.

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Included is an FAQ that should help to answer several of the most frequent questions.

Q: If the CDC or our local health department recommends that only 10 or fewer people be together, can we have multiple practices on a single day with a different small group of kids each time and only be considered a single practice for the purposes of the TSSAA Sports Calendar?

A: Yes. This would be permissible provided that your LEA and school administration allows it.

Q: What do we do about kids who are not able to get a pre-participation physical due to the lack of availability of medical professionals who are open or available to perform this service?

A: Pre-participation physicals that are dated on or after April 15, 2019 are good for the purposes of TSSAA eligibility throughout the summer of 2020 up until the first official day of practice for a fall sport that the student wishes to participate in. We are aware that getting a pre-participation physical may be an issue for some students due to the lack of availability of medical professionals, and we will have more information on how this will be handled in the coming weeks.

Q: Can we host a game this summer to honor our seniors who did not have a chance to be recognized this season?

A: TSSAA Bylaws do not permit a high school graduate to participate in TSSAA scrimmage or competition between two TSSAA school teams. However, there is no TSSAA compliance issue with a senior playing on an independent team with other students from his or her school.

Q: Can a coach host a video conference meeting (eg. Zoom, Webex, Hangouts) during the offseason with his or her team?

A: It depends. If sport-specific instruction is given during the video conference meeting (eg. installing offense, blocking techniques, etc.) then the meeting would be considered practice and could only take place when the TSSAA Sports Calendar does not restrict practice for the particular sport in question.

Q: Is it considered a recruiting violation if we post information about summer workouts and practice schedules on social media for incoming 9th graders?

A: No, provided that this information is distributed openly and is not being sent to a specific student or groups of students.

The NFL Draft is now in the rear-view mirror.

The Titans ended up making six picks, and a trade for a pick in next year’s draft.

The haul:

1 (29) Isaiah Wilson, T, Georgia
2 (61) Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
3 (93) Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
5 (174) Larrell Murchison, DL, N.C. State
7 (224) Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
7 (243). Chris Jackson, DB, Marshall

TennesseeTitans.com surveyed reports cards and comments from analysts across the country about the team’s draft.

Here’s a look at what the analysts are saying …

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Titans didn’t get edge-rush depth, but they did everything else they needed as Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel got a needed right tackle, third cornerback, second running back and rotational defensive tackle. Taking Fulton to play off Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson and Evans to complement Derrick Henry were especially terrific values.
Grade: A.

Andy Benoit, Sports Illustrated
It’s straightforward: When you’re a run-heavy team and you just lost your quality right tackle in free agency, it’s imperative you find a new quality right tackle. Quality offensive tackles require an early-round pick. Especially when that tackle weighs 350 and is athletic.
What’ll be interesting is to see if Isaiah Wilson, at his size, can play at the NFL level with the needed quickness and mobility for Tennessee’s wide-zone blocking scheme. He wouldn’t be here if the Titans had many doubts that he could.
Adding a run-blocker makes even more sense if you add a dynamic runner later. Third-rounder Darrynton Evans has big-time home-run hitting ability, and Tennessee’s wide-zone rushing attack presents opportunities for him to find space on the perimeter. He’ll fill departed veteran Dion Lewis’s old role and, given Derrick Henry’s passing game limitations, likely get every chance to earn the third-down duties.
There were some concerns about Kristian Fulton’s inconsistent balance and technique at LSU, but he often compensated with his late recovery ability. Those recovery skills may not transfer cleanly to the much more competitive NFL, but the good news is Fulton steps into a scheme that features a lot of disguised zone coverage, including heavy doses of Cover 2. That can hide some of his warts.
Grade: B

Mel Kiper, ESPN
The Titans made a surprise run to the AFC title game last season, taking down the Patriots and Ravens on the way, and they did it with an efficient quarterback, bruising running game and steady but unspectacular defense. Well, their first-round pick is clearly designed to continue that offensive trend in 2020. Offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (29) was a little bit of a reach, but I see the traits that put him at the end of Round 1, even if I question whether he could start right away over Dennis Kelly and replace Jack Conklin at right tackle. At 6-foot-6, 350 pounds, Wilson is a project, and he needs to clean up his technique, but that could come with NFL coaching.
Opinions on cornerback Kristian Fulton (61) were all over the map inside the league, but it’s decent value getting him at the end of Round 2. He is my eighth-ranked corner, just after A.J. Terrell, who went No. 16 overall. It’s a little risky, though, just because of his inconsistencies. Darrynton Evans (93) opened up some eyes at the combine with a 4.41 40-yard dash, and he could be the favorite to spell Derrick Henry as the No. 2 running back. On Day 3, Larrell Murchison (174) is just a rotational defensive tackle, and quarterback Cole McDonald (224) has a loooong delivery and will need time to fix that and adjust to the speed of the NFL. But he could be a decent backup.
I was surprised the Titans didn’t take an edge rusher, and Wilson was a reach on my board.
Grade: C+

Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Draft picks: Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson (No. 29 overall), LSU CB Kristian Fulton (No. 61), Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans (No. 93), N.C. State DT Larrell Murchison (No. 174), Hawaii QB Cole McDonald (No. 224), Marshall DB Chris Jackson (No. 243)
Day 1 grade: B-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: B+
Draft analysis: The Titans crushed Day 2 of the draft, getting the corner they absolutely needed in Fulton and finding that quick complementary back to Derrick Henry in Evans. Tennessee’s pick of Isaiah Wilson in Round 1 could work out thanks to the massive young man’s (6-6, 350 pounds) lofty potential. Tennessee traded their fourth-round choice to Miami last year for QB Ryan Tannehill … which has worked out pretty well. Murchison, an active defensive lineman, was a top-100 value they picked up at No. 174 overall. McDonald’s arm and athleticism made him worth a late-round flier. Adding depth at tight end should be the Titans’ top priority when looking to sign, umm, priority rookie free agents.

Pro Football Focus
Round 1 (29): T Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Round 2 (61): CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
Round 3 (93): RB Darrynton Evans, App State
Round 5 (174): Edge Larrell Murchison, NC State
Round 7 (224): QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii
Round 7 (243): CB Chris Jackson, Marshall
Day 1: Isaiah Wilson was 111th on the PFF Big Board entering the draft, so this pick is clearly a reach. Wilson is an absolute unit at 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, and while that can be a pro, it’s also a huge con as it makes playing consistently low a struggle. We actually like him more at guard than at tackle as a result. Wilson could thrive at guard because of how immediately he ends reps when he’s able to quickly get his hands on an opponent. Still, that doesn’t quite warrant a first-round selection.
Day 2: Fulton was the 12th-ranked prospect on our draft board and easily the CB2. He owns the highest PFF coverage grade in the country over the past two seasons, and he produced the nation’s highest forced incompletion rate (30.5%) when lined up on the outside. His ability to stick with his man, consistently force tight coverage and win at the catch point is as good as anyone. He was in SEC receivers’ hip pockets constantly, and he’ll be the same way in the NFL. This was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft.
After getting a steal in Fulton, Tennessee responded with a pretty huge reach in Darrynton Evans. He was only 221 on our draft board. While he is a speedster, he’s undersized and doesn’t break a lot of tackles, nor does he play well after contact in general.
Day 3: Tennessee needed a backup quarterback, and the Titans got one of the biggest arms in the entire draft in Cole McDonald. McDonald also brings to the table elite athleticism for the position and decent accuracy. McDonald had nine completions of 40 or more yards in 2019, which led all FBS quarterbacks. The big issue with McDonald was his ugly decision-making and Jameis-esque style of play — he ranked 18th in big-time throw rate and had the 12th-worst turnover-worthy play rate at the same time.
Draft Grade: C+

Dan Kadar, SB Nation
You could see the pick of offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson coming a mile away for the Titans. The right tackle is perfect for Tennessee’s run-based offense. He’ll replace Jack Conklin and give the Titans a blocker who can open massive holes for Derrick Henry.
Second-round pick Kristian Fulton should help the Titans fix their 24th-ranked pass defense. Adoree’ Jackson has been uneven throughout his career and Logan Ryan has yet to be re-signed. The Titans also let LeShaun Sims and Tramaine Brock walk this offseason. If Fulton can clean up a couple areas of his game, he should start as a rookie.
Running back Darrynton Evans, taken in the third round, is a nice replacement for Dion Lewis, a cap casualty this offseason.
Grade: B+

Luke Easterling, Draftwire
After losing Jack Conklin in free agency, the Titans found the perfect replacement in Georgia’s Isaiah Wilson, who was every bit worthy of a first-round pick. He was tested at right tackle against SEC competition, and his punishing style is exactly what Tennessee loves up front.
LSU corner Kristian Fulton was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft at No. 61 overall, and he can replace the departed Logan Ryan in the starting lineup immediately. Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans is the perfect complement to Derrick Henry.
North Carolina State defensive lineman Larrell Murchison was one of this year’s most underrated interior defenders, making him a huge bargain in the fifth round. Hawaii’s Cole McDonald is an intriguing developmental prospect at quarterback.
GRADE: B+

Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune
The lowdown: You could argue edge rusher was the Titans biggest need and they didn’t touch it. Evans is officially lightning to Derrick Henry’s thunder.
Grade: B-

WalterFootball.com
Goals Entering the 2020 NFL Draft: Tennessee made an unexpected run to the AFC Championship, but things will be much more difficult in 2020. The Titans won by bullying their opponents in the trenches, but with Jack Conklin and Jurrell Casey gone, they won’t be as imposing on the offensive and defensive lines. Tennessee needs to make sure it replaces those key free agents, while also adding some talent to the offense.
2020 NFL Draft Accomplishments: We were all shocked by what occurred in Mike Vrabel’s household during the draft, but Tennessee’s draft plans were far more predictable. It was the least-surprising thing in the world to see the team use its first-round choice on a blocker. Isaiah Wilson is a massive lineman, but isn’t limited athletically. He should be able to take over at right tackle at some point in the near future as a replacement for Jack Conklin.
The Titans also addressed their defensive line, albeit in Round 5. Still, they were able to get a nice value in Larrell Murchison. In between, the Titans addressed needs at cornerback and running back with Kristian Fulton and Darrynton Evans, respectively. Fulton was my least-favorite addition, as he was frequently torched last year. Still, the “C” the Titans were slapped with for him was the worst grade they received all weekend.
Tennessee didn’t have a spectacular or sexy draft by any means, but this rock-solid haul was emblematic of the values this franchise holds.
Grade: B.

Ryan Dunleavy, New York Post
Key Picks: Isaiah Wilson (OT, Georgia), Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU) Darrynton Evans (RB, Appalachian State)
Analysis: They married need and value every time. Evans and Derrick Henry are the NFL’s new thunder-and-lightning tandem. Wilson and Fulton replace free agents Jack Conklin and Logan Ryan.
Grade: A-.

Evan Silva, Establish the Run
Overview: Maintaining their bully-ball philosophy on offense, the Titans began their draft with 6-foot-7, 350-pound mauler Wilson, who should seamlessly replace Jack Conklin at right tackle. GM Jon Robinson’s best value pick was Fulton, who allowed a miniscule 43.6% completion rate when targeted over the past two seasons and ran 4.46 at 6-foot, 197 before the draft. Both filled big needs on Tennessee’s roster. The Titans will hope darting change-of-pace prospect Evans succeeds behind Derrick Henry where Dion Lewis could not. Murchison projects as a situational three-technique tackle, while McDonald and Jackson are probable throwaways. This six-man class failed to yield an edge pass rusher but should net two immediate starters and at least one useful early-career role player.
Grade: B-

Nate Davis, USA Today
Hard to argue with the program GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel are building but unclear if this year’s picks will help much in 2020. First-round OT Isaiah Wilson is 21 and may not be ready to capably replace stud Jack Conklin, who’s now in Cleveland. Second-round CB Kristian Fulton must prove he’s past questionable off-field behavior. And third-round RB Darrynton Evans is a nice handcuff for 2019 rushing champ Derrick Henry, but it’s not clear if Evans is even ready for a third-round role at present.
Grade: D+

Hayden Winks, Rotoworld
Wilson received a second-round grade from me and many other analysts because he’s a below-average athlete, but I rounded up his grade for the ideal team fit. He will start immediately as RT Jack Conklin’s replacement and has always been better as a mauling run-blocker than pass protector, which fits the Titans’ culture and offensive identity… Not only is Fulton good (6.6 yards per target allowed in coverage) and athletic (4.46 speed), but he also fills the Titans other massive need at corner. He walks into a starting role with CB Logan Ryan likely gone and offers a more physical presence to their undersized secondary… Evans has been a running sleeper of mine all draft season because he’s young (21), productive (1,480 rushing yards), and fast (4.41), and I can’t complain about the landing spot. He’s an ideal complement to Derrick Henry and is skilled-enough as a receiver to play passing downs as a rookie. With Henry playing on the franchise tag, Evans has a lot of sleeper appeal in dynasty leagues.
Grade: B.

Logan Mullen, NESN
Isaiah Wilson is an unsurprising move in the first round since they’re banking on Ryan Tannehill going forward — and obviously keeping him inside the pocket is best for all parties. But the Titans did have a pair of sneaky good moves: Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans in the third round will make for a compelling backfield partner with Derrick Henry, and we love the flier on Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald at 224.
Grade: B.

Tim Bielik, Cleveland.com
The Titans took Wilson to try and replace Jack Conklin at right tackle, but he will need some time before he can step in Fulton was a steal late in the second round to add more talent to the Tennessee secondary, and I like Evans as a complement to Derrick Henry. Murchison could add more depth on the defensive line for the Titans, who had a solid draft without a lot of flash.
Grade: B

Phillip Heilman, Denver Post
The Titans plugged holes at right tackle with Isaiah Wilson (first round) and cornerback with Kristian Fulton (second). Fulton is among the most-talented players in this draft. Darrynton Evans will be a nice complement to Derrick Henry at running back.
Grade: B.

Justin Leger, NBC Sports Boston
Analysis: Wilson makes perfect sense for Tennesee as he’ll fit right into the run-first offense. Fulton will make an instant impact on the Titans’ defense as he was our fourth-rated corner and a potential first-rounder. Evans is a solid replacement for Dion Lewis, who was released this offseason. McDonald creates some QB competition for Ryan Tannehill, but isn’t exactly a threat to take the starting job. After all, the Titans invested a ridiculous amount of money in Tannehill not too long ago. Altogether, a nice draft for Mike Vrabel.
Grade: B+

The Score
Wilson was an obvious fit to replace Jack Conklin at right tackle, but it’s easy to question the value of taking him at the end of the first round. And with an opportunity to potentially add a starter at a position of need in the third, it wasn’t the best investment to take a complementary running back to play alongside workhorse Derrick Henry. Capitalizing on Fulton’s surprising slide is what really saves this class and gives it the potential to look good long term. The LSU standout, who many expected to go in the opening round, could be an impact player from Day 1.
Grade: B-.

The Spun
Isaiah Wilson wasn’t one of the four coveted tackles in the first round, but he’s a big, athletic piece who could become a long-time option at the position for Tennessee. Fulton was a solid piece of the national championship LSU Tigers, and App State’s Darrynton Evans was an explosive playmaker out of the backfield. The most fun pick here, though? Hawaii’s Cole McDonald, who could throw for five touchdowns and/or five interceptions in a given week. He’s a true gunslinger, and we hope to see him get a shot at some point.
Grade: B-

Touchdown Wire
If you thought it was a headache to tackle Derrick Henry last season, imagine how many aspirins opposing defenses will need when Henry has the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Isaiah Wilson from Georgia grading roads for Henry to roam on the right side. Wilson is the second-best power tackle in this class behind Mekhi Becton, and he’s good enough as a pass-protector. Picking up LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton in the second round could be one of the top value picks in this draft if Fulton can get his leverage and technique straight, and third-round running back Darrynton Evans from Appalachian State looks like an outstanding “lightning” component to Henry’s thunderback role.
Grade: A-

Joe Tansey, Bleacher Report
The fall of LSU defensive back Kristian Fulton ended at Tennessee’s second-round pick.
Fulton displayed some flaws during the national championship run, and he was overshadowed by freshman phenom Derek Stingley Jr., but he is a solid corner who could make re-signing Logan Ryan less of a priority.
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans could be a good third-round find as a different threat out of the backfield when Derrick Henry is on the sideline.
Grade: B.

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced today its participation in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First initiative. The campaign is geared to raise funds for local Feeding America food banks while also honoring local heroes risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feeding America is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to fighting domestic hunger through a network of food banks. The local Feeding America food bank the Sounds and its fans will raise money for is Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

For every $10 donated through the campaign by a Nashville Sounds fan, the Sounds organization will donate one ticket (up to 500 maximum) to a future 2020 or 2021 game to a local hero. The ticket donations will be made to heroes supporting Middle Tennessee such as local nonprofits, hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees, and many others.

“We’re proud to continue to support Feeding America and specifically Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee,” said Sounds General Manager Adam Nuse. “The Sounds will continue to do everything possible to lend a helping hand in the community. We are asking for our dedicated fan base to be great teammates during this heartfelt Minor League Baseball initiative.”

Nashville Sounds fans interested in donating can follow these instructions:

1. Fan visits dedicated donation page at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst
2. Fan selects Nashville Sounds from the drop-down menu of participating teams.
3. Fan selects the amount he or she wants to donate ($10 minimum) to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
4. Payment is processed and fan receives a thank you confirmation e-mail.

To kick off the campaign, MiLB Charities has made a significant donation to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at First Horizon Park. The 2020 season will begin at a date yet to be determined by Minor League Baseball.

Several updates to the TSSAA Bylaws were made over the past six months that will take affect in July for the start of the 2020-21 school year. The changes were voted on at the two previous meetings of the Legislative Council. We are asking the administrations of all TSSAA and TMSAA member schools to carefully review the changes and provide a copy to everyone involved in athletics at the school.

The Legislative Council, which is made up of twelve administrators from member schools, is the governing body of the TSSAA that has the authority to make changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Council members are school administrators — four from each Grand Division of the state — elected for three-year terms. The Council ascertained the sentiment of the membership toward such changes at the regional meetings in each Grand Division of the state in November of this past year where proposals were discussed by school principals.

Be reminded that the TSSAA Board of Control’s mandated heat, lightning, and concussion policies apply to every sanctioned sport during practice and games. The TSSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee reviews and updates these policies annually. The state law concerning “Cardiac Arrest” must also be followed at all times. This information is always available on the TSSAA.org website. It is vital that every administrator and coach have copies of these policies and understand their importance. They must be followed at all times in all sports whether indoors or outdoors.

What follows is a summary of the Bylaw changes and where they can be found in the TSSAA or TMSAA handbook. An updated version of the TSSAA and TMSAA handbooks will be available on our website prior to member schools receiving the 2020-2021 printed copies. When they become available, the updated handbook should be used to conduct coaches’ meetings.

Article II, Section 23 (All-Star Games) of the TSSAA Bylaws

This rule has been removed from the Bylaws. The change means that administrators and coaches will not have to worry about an underclassman playing in an All-Star Game after their season is completed.

Article I, Section 6 (Cooperative Programs) of the TSSAA Bylaws

This rule has been changed to state that two schools may request to form a cooperative agreement if one of the schools has not had the program the last two years. The old rule required the school to not have the program for five years before requesting to co-op.

Article II, Section 13 (Ineligible Transfer Students) of the TSSAA/TMSAA Bylaws

The section making students ineligible for twelve months in all sports if they transfer a second time in their career has been removed.

Article IV, Section 8 (Sports Calendar) of the TSSAA/TMSAA Bylaws

This change increases the number of student-athletes coaches are allowed to give individual instructions to per day during preseason and offseason from three (3) to five (5) in baseball and softball. The number in football, girls’ soccer, and soccer has been increased to six (6).

Article IV, Section 8 (Sports Calendar) of the TSSAA/TMSAA Bylaws

This change states the Dead Period will start on Monday morning at 12:00 a.m. and end two weeks later on Monday morning at 12:00 a.m. during the same weeks designated by the Bylaws. This delays the Dead Period by 24 hours which allows school personnel to bring their players home from camp on Sunday. Now they will not be required to leave on Saturday before the Dead Period begins. The upcoming 2020 dead period has been adjusted according to this directive.

Article III, Sections 7 and 9 (Student-Athletes and Coaches Ejected for Unsportsmanlike Conduct) of the TSSAA/TMSAA Bylaws

An addition to these bylaws states that schools who have not submitted their “Confirmation of Sportsmanship Meeting Form” by the end of the sports season in which the violation occurred shall be subject to a $100 fine.

Article I, Section 9 (Coaches) of the TMSAA Bylaws

This change states that the annual registration fee for non-faculty coaches at the middle school level will be $25.00 per coach.

As many as four NHL arenas would host three games each per day without fans in one of the scenarios the League is considering to finish the season, Commissioner Gary Bettman told Sportsnet last week.

The NHL, which paused the season March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, also floated the idea to the general managers of holding the 2020 NHL Draft in June before the season ends.

“It was a trial balloon,” Commissioner Bettman said of the draft proposal. “No decision has been made. And I said as we were getting some feedback, ‘We don’t live in a world of perfect anymore. We’re going to have to make adjustments.’

“Ideally from our standpoint — and it would resolve a lot of issues — would be if we could complete the regular season, even if it’s on a centralized basis, and then go into the [Stanley Cup Playoffs] the way we normally play them.

“That would be ideal. But that’s, again, one of the numerous models we’re looking at, and if we can’t do ideal, if we can’t do perfect, we’re going to have to figure out what’s next to perfect.”

The NHL has decided against playing in non-NHL arenas at neutral sites because League arenas are best equipped to handle its needs if it decides to centralize games.

“We can’t play in a small college rink in the middle of a smaller community, because if we’re going to be centralized, we need the back of the house that NHL arenas provide, whether it’s multiple locker rooms, whether it’s the technology, the procedures, the boards and glass, the video replay, the broadcasting facilities,” Commissioner Bettman said.

The NHL would need four NHL-caliber locker rooms in each arena, because if it plays three games per day in one arena, it would need to use appropriate sanitizing procedures as teams move in and out, the Commissioner said.

Commissioner Bettman stressed the number of cities and the locations have not been decided. The NHL is modeling to make sure it is prepared for any eventuality.

“Maybe it’ll be two cities,” the Commissioner said. “It’s not something that we can predict right at this moment. But this is part of the contingencies. It doesn’t necessarily have to be by division, although the centralization may be by division.

“But the particular location could be anywhere that isn’t a hot spot and has what we need both in terms of the arena and having practice facilities, because if you bring in seven or eight clubs to a particular facility and you’re playing lots of games on a regular basis without travel, there does need to be ice for practice.”

The NHL has recommended players and staff self-quarantine through April 30. The first step toward resuming the season would be for players to work out at team facilities. The next step would be a training camp, which Commissioner Bettman said, based on a conversation with players and the NHL Players’ Association, would need to be at least three weeks.

Commissioner Bettman said the NHL felt no pressure to be the first major North American sports league to resume its season.

“This isn’t a race,” the Commissioner said. “The stakes are too important. … While some of them may have been able to work out in terms of physical strength over the last few weeks, the fact is, none of our guys really have been on skates. We’re going to have to make sure that they’re in game-ready condition, because we don’t want to put them on the ice and risk injury and their careers. So we’re going to need time to come back right, and when we come back, it’ll be having done the right things.”

The idea of holding the draft before the season ends presents problems, such as determining the draft order and what to do with certain contingent draft picks. But waiting months to hold the draft would present another set of problems.

“That’s why you’ve got to look at all of the options, balance them and try to make a good judgment, and we’re doing it with the feedback from our clubs, obviously,” Commissioner Bettman said. “We’re not sitting around on our own saying, ‘This is what we’re doing, period.'”

The NHL is also listening to the authorities.

“The decision ultimately will be made by medical people and people who are in governments at all different levels, so we’re not going to try and do anything that flies in the face of what we’re being told is appropriate,” the Commissioner said.

“… But clearly, we can play into the summer. Clearly, we can play next season, which we intend to do in its entirety, starting later. And so, with a lot of timing options, we have a great deal of flexibility, and we’re not going to rush anything. We’re not going to do anything that’s crazy. We’re going to try and do something, under the circumstances at the time, that is sensible.”

Major League Soccer has extended the team training moratorium through, and including, Friday, May 15.  MLS training facilities remain closed to all players and staff with the exception of players requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation, under the direction of the team medical staff, that cannot be performed from the safety of their residence.

While MLS players are expected to remain in each club’s respective market, MLS will continue to review individual requests by players to relocate to another market by car, taking into account the totality of a player’s situation.

MLS will remain in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on this continually evolving situation and provide further updates as they become available.

Coffee County CHS Dance team coach Ashley Kraft announced the roster for the 2020-2021 Raiderette dance team on Saturday. Due to social distancing requirements and the closing of schools, Coach Kraft was forced to pick her squad from videos submitted.

Coach Kraft said: “Congratulations to the 2020 – 2021 CCHS Dance Team! We had a great turnout for our virtual tryouts and had to make some tough decisions. I can’t wait to get this season started!”

The 2020-2021 Dance Team roster is(in alphabetical order):

Sydney Bell
Jaelyn Ferrell
Hannah Grimes
Alexia Hasty
Rachel Johnson
Taylor Lorance
Carlee Lowe
Lillian McGee
Makenna Orrick
Cherish Owens
Hallie Pittman
Brittney Spencer
Liliana Stetler
Cierra Wallace

The Titans selected LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton in the second round (61st overall) of Friday night’s NFL Draft.

“Let’s Geaux!!!,” Fulton said on Twitter after being picked. “Excited to join the Squad @Titans! More motivated than ever and ready to work! #TitanUp.”

Fulton (6-0, 200) started all 15 games for LSU in 2019 and was in on 38 tackles, 14 pass break-ups and one interception. He earned second team All-SEC honors.

Fulton ran a 4.46 at the NFL Combine.

On a conference call Friday night, Fulton said he met with the Titans at the NFL Combine and remained in contact with the team leading up to the draft. Fulton said the Vikings, Cowboys, Raiders, Saints and the Falcons all expressed a lot of interest in him in recent months as well.

“They feel like I can bring versatility to their secondary, and they like my game,” Fulton said of the Titans. “I wanted to go to a coaching staff and an organization that believed in me and my talents.

“They have a great defense. I know coach Mike (Vrabel) is a defensive guy, and that is the kind of coach you want to play for – a guy who is going to study your game and put you in the best position. You don’t get to the AFC Championship Game without playing great defense. I want them to use me … to help elevate that defense to be elite.”

The Titans feel like they got an elite player in Fulton.

Fulton was a two-year starter at cornerback for the Tigers in 2018 and 2019, and he graded out as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in 2019. He was the 42nd ranked player on NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft board heading into the draft. ESPN’s Jeff Legwold ranked Fulton No.41 on his Top 100 list, while ESPN’s Todd McShay had Fulton ranked 38th overall. Draft analyst Mike Detillier ranked Fulton the 25th best prospect in the draft.

Pro Football Focus gave Fulton a first-round grade.

GM Jon Robinson said the Titans were tempted to move up to get him, but said the team waited it out instead.

“We were fortunate that he was still there, and we’re excited to have him – he’s a player we had pretty highly rated,” Robinson said of Fulton. “He had a really good understanding of our vision for him if we were able to select him, and we were fortunate that he was there to take. We feel like he really fits our football team.”

Vrabel said he was impressed with Fulton during pre-draft meetings, first in person and later on Facetime.

“I think you have to be able to run at that position,” Vrabel said. “I don’t know where everybody is going to fit, but I certainly like (Fulton) and we’ll start working with him as soon as we possibly can.”

At LSU, Fulton played in 28 games, with 25 starts. He finished his career with 65 tackles, 25 passes defended and two interceptions.

In LSU’s win over Clemson in CFP National Championship Game, Fulton posted a career-high six tackles, including one for a six-yard loss.

Fulton will join returning cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson, along with Tye Smith, who re-signed with the team earlier this week. The Titans also have cornerbacks Kenneth Durden, Chris Milton and Kareem Orr under contract for 2020. The team has not re-signed cornerback Logan Ryan, who remains on the market, while LeShaun Sims joined the Bengals this offseason after playing previously with the Titans.

Fulton said the Titans asked him how he felt about playing inside in the defense. The team thinks he’s capable because of his toughness, tackling ability and instincts.

Robinson and Vrabel said the team plans to let him compete, and they’re hopeful he can contribute early.

“He’ll get in here and compete with the guys we have on the roster and his role will be defined by himself and how quickly he can get acclimated to our football program,” Robinson said. “He has obviously played at a high level on a really, really good (team) in college football. There was a lot asked of him, a lot put on his plate to learn, and we think that transition hopefully will be good for him.”

Fulton acknowledged on Friday night the wait to get drafted was a long one, but said it was worth it.

“It was extremely tough, the wait,” Fulton said. “But I had keep reminding myself that the right team, the perfect fit, will come to me. I didn’t want to go to a team that wasn’t 100 percent confident in me.

“It was definitely worth the wait when I got that call. I am excited to be a Tennessee Titan.”

The Titans believe they’ve found a perfect running back to pair with running back Derrick Henry.

Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans was selected by the Titans in the third round (93rd overall) of Friday night’s NFL Draft.

Evans is a big fan of the NFL’s leading rusher from a year ago, and he wants to do his part to help to help the Titans.

“(Derrick) is a big back, and he has some speed on him, too,” Evans said. “A lot of people, when they try and tackle him, they have to make a business decision on if they want to (hit) him high or hit him low. Add me to that, and I can change the pace of the game … if you need a quick play, any kind of explosive play. I feel like I can get the job done, and we can be a great combination. I feel like I can help take the load off (Derrick) a little bit and help add my twist to the game as well.

“He does a lot of great things, and I can’t wait to learn (from Derrick). I want to talk to him and pick his brain and just try and compete and be the best that we can be for the Titans.”

Evans (5-10, 205) posted 4,642 all-purpose yards at Appalachian State, with 34 career touchdowns. In 2019, Evans produced 2,064 all-purpose yards with 1,480 rushing, 198 as a receiver and 386 on kickoff returns

Evans is a speedster – he ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which was second among all running backs. Evans said he was once clocked at a 4.36 while on campus at Appalachian State.

Titans General Manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel said they like the thought of using Evans in a number of ways, from running the ball to playing him in the return game.

“He is certainly good with the ball in his hands,” Robinson said. “He is a different style runner obviously than Derrick, but he is certainly good when you hand him the ball. He’s got make-miss (ability), he gets through a hole quick and he has explosive speed. … He is a speed back, catches out of the backfield, has some return value.”

Evans was a two-time Sun Belt Championship Game MVP and MVP of the 2019 New Orleans Bowl. He was also a two-time All-Sun Belt first team and was the Sun Belt’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after leading the league in rushing in 2018. He also returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, and he racked up 1,439 yards on kickoff returns in his career, along with 319 yards as a receiver.

He totaled 11 runs of at least 50 yards in his final two seasons.

“The thing that helps me is my elusiveness and my speed,” Evans said. “I’m hard to tackle in the open field.”

Evans also set school records for most career rushes without a fumble (482) and single-season rushes without a fumble (255 in 2019).

The Titans hosted Evans on a pre-draft visit at Saint Thomas Sports Park before visits across the league were shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“He’s a guy that we really liked from a character standpoint and a skill-set,” Vrabel said of Evans. “What his role will be and how we’ll use him will all be defined by the player and how much they can handle.

“But this is a guy we met with and brought in and everybody in the building really liked what he was able to do in conversation and on the board and in the learning process. And then obviously watching the film we thought the skill-set (could allow) us to use him out of the backfield and being able to be a change-of-pace and one-cut runner. So we’ll see what he can handle and we’ll give him as much as we can handle.”