SEC Country Tennessee Podcast Josh Ward

This is the final Tennessee episode from SEC Country. Josh Ward says his goodbye on the show while also announcing some good news regarding the podcast. Josh talks to Mike Griffith about the last two years talking about Tennessee football and athletics. There has been a lot of change since the podcast began.

Highlights from today's show:

* Josh Ward provides info on new Tennessee QB commit Brian Maurer

* Matt Franklin, Maurer's head coach at West Port HS, joins the show (4:25 mark) to provide info on Maurer's development as a quarterback and his ability both throwing and running the ball.

* Hear stories from Mike Keith (12:45 mark) and Charles Davis (15:15) as they helped pay tribute to John Ward on Wednesday night.

Today's show begins with Josh Ward talking about one national publication's ranking of Tennessee's football team and coach Jeremy Pruitt entering the 2018 season. Hear what Athlon writer Braden Gall thinks about UT trying to reach a bowl game in Pruitt's first year. Josh talks more about that before turning the conversation to the late John Ward, who will be honored at Thompson-Boling Arena on Wednesday evening. Hear from Bert Bertelkamp and David Cutcliffe as they discuss what Mr. Ward meant to Tennessee - and what UT meant to him.

Today's show takes a look at Tennessee's quarterback battle. Josh Ward lays out some of the strengths that both Keller Chryst and Jarrett Guarantano offer. Josh talks to Mike Griffith about the position as well as the offense overall, which will be led by new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton. Josh also mentions some numbers that reflect how challenging the last decade has been for Tennessee.

Tennessee landed a commitment from linebacker/defensive end Jalil Clemons from Starkville (Miss.) High School during the weekend. He joins Josh Ward on today's show to talk about committing to the Vols and why he's so confident in coach Jeremy Pruitt and his staff. Josh updates Tennessee's 2019 class rankings and how the Vols compare to the rest of the SEC. Hear from VFL wide receiver Joey Kent (11:55 mark) as he discusses his touchdown against Alabama on "play No. 1" in 1995 and the impact John Ward made on Tennessee.

Josh Ward opens today with a few more memories of John Ward. Hear from VFL Bert Bertelkamp as well as Ryan McGee of ESPN as they share their experiences from being around the legendary Tennessee broadcaster. Josh also talks to Rivals.com recruiting writer Adam Friedman about several prospects, including offensive lineman Darnell Wright and athlete Quavaris Crouch. And Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt made a comment this week that might provide more optimism for the upcoming season.