On Rocky Top 2021 by UT Media Center

On Rocky Top

Student Media

2021 ON ROCKY TOP

Table of Contents 4 Campus 4

Letter from the Editor

Pride Center Opportunities: Meeting New People, Mentoring for LGBTQ+

8 Ways to Be a Better Roommate

13 15

Letter from the 2021-2022 SGA Executive Guide to Campus Organizations: How to Choose What’s Right for You 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College How to Handle Stress as an Incoming College Freshman Class of 2021 Shares Wisdom with the Incoming Class of 2025

16 Sports 16

18 20

Heupel Brings Offensive Mind, Quarterback Development to Tennessee Previewing Tennessee’s Crowded Quarterback Room Putting the Additions of Tennessee’s Accelerated Offense Into Perspective

24 City Unique Off-Campus Activities: Cats, Movies, Art

Best Restaurants Near Campus You’ve Never Heard Of

Editor-In-Chief The Daily Beacon

Jake Yoder

Managing Editor The Daily Beacon

Brynn Close

Student Advertising Manager

Victoria Wheelock

Student Layout Manager On Rocky Top is produced by UT Student Media - the home of UTK’s student-run news publication, The Daily Beacon.

UT Student Media

11 Communications Building University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37966-5569

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24 26

Sarah Rainey

Best Coffee Shops in Knoxville Based on Preferred Aesthetics, Atmospheres ‘Boba tea is happiness’: Hey Bear Cafe serves joy through Asian treats

865.974.5206

admanager@utk.edu This guide is a commercial product produced by the Office of Student Media at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Its proceeds support the Office of Student Media. Inclusion in this guide is not an endorsement from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the Office of Student Media.

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Letter from the Editor: Endless possibilities at UT

Hi there, soon-to-be Volunteers! My name is Sarah Rainey, the new Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beacon for the 2021-2022 academic year, and I am so excited to welcome you all to Rocky Top. I know that the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, but this edition of On Rocky Top has everything you need to know about coming to the University of Tennessee. Whether you are looking for details on the best restaurants to try near campus, seeking advice from the recently graduated UT Class of 2021, wondering how you will decide on which organizations to join or wishing you knew of an awesome boba tea business to check

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out, this edition has it all. Although your last year of high school was altered by the pandemic, we are hoping for a new normal at UT this fall with many classes and events planned to be in person. We have all found that while we have somehow made it work with everything being online, Rocky Top just isn’t the same without that in-person, on-campus experience. We are so looking forward to seeing everyone in August. I hope that during your time at UT, you will find your people, you will find your place and you will find your path in life — or at least get an idea of what it could be. College is an amazing place to figure things out for yourself and uncover your true passions. With so many different ways to get involved and to learn new things, UT can offer countless opportunities. I have been so fortunate to have utilized one of these opportunities — The Daily Beacon — and to have worked here since the first month I arrived at UT in August 2018. I was welcomed to the world of student media after having had no prior experience in journalism. Anyone from any background or major can become involved with student media and find something they are passionate about, garner life and career skills and meet some pretty amazing people. Whether you are interested in news, opinion or sports writing, photography, design, copy editing, video production, audio, script writing or simply creating,

you can find a spot at the Beacon. However, even if your place is somewhere else on campus, the possibilities are truly endless and I guarantee you will find your niche. Throughout the next four years, or five, or whatever amount of time you will spend at UT, I also hope that you will look to the Beacon as a resource and an outlet. Our purpose is to allow student voices to be heard, and we offer the latest information on things happening at the university and in the city of Knoxville, entertainment, sports and more. If there is one thing I would like to leave you with in this transitional period, it is to be open to new experiences and to try to step out of your comfort zone. Incredible things can happen if you challenge yourself to do something you never thought you could do. I can’t wait to meet you all this fall. Thank you for reading this edition of On Rocky Top! Sarah Rainey

Editor-in-Chief

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Letter from the 2021-2022 SGA executive team Hey Vols! Welcome to Rocky Top! We are Claire Donelan, Reginald (Reggie) Williams II, Nia Myrthil and Simon Jolly. We will be serving as your Student Body President, Vice President, Student Services Director and Executive Treasurer, respectively. As you come to join the Volunteer Family and navigate what these next four years will bring, we encourage you to join the Student Government Association family! The Student Government Association (SGA) is a place where all of us have found our life-long friends, campus resources and continues to give each of us a chance to be a representative voice for the betterment of Student Life. Whether you have a question about where to find your classes or want to contact the administration, you can find one of our welcoming faces in the Student Union (Student Engagement Suite, Room 174) or email sga1@utk.edu. Within our department, there are many opportunities for you to be a part of our family. As first-year students, you can apply to be a member of the FirstYear Leadership Council (FYLC), which is a cohort of first-year students who focus on leadership development and strategic student representation. To find out more about our application and interview process, please email Reggie Williams, sga2@utk. edu. You can also become a part of the branch that we

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like to call the “face of SGA,” and join one of our Student Services Committees. These committees focus on direct student engagement, event planning and more! For information on how to apply, email Nia Myrthil, sga3@utk.edu.

Courtesy of Forward UTK Our Student Services Committees are: Academic Affairs Diversity Affairs Environment and Sustainability Government Affairs Health and Wellness Smokey’s Closet Student for the Rock

Technology Affairs UT Traditions SGA also has a unique branch called General Body. Within the General Body Branch, all students can have direct communication with our executive team, university administration and talk to your Student Senate representatives. Please feel free to stop by, grab a slice of pizza and discuss what changes you would like to see on Rocky Top. For more information about how to join our department, please visit our website, sga.utk.edu, and fill out our interest form. Again, if you have any questions, please email us at sga1@utk.edu. Our SGA family would love for you to become a member, or just help you become more involved with any aspect of student life. Don’t forget to check out all our organizations that UT has to offer on our VOLink website. Please do all that you can to stay healthy and safe at this time! Welcome to Rocky Top, and Go Vols! -Claire, Reggie, Nia and Simon

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Pride Center Opportunities HOLLY FAHY Staff Writer

The Pride Center is the heart of LBGTQ+ resources for UT students and fights to support the diverse community that encompasses the university. The Pride Center has resources, events and engagement opportunities available for all members of the UT community. Here are some of the opportunities the Pride Center has to offer. LGBTQ+ Reading Group The Pride Center has offered an LGBTQ+ Reading Group for two semesters. The object of this group is to encourage students to learn more about gender, sexuality, identity and the LGBTQ+ community through literature. Peer Mentoring Program This program matches newer UT students with upper-level students to better help connect them with the LGBTQ+ community on campus. This program intends to make new students feel more confident and successful on campus. The applications for this program are still open for any students who are looking to join. Resource Series The Pride Center hosts a resource series throughout the semester that focuses on a variety of topics, including Writing Support Resources with the Writing Center, LGBTQ+ Health Services at UT, Title IX Virtual Lunch Hour, the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Program and LGBTQ+ Virtual Fair. More information about this resource series and the particulars about each of the events in the series can be found on the calendar of the Pride Center’s website.

show support and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community at UT. The signatures are collected from August to September and are published in October. The publication of this list is known as the PRIDE List. Safe Zone Workshops The Pride Center hosts educational workshops that are open to all faculty, staff and students at UT. Currently the Pride Center is offering two types of these workshops: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The Tier 1 workshops focus on awareness and help to teach about the correct and proper usage of language and terminology as related to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. This workshop also shares knowledge about the LGBTQ+ resources available on campus. Tier 2 focuses on knowledge and on the terminology that relates to sex assigned at birth, gender expression and gender identity, as well as ways to support the transgender and non-binary communities. Lectures During the semester, the Pride Center often holds interesting lectures with notable LGBTQ+ individuals. Peer-facilitated Discussion Groups These peer-facilitated discussion groups are identity-based groups that act as a safe place for students to connect and interact with each other. There are discussion groups for those identifying as asexual, aromantic, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, nonbinary, queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) and QueerAbility, which is “at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and ability/disability” according to the Pride Center website. More information about these events, opportunities and resources can be found on the Pride Center’s website.

PRIDE List A signature campaign is held in the fall semester to collect signatures from those in the UT community to On Rocky Top

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Guide to campus organizations: How to choose what’s right for you SARAH RAINEY 2021-2022 Editor-in-Chief

When coming to a university as big as UT, it can feel a bit daunting being just one person in a pool of 30,000. One way to make this university feel a little less huge is by joining campus organizations. Not only is this a way to make new friends, but it is also your chance to find your place on Rocky Top and to delve into your interests. For example, perhaps in high school you learned French, but upon arriving at UT, you decide you want to start learning Japanese and join the Japanese Club. Or, maybe you really enjoyed playing lacrosse in high school and want to continue playing with the intramural team at UT. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to UT’s organizations. Take advantage of resources Because there are so many organizations at UT, VOLink and the student engagement fair are your best friends. VOLink is a website where you can search through 606 of UT’s organizations. You can browse through all of the organizations in general, or you can search using keywords to find exactly what you are looking

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for. Also, the student engagement fair is a vital resource when it comes to finding organizations to join. Due to the pandemic, these fairs — held at the beginning of each new semester — were altered a bit, but with things being mainly in person this fall, they should be rewired back to a new normal. The student engagement fair is an in-person event where students from various organizations set up tables with information about what they do and why they chose their organizations, and are there as a helping hand for new — and current — students looking to find their footing at UT. Prioritize your choices While it is great that there are hundreds of organizations at UT, this can also make it a bit difficult to narrow down what exactly you would like to join. Your choices should all depend on what truly interests you. It is best not to join every single organization that catches your eye, because several of them require a fee upon joining and the amount of clubs you have joined can become overwhelming. Try to look for what really speaks to you and your interests before making a decision. It is a common theme for new students to join several organizations when first arriving at UT because everything is so fresh and exciting. However, this can quickly become a nuisance when homework starts

piling up and organizations start holding regular meetings or events. For students who really want to dip their toes in multiple organizations, a good rule of thumb is to narrow it down to around three that most pique your interest. This is a good starting point, and it is possible that you will end up only deciding on two — or even one — once you figure out where your priorities lie. Challenge yourself Sometimes the best decisions are those that make us the most uncomfortable. Discomfort is often necessary for change, and it is possible that when you arrive at UT you will be nervous to join an organization that you have no prior knowledge of or experience with. All organizations at UT are made up of students — people who have all stood where you have stood and are either the same age as you or just a little bit older. Everyone is in the same boat and you don’t need to be afraid to join something that you are unfamiliar with. The amazing thing about college is that it is an opportunity for self discovery. Join the organizations that you are most interested in and that give you a chance to try new things. You may discover something about yourself, and you will definitely meet some amazing people along the way.

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8 ways to be a better roommate DANIEL DASSOW 2021 Campus News Editor

One of the easiest ways to make friends in college is with your new roommate(s), and part of creating this friendship — or at least common ground — is by accommodating and being mindful of each other’s space, as well as being as considerate as possible. To help you become the best roommate you can be, here are some specific things you can do to put yourself in the good graces of those you live with. Rinse food off dishes before putting them in the sink More often than not, the problem isn’t that you haven’t done any dishes, it’s that you left half-eaten lasagna in the sink where it has become soggy and is attracting fruit flies. When you’re done eating, just rinse or scrape the food off of your plate before placing it in the sink, and your roommates will be less upset at you for not doing any dishes. Let your roommate(s) do homework If you get along well with your roommates, it can be tempting to talk to them or show them funny videos rather than allowing them to do work. Set boundaries with your roommates so that you can achieve a good balance between having fun and doing homework. Otherwise, they may come to resent you for enabling their procrastination. Support your roommate(s) in their extracurricular activities If you have a certain roommate who is highly involved on campus or in the community, show them that you notice and appreciate their work. Attend their games or club meetings if you can. Sign their petitions. Go to their art shows. Read their poetry, even if it’s bad. Or just ask them questions about how their extracurricular activities are going so they know that you care. If you share a bathroom sink, keep your side clean Most people have specific pet peeves about bathroom counters and sinks. EiOn Rocky Top

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ther toothbrushes are left touching the counter, or hair is stuck to the sink, or there are just too many products cramming the counterspace. If you use many different bathroom products, consider storing them in a cabinet or organizing them. If you want to be extra considerate, ask your roommate(s) what their bathroom counter pet peeves are. Chances are they have some and you can take care to avoid them. Invite your roommate(s) to hang out with you and your friends Sometimes roommates share the same friend group, but more often they have different friends. Regardless, it’s polite to occasionally invite your roommates along with you when you hang out with your friends. This doesn’t mean you should take your roommate along everywhere, but nobody likes to feel constantly left out, especially if they have fewer friends than you do. They probably won’t always say yes, but it’s the invite that counts. Be mindful of shower length Especially if you split the utilities bill among your roommates, be mindful not to take luxuriously long showers. Consider the amount of time you spend just standing in the shower not doing anything particularly useful. Try to cut that time in half, or just cut it out altogether. Offer your roommate(s) food when you make it In addition to asking if your roommates need anything from the store, it is considerate to ask them if they want some of whatever you’re cooking. Just like with inviting them to hang out with you, they probably won’t say yes most of the time. But cooking for one is hard to get right and you’ll have more than you need. Be open about what you need from your roommate(s) Just like with any relationship, you shouldn’t expect your roommates to know what you need from them if you haven’t told them. This one rule can cover a multitude of roommate problems, from bed times to music volume to hosting Friday night parties. Just let your roommates know what your expectations are and they will listen to you if you’re meant to be roommates.

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10 things I wish I knew before starting college CALEIGH ROZMENOSKI 2021 Copy Chief

There is no end to the advice after college starts. Some of it is helpful and some, not so much. Everyone’s college experience is different and what applies to you might not matter to someone else. However, here are 10 things I wish I knew before coming to UT — in no particular order. Textbooks Most classes will require a textbook or workbook of some sort, while others have something called inclusive access — this just means that the materials are covered in tuition and a separate purchase is not required. Don’t buy your textbooks until after the first class. There is always the option to drop a class and professors might not update their syllabus. It’s impossible to know if you will actually need your books until after the first lecture. Plus, there is always the possibility of finding free PDF versions, too. RateMyProfessor Don’t trust it. RateMyProfessor is a decent way to gauge how a course might go, but it is not an end-all-be-all. The ratings are pretty biased, and the reviews are usually polar opposites. One of my favorite professors is only rated as a 2.1. Just make sure to take what you see with a grain of salt and don’t let it affect your schedule too much. Roommates I’ve been in a lot of different roommate situations. I’ve had ones my age, ones younger than me and ones older than me. I’ve also had extremely neat roommates and roommates that thought foaming hand soap could be used on dishes. The key to a happy, calm living

environment is civility. No matter what kind of person or persons you find yourself living with, just remember that in the end, you share the space. Not every roommate relationship develops into best friends, and that’s totally normal! Majors and minors Change your major! That is, if you want to, of course. I know too many people that are scared to just make the change, whether the hesitation is from parent disapproval or future job opportunities. Personally, I got stuck in the ifit’s-not-STEM-it’s-wrong loop. But, the most important thing to remember is that you have to live with what you do and learn in college. Make sure it’s something you care about. Go to bed Sometimes it feels like everyone is in competition to see who can take the worst care of themselves. This doesn’t help anyone. There are a lot of people out there that like to brag about pulling all-nighters. In college, it’s so much more impressive to be able to say you were in bed by 10:00. Take care of yourself; the homework can wait until the morning. Join a club This one sounds kind of obvious, but it’s still really important. Joining one of the 400+ student organizations on campus is not only a great way to get involved, but it’s the perfect way to make friends with similar interests. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to get away from schoolwork!

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STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Use the “free” resources After all, they are not truly free — they are paid for with your tuition. So, go to the tutoring center, or use the library chat feature, or take the bus, or attend Supplemental Instruction sessions. Using the resources available to you and seeking help — whether it’s academic or emotional — is the equivalent to getting your money’s worth. Parking Parking on UT’s campus is impossible any day of the week. But, I’m here to tell you that you should never move your car on game day. You will not be able to park it anywhere near campus until the next day. Instead, take an Uber or the bus, or carpool with a commuter student, because moving your car on game day is just not worth the hassle. Professors In high school, most teachers felt the need to share that college professors don’t ever tolerate anything. While this might be true for some, most professors can easily be described as “chill.” I am not suggesting you slack off or try and take advantage of their kindness. Just know that you can go to

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File / The Daily Beacon the bathroom without asking and you are almost always welcome to office hours. Professors are there to help you because they want to, not because they need to. Meal and dining I wasted so much money as a freshman because I did not understand how UT’s meal swipes worked. Basically, the dining plan every freshman is required to have includes unlimited meal swipes plus dining dollars. UT Dining breaks the day into breakfast, lunch

and dinner. You can swipe into the dining halls multiple times within each time block. However, there is the option of going to specific restaurants on campus and using a meal swipe to cover a small portion of the cost and covering the rest with dining dollars. This can only be done once per each meal time of the day, and it’s a great way to save money. Starting college can be daunting, but there are plenty of people out there willing to advise and aid you in your first year on Rocky Top.

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How to handle stress as an incoming college freshman ALEXANDRA DEMARCO 2020-2021 Editor-in-Chief

When making the transition from high school to college, the prospect of a new workload and new levels of stress can be daunting. Coupled with the effects of the pandemic, stress can lead to missed deadlines, anxiety and other negative mental health effects. However, with proper expectations and management, you can reduce the negative impact stress has on your college career. Here are a few tips on how to manage and reduce stress levels. Set a regular study schedule In high school, there is little flexibility; classes take place eight hours a day, and you have to squeeze homework, a part-time job and any extracurriculars into the few remaining evening hours. In college, classes take up far fewer week-day hours, meaning that students are left largely up to their own devices when it comes to creating a study schedule. In order to stay ahead of the game in classes, it is a great idea to pick regular times each week that you plan to dedicate to studying or spending in the library. This will ensure that you treat these classes as if they are

required, scheduled class times and give yourself adequate time to complete your work. Google Calendar can be incredibly helpful for completing this goal. The software is available as an app or on desktop and allows you to easily add and remove items to a schedule. You can also send and receive calendar invitations and set reminders for events. On a campus as big as UT, with a number of other alluring activities, distractions are limitless, so setting this study schedule once you create your class schedule could be incredibly helpful. Keep up with emails This step sounds simple, but it’s amazing how easy it is to let your email inbox pile up. One week of getting behind on emails often rolls over into the next — until you have 100 unopened messages, and it’s too late to even respond to some of them. It can be really overwhelming to have to constantly respond in the digital age, but keeping up a little bit every day will help you avoid drowning in a flooded inbox. Additionally, you can utilize Gmail’s categorization tools to help separate your emails out — perhaps by classes, jobs or other traits. Keeping up with your emails will remove the aspect of email fatigue and dread that can easily arise and ensures that you are not missing any opportunities that

come your way. Pay attention to and value your mental wellbeing Historically, mental health concerns have been cast aside — to the detriment of many people. In reality, mental health is just as crucial as physical health. It is now spoken about more openly, and it’s very important to pay attention to the state of your own mental well being. For those who experience depression, anxiety or another mental health disorder, stress can be particularly impactful. It is extremely important to seek help if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, and UT has several available resources. The Counseling Center offers both one-on-one and group counseling sessions, and UT’s counselors can also refer patients to psychiatrists if needed. Students in crisis can also call the Counseling Center at 865-974-2196 to make a crisis appointment. Additionally, UT has a crisis line available 24 hours a day at 865-974-HELP. Students in distress can call the number for assistance from the university. To access the crisis text line, text “CONNECT” or “HOME” to 741741. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-SUICIDE — is also an important resource for those in crisis.

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CAMPUS STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Psychologytoday.com is another great website for finding mental health professionals. You can search for therapists by your insurance, specific mental health struggle, location, religion, sexuality and more. While these are not replacements for professional mental health resources, mindfulness and meditation are two great skills to practice to help reduce anxiety and improve your mental health. Mindfulness is the practice of learning to tune yourself in to the present moment and observe your thoughts without judgement. Meditation comes in many forms but often incorporates mindfulness and may involve breathing, walking or repetition. Additionally, do not be afraid to reach out to your professors if you are struggling with your coursework because of a mental health or other health-related problem. Professors can be great mentors in a time of need, and they are also more likely to be understanding about missed work if they are aware of extenuating circumstances. Take a well-deserved break College, while rewarding and fun, is also stressful. The coursework can be strenuous and sometimes seems to be never-ending. So, don’t forget to give yourself a well-deserved break here and there —

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A student rests in a hammock by the Art and Architecture building in between classes. File / The Daily Beacon whether that be taking a mental health day off from class or just spending a Saturday to yourself. Knoxville is home to a large park and urban wilderness infrastructure, so if you enjoy being outdoors, you can easily find respite just across the river five minutes from campus — or, you can make the 45-minute trek out to the Smokies to hike. You could also relax at one of the many restaurants downtown

and in Market Square. Stress, though inevitable to a certain degree, can be manageable with the proper tools and resources. Overall, enjoy your time in college, and don’t let the stress get you down too much.

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Class of 2021 shares wisdom with the incoming Class of 2025 DANIEL DASSOW 2021 Campus News Editor

Though they will not be on campus together, students from the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2025 have a unique shared experience: they both spent their senior years adapting to and overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The senior class that graduated in May included many notable campus leaders and volunteers, each of whom left UT older and wiser and more prepared for their lives because they weathered the storm of a global crisis. Because they will not be around to tell the incoming freshmen what they learned, a few seniors shared their advice for the newest Vols here. Shelby Guthrie “After four years of college, I feel like the biggest thing I have learned is that everything might not go the way that you want, but everything will work out — usually for the best. Make the most of where you are by being present and paying attention to the people that are in front of you. Being kind to someone can make a bigger impact than you think. And know that it is always

okay to ask for help!” Joelle Jarjoura “Welcome to Rocky Top! This is a place I’ve grown to love immensely over the past four years. It’s your new home now, so it’s in your best interest to explore it to the fullest. Try new coffee shops, study spots, student orgs and sports games ... even if you’re not sure you’ll like them. They will surprise you and you’ll learn something about yourself in the process. Enjoy your new home — I know I’m gonna miss it!” Mustafa Salameh “Welcome to Rocky Top! My main piece of advice for students coming in is to just be yourself and don’t change for others. Enjoy your time at the University of Tennessee because as cliche as this sounds, college flies by in the blink of an eye. Make sure when you look back that you don’t have any regrets. Go Vols!” Nikki Hernandez “Take a deep breath and take care of your mental health. Know there are people and resources on campus here for you every step of the way. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Grades are

important, but they don’t define you. It’s okay to ask for help and take advantage of the academic resources UT offers.” Simeon Glover “To the Class of 2025, they weren’t lying when they said that college would be the best years of your life! You learn new things, meet new friends and make memories that’ll last a lifetime! My best advice is to soak up every moment; don’t spend your college years focused on the future and let it all pass you by! College is what you make of it! Focus on your studies, but also never pass up on an opportunity to make memories. Say yes to the late night Cookout runs, the trips to Max Patch or Dollywood, eating out with friends at SoKno Taco Cantina or South Coast Pizza Co. College really is the best years of your life, so be open to trying everything that comes with it.” Deja Hughes “College is different from anything you’ve experienced in life up until this point. Have fun, but don’t forget why you’re here. Study, but don’t stress yourself out. Make lasting memories!”

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SPORTS

Heupel brings offensive mind, quarterback development to Tennessee JOSH LANE 2021 Sports Editor

Tennessee has hired a new football coach. The university announced on Jan. 27 that Josh Heupel will be the program’s next head football coach. Heupel will take over following the firing of Jeremy Pruitt on Jan. 18 for multiple Level 1 and Level 2 NCAA violations. Heupel brings a lot of experience to Knoxville. He was the head coach at the University of Central Florida for three years and was hired at UCF in 2017 by Danny White, who was the athletic director there at the time and is now the Vols’ AD. Heupel had a standout career as a quarterback at Oklahoma under head coach Bob Stoops. In 2000, he finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, as well as an All-American, the AP Player of the Year and a Walter Camp Award winner. Heupel led the Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship that same season. After a brief stint in the NFL, Heupel returned to his alma mater as a graduate assistant to Stoops. In 2006, he was named the quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma, where he had great suc-

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Courtesy of St. Louis Post

cess. Heupel coached Sam Bradford in 2008, his Heisman Trophy winning year. In 2010, Heupel was promoted to the Sooners’ co-offensive coordinator, where he was in charge of calling plays. He served in this role until 2015, when he was fired following an 8-5 season. “It gave me a chance in some ways,“ Heupel said of his firing. “Just to kind of restart and

look at what I want to do on the offensive side of the football. . . . It gave me an opportunity to reshift my focus on what I wanted to be as far as an identity on the offensive side of football.” Heupel spent one season as the offensive coordinator at Utah State and two seasons in the SEC as Missouri’s quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator, where the Tigers led the SEC in total offense. That brings Heupel’s career up to 2017, when as mentioned earlier, he was hired by White as

SPORTS

STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 UCF’s head coach, following the departure of Scott Frost. In his first season, the Knights went 12-0, before losing to LSU in the Fiesta bowl. He followed that up with a 10-3 record in 2019 and most recently went 6-4 in the shortened 2020 season. Though Heupel has just three seasons of head coaching experience, he has been a winner at every stop of his career. He is an offensive-minded coach, and his time at UCF says as much. The Knights have ranked in the top-eight nationally in scoring offense and have averaged at least 42.2 points per game in all three seasons he’s been at the helm. They averaged at least 522.7 yards of total offense in his time there. And even in the uncertainties of the year 2020, Heupel had offensive success. The 6-4 record does not look great, but it is somewhat deceiving. UCF lost three regular-season games by a combined 12 points, before being blown out in the Boca Raton Bowl by BYU. As a former quarterbacks coach, Heupel knows how to work with his quarterbacks. UCF ran a fast-paced, explosive offense that was second in passing, averaging 373 yards per game. Heupel’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a former three-star recruit, also ranked second in passing yards per

game at 335.3 behind Florida’s Kyle Trask. Other quarterbacks Heupel has coached include Drew Lock, McKenzie Milton and Landry Jones. Heupel’s style of offense doesn’t match the pro style Tennessee ran under offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. However, the 42-year old isn’t concerned about implementing his offense. “We’ve done it successfully multiple times, different places that I’ve been,” Heupel said. “Your coaches have to get caught up to speed on what you’re doing if they haven’t been inside of the system. You got to coach your coaches. And then your coach has got to put in time with your players. And there’s only one way to get where you need to be, and that’s time, effort and energy. And our players have to be willing to go above and beyond to get to where we need to be. We will be able to get there, no question in my mind.” For a program like Tennessee, which has had numerous problems at the quarterback position these last few seasons, having a coach that can get the best out of his passer will be a welcome change. Heupel’s recruiting does not stand out as a great strength the way that Pruitt’s did when he was first hired. In his three seasons at Central Florida, his classes were ranked 62nd, 60th and 75th respectively, by 247 Sports. He did not land any four or five-star recruits during that period. However, with the way Heupel can develop

offensive personnel, specifically quarterbacks, recruiting might not be the biggest issue for the Volunteers. Tennessee already has a former four-star quarterback in Harrison Bailey on its sideline. With the potential Bailey showed in his limited playing time last season and Heupel’s coaching, Tennessee might have one of the top offenses in 2021. Heupel is a great offensive mind, but one area of concern from his time in Central Florida was the defensive play; now that’s not totally his fault, but it should be important to UT, which finished in the middle of the SEC in team defense last year and recently lost linebackers Henry To’o To’o and Quavaris Crouch to the transfer portal. In Heupel’s first year at UCF, his defense was No. 95 in the nation. In 2019, his defense was much improved, ranked at No. 42 nationally, while holding its opponents to 346.1 yards per game. The group took a step in the wrong direction last season, falling to No. 123 of 127 after allowing 491.8 yards per game. Of course, that is not his primary area of concern, but those numbers are somewhat alarming. Nevertheless, the potential Heupel brings to Knoxville kicks off a promising era of Tennessee football.

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Previewing the crowded quarterback room JOSH LANE 2021 Sports Editor

There won’t be a single aspect of Josh Heupel’s first year at Tennessee under a microscope more than his quarterback room. The biggest selling point of Heupel’s hire was his ability to develop quarterbacks, an area that Tennessee football has been sorely lacking for years. With spring practices over and the summer session about to begin, here is a look at Heupel’s crowded quarterback room and see where things stand. Brian Maurer After a promising freshman campaign in 2019, Maurer took a big step backwards in 2020 as he fell down the depth chart. He played in just four games in 2020 and completed 2-of-6 passes for nine yards and no touchdowns. Maurer was slightly more successful on the ground where he recorded 41 rushing yards of five carries. Maurer has been with Tennessee the longest of anyone on this list, so there is plenty of familiarity there with the team. His strong arm fits much better in Heupel’s offense than it did with Jim Cheney’s last year. For what it’s worth, Maurer was the first quarterback out in the 2021 Orange and White game, where he threw for 171 yards and a touchdown. Harrison Bailey Bailey shared the majority of snaps in 2020 after Jarrett Guarantano was benched. As a true freshman, Bailey threw for 578 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 70% of his passes. The former fivestar recruit showed flashes of potential in limited action. He was an accurate passer, but had a poor pocket presence. Bailey often struggled to move the ball downfield as a result of him holding the ball too long. This should be less of an issue for Bailey in Heupel’s fast-tempo offense, and the results seemed to have paid off early. He threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns in the Orange and White game, including a 73-yard touchdown pgss to Jack Jancek.

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Hendon Hooker Hooker is the most experienced quarterback of this group, as he started the last two seasons at Virginia Tech. Last year, Hooker led the Hokies to a 5-6 record while throwing for 1,339 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Hooker is an elite dual-threat option, and he’s totaled 247 carries for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. His speed and athleticism should work tremendously in Heupel’s tempo-based offense. In the Orange and White game, Hooker was 10-of-14 for 111 yards and a touchdown in the air, while he ran for 13 yards and a touchdown. He did, however, have the game’s lone interception. Joe Milton Milton is coming off a mixed junior campaign at Michigan. He started four of six games for the Wolverines, throwing for 1,077 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. Against rival Michigan State, Milton totaled 300 passing and 59 rushing yards, but he was benched after a miserable nineof-19, 98 yard and two interception performance against Wisconsin. Milton might be the biggest wild card in this race, as he committed to transfer to UT on April 19, right in the middle of spring practices. As such, Milton did not get to spend the spring with the team, but he is making up for the lost time, already living in Knoxville over the summer. The graduate transfer will be immediately eligible, and he has some familiarity with Heupel, as he was offered by Missouri while Heupel was serving there as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prediction Even as recently as the Orange and White game, Heupel said this quarterback race was still “wide open.” He is in the process of implementing his full playbook, so Heupel wouldn’t commit to one guy so early on, and probably won’t until well into the fall. If I had to pick, though, I think Hooker will get the starting nod under center. His dual-threat ability pairs nicely with Heupel’s fast-paced offense, and his previous starting experience gives him an advantage over the rest of the somewhat inexperienced group.

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Putting the additions of Tennessee’s accelerated offense into perspective ETHAN STONE 2021 Assistant Sports Editor

Tennessee fans are eager to see what first-year head coach Josh Heupel will bring to the field this coming fall season. Admittedly, it’s no surprise why the fans are so restless — Heupel looks to bring a fastpaced, highly volatile offense to the Volunteer State in hopes of waking some of the Tennessee faithful still fast asleep holding over from last year’s squad. There are some still questioning the efficacy of Heupel’s brand new offensive strategy; more accurately, who will execute it? After all, this past offseason gave way to turnover the Tennessee football program hadn’t seen in decades, and key positions such as running back and O-line were left almost barren when the dust had settled. Here’s a look at some of the new faces the offense expects to see this fall. Battle for starting QB Virginia Tech’s former starting quarterback Hendon Hooker announced his intent to transfer to the Vols in January and immediately became a fan favorite to win the starting position.

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It’s no surprise why, either. Hooker’s natural dual-threat playstyle compliments Heupel’s up-tempo offense well, and it stands to reason that a transfer under a first year coach has as much of an opportunity as anyone holding over from the current roster such as sophomores Harrison Bailey or Brian Maurer. “I was looking for a place to call home, [somewhere] that I could communicate well with my coaches,” Hooker said to Austin Price and Chris Low in January. “Somewhere where I could showcase my talents to the best of my abilities.” Joining Hooker from the transfer market is former Michigan quarterback Joe Milton. In his five starts at Michigan, the former four-star prospect threw for 1,000 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions before being replaced after a lackluster start against Rutgers in week six. Michigan media pins this unusual drop-off in production to a nagging thumb injury Milton suffered in the offseason. Tennessee also added the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the 2021 class in Kaidon Salter, though his status on the depth chart is questionable after a suspension in early March. A new, untested backfield Eric Gray and Ty Chandler, two of the Vols’ top running backs departed from the team as well. The

duo was a bright spot on a seemingly unmotivated offense under Jeremy Pruitt, combining for 1,452 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns in 2020. This presents a major challenge to the new administration — one that will look to implement the run as a primary weapon often. If the Orange and White game is a testament, however, the Volunteer faithful have little to worry about as far as backfield production is concerned. Jaylen Wright and Tiyon Evans look to pick up right where Gray and Chandler left off, along with previously underutilized sophomore Jabari Small. Though Evans did not participate in the spring game, his accolade as the No. 1 ranked JUCO prospect is certainly something to take note of when looking to fill shoes such as Gray and Chandler. Wright has enormous upside as well. The freshman signee has shown a burst of speed similar to that of Gray, and his early touchdown in the spring game proves he is looking to make an immediate impact for the Vols this season, despite some reported consistency issues in spring practice.

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STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Strong receiving core grows deeper Perhaps the area for most potential among new faces is at receiver. In total, Heupel and the Volunteers added five receivers to complement the additions in the quarterback room. These names include Mississippi State transfer Javonte Payton and JUCO transfer Andison Coby, as well as three freshmen prospects in Julian Nixon, Kaemen Marley and Walker Merrill. Merrill, especially, is seen by some as a star in the making. The four-star prospect from Brentwood was also unable to show his skills in the Orange and White Game, but presents a tough mindset and exceptional route-running ability to an already talented receiver core. “He’s going to be a special player here as his career continues to go on,” Heupel said. Coby and Payton are lightning quick, to put it simply. The two join the Vols via the state of Mississippi, Payton a transfer from Mississippi State and Coby from Northeast Mississippi Community College. They also bring a huge upside to an offense that wants to go fast at all times. Payton has shown he can thrive in bursts. The Nashville native torched LSU’s defense from the slot, finishing with six receptions and 122 yards against what was at the time a top-10 defense. Rounding out the receiver room are Nixon and Marley. Both are big, physical receivers that have experience at different positions in high school, namely tight end,

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safety and corner. Look for Nixon to fill some possessions at tight end along with incoming freshmen Miles Campbell and Trinity Bell. In the trenches The prematurely dubbed “TVA” of last season didn’t exactly pan out despite a plethora of NFL talent on the roster. To start, Trey Smith and Brandon Kennedy were lost to the NFL draft. Sometimes, stories write themselves; Smith in particular is a player nearly impossible to replace. Kennedy’s departure will sting as well, as leadership will be an attribute that is hard to come by for such a young team. Kennedy’s consistency at center is something many Tennessee fans could find was taken for granted in his six years of holding down the position. Wanya Morris and Jahmir Johnson were lost to the transfer portal soon after Pruitt’s firing, bringing the total number of last year’s remaining starters to one: Cade Mays. He won’t go at this alone, however. Tennessee added three linemen to the team in the offseason: William Parker, Jeremiah Crawford and Amari McNeil. Crawford is another JUCO transfer. The 6’6 tackle was recruited by Heupel at UCF, and his experience at the position will be more than welcome on a Vols roster that seems to be growing closer and closer to recruiting tackles off the street. Parker is perhaps the most exciting addition. The Nashville native is a three-star prospect that chose the

Tennessee quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) throws a pass on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Brianna Paciorka / Pool via News Sentinel Vols over Alabama and reclassified to get a head start in spring training. “He just is raw to the game, has to learn what to do, how to do it, but the fact that he’ll play so fast when the ball is snapped, he’ll be just fine,” Offensive Line Coach Glen Elarbee said regarding Parker. McNeil is being eyed as a project that will pay off for the offense’s quick tempo. He was originally designated as a defensive lineman, but has instead worked drills with the O-line in hopes of making the switch. His official position has yet to be determined. McNeil stated in an interview that he “always knew he was underrated,” and picked Tennessee over schools such as Minnesota and Memphis on National Signing Day.

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Unique off-campus activities JAKE YODER 2021-2022 Managing Editor The University of Tennessee has a huge, wonderful campus that is absolutely full of things to do, but there’s more to Knoxville than just UTK. Here are just a few places to visit that are (relatively) close to campus. Scruffy’s Cafe Who doesn’t love cats? Those looking for the perfect getaway from the stresses of college will find peace at Scruffy’s Cafe, a cat café about two miles from campus. At Scruffy’s, neon lights and low-fi beats adorn a cozy space full of cats. The cats at Scruffy’s are not only lovable and cuddly, but they are also up for adoption. If you happen to find a certain kitty that just gets you, you might be able to take them home with you. Plus, the cafe’s friendly owners are always around to serve drinks, food or simply good conversation. Central Cinema While Knoxville is no stranger to movie theaters, the most unique theater in town is Central Cinema.

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Since its opening in 2018, this one screen theater has been a haven for film buffs. Owned by the creators of the Knoxville Horror Film Festival, Central Cinema is the place to go to catch independent films that may not get a wide release. They also regularly show classics that everyone can enjoy, so you owe it to yourself to stop by Central Cinema at least once while you’re living in Knoxville. The Tennessee Theatre and The Bijou Theatre If you want to see a play, musical, concert or comedy show, there isn’t anywhere better to go than these two theaters. Both have been hosting events for over 90 years and are some of the most impressive venues in town. When events finally return, grab a ticket to one of these theatres for an undoubtedly good time. Knoxville Museum of Art Hidden away right outside World’s Fair Park, the Knoxville Museum of Art features multiple ongoing exhibitions highlighting the artists of East Tennessee, as well as new exhibitions which come and go every few months. There’s even free admission, so visiting here is as no-brainer.

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Best coffee shops in Knoxville based on preferred aesthetics, atmospheres SARAH RAINEY 2021-2022 Editor-in-Chief

ing. It can get a bit busy and chaotic, so for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere to get their work done, they may prefer the downtown or North Knoxville locations, which are smaller, quieter spaces that are perfect for grinding out some homework.

For students and Knoxvillians alike, coffee is a pretty important part of most people’s daily routines. Whether someone prefers a hot and plain cup o’ joe to get their day going or enjoy the iced and sweet route to add a little flavor to their studying, Knoxville has countless options of great coffee shops to choose from. However, not every coffee shop’s environment is the same. Here are some of the best coffee shops in Knoxville for any vibe someone may be going for. K Brew K Brew (“K” as in “Knoxville”) is a classic option: a great variety of flavorful coffee, bagels, sandwiches and nice visuals with dark brown accents. Much to the excitement of city dwellers and college students, K Brew has three locations. They have one shop on Kingston Pike, another in downtown Knoxville and a third in North Knoxville, which is a little closer to campus. Even though they are technically the same business, each location has a slightly different aesthetic to offer. The Kingston Pike location is more of a conversational environment, with a wide, open space and plenty of seat-

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Likewise Coffee This coffee shop just opened up over winter break and is already getting plenty of buzz, and rightfully so. Likewise is on East Magnolia Avenue, just a little ways away from UT. Likewise has quite an interesting set-up; the coffee shop is inside a renovated 100-year-old house. There are all kinds of nooks and crannies within Likewise. Whether someone wants to relax on a couch and read a book or fix themselves at a table to spend a few hours completing online assignments, there’s really a spot for everyone. On their Instagram, they also post stories with “Today’s Vibe,” which are suggestions for different types of coffee to order. Likewise is a great choice no matter what sort of atmosphere someone is looking for; because of the different rooms and hallways blocking off seating areas, it’s adaptable to whatever someone needs. Remedy Coffee Located on a cozy corner of Tyson St. in North Knoxville

Enjoying a cup of joe at Remedy Coffee. File / The Daily Beacon just a few minutes from UT’s campus, Remedy Coffee is home to excellent coffee and is an ideal study space. The vibes of this shop are immaculate, with wood tables, natural lighting, white brick and greenery surrounding the space. The word that comes to mind to describe Remedy is simplicity; it is a quiet atmosphere to have a chat with a friend or get some homework done, or both. Also, located just next door is Paysan Bread. Remedy-goers who find themselves getting a bit peckish can just head over and grab themselves a freshly made bagel to gain some energy for the day ahead. If anyone is interested in being notified when new coffee shops or any other cool businesses appear in Knoxville, a fantastic Instagram account to check out is @new2knox.

Email the Vice President of Recruitment, Madeline Dillmon, with any questions: utkrecruitment@gmail.com

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Best restaurants near campus you’ve never heard of DANIEL DASSOW 2021 Campus News Editor One of the best parts of the UT experience is going out to eat with friends, but it can be easy to keep going to the same places and miss out on the culinary diversity in Knoxville. Here are six restaurants that often go unnoticed by students, but that deserve to be explored for their quality food and unique dining experiences. KoPita Vegan and KoPita Meat A gem hidden in plain sight, KoPita comprises the twin restaurants KoPita Vegan and KoPita Meat, which sit sideby-side on Gay Street downtown. KoPita serves authentic Mediterranean food, some of which will likely be unfamiliar, like shakshuka or bourekas, and some of which will be familiar, like falafel and kebabs. KoPita Vegan is convenient for those with a plant-based diet, but omnivores will find things to love there, too. These simple and fresh restaurants are sure to be a fun surprise for first-time diners, with their undeniably authentic food and complimentary fresh tea. Landing House Landing House is a Chinese and Cambodian restaurant

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situated in an old house on the end of Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville. Eating at Landing House feels like eating in a friend’s home, with tables set up in the front yard, the hallway and the living room. The Asian fusion menu, however, has the sophistication of a top restaurant and includes spring rolls, stir fry, pho, noodles and fried rice, each with a flavorful and authentic twist you cannot find at any other Asian spot. Moe Beez Moe Beez is a Black-owned, fan-favorite wing and barbecue joint on University Avenue, only minutes away from campus. Its simple menu includes both dry and wet rub wings, with flavors like lemon pepper and “Knoxville hot.” It also offers high-rated fried pickles and fried okra along with crinkle cut fries. With its many UT connections and a friendly staff, Moe Beez quickly makes you feel like family. Yassin’s Yassin’s is a family-owned falafel house situated within easy walking distance of Market Square and most downtown landmarks. The restaurant makes its beloved falafel and hummus fresh every day, as well as highly-rated gyros and shawarma. Yassin’s is able to accommodate both gluten-free and vegan diets and is known for its welcoming environment and friendly staff.

A falafel wrap from Yassin’s Falafel House. File / The Daily Beacon A Dopo “A dopo” means “see you later” in Italian, and if you eat at this wood-fired sourdough pizza spot, you will want to come again. Though students will often default to the more casual South Coast Pizza or Tomato Head, A Dopo offers the intimacy of a smaller dining area and minimalistic toppings on their Neapolitan style sourdough crust, charred in a wood fire pizza oven. Be careful to plan for the evening, though, as they only serve dinner. Anaba Another underrated Gay Street eatery, Anaba is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi and hibachi, as well as rice bowls with katsu and chashu. Both lovers and newcomers to Japanese cuisine will love the relaxed, modern atmosphere and extensive menu at Anaba.

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‘Boba tea is happiness’: Hey Bear Cafe serves joy through authentic Asian treats KEENAN THOMAS Staff Writer

Hey Bear Cafe, located at 9036 Middlebrook Pike, is a locally owned and operated small business with an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff serving boba tea. Hey Bear Cafe started in a corner of Sunrise Supermarket before transitioning to its own storefront in 2019. Since then, the cafe has served tea, held events and provided food trucks for customers to enjoy. The owner, Vicky Shyr, crafted the cafe with her partners as a place for everyone to gather. A cup of boba tea outside of Hey Bear Cafe. “I wanted to create a place the entire family could Hugh Dupree / The Daily Beacon enjoy, with our atmosphere outside and a menu that is friendly to everyone, regardless of age,” Shyr said. derful customer base when we were selling bubble “It’s also a place for friends to hang out and just re- [boba] tea in Sunrise, and I just really wanted to crelax and make memories together. This is something ate a place to better serve our amazing customers.” I wish I had growing up.” Shyr makes sure to provide authentic tea for her Born in Taiwan, Shyr grew up in Georgia before customers. moving to Knoxville, and she has infused her cul“… I import all of the tea from Taiwan, which has ture into Hey Bear Cafe. been made very difficult due to COVID, with the in“So, we first started selling boba tea just out of creased import fees and delays,” Shyr said. pure love for a favorite childhood drink, and a deAlong with these delays, COVID-19 has changed sire to share that part of our culture with this town,” how Hey Bear Cafe operates. They try to keep their Shyr said. “Then, we were very lucky to have a won- customers safe while still serving them. They start-

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ed by shutting down the inside seating area. “Instead, we focused on providing outside seating, pavilions, outdoor heating and plenty of sanitization methods so our customers can still enjoy themselves in a relatively safe manner during this difficult time,” Shyr said. “We’ve been doing alright, but this community has been supportive and we’re very grateful for that.” Hey Bear Cafe has attracted different groups of people to its shop. Alongside families, high school and college students have gathered here as a hangout spot. “It’s so cute,” Shyr said. “They use the outdoor space and just have a group and study.” However, Shyr didn’t start Hey Bear Cafe to bring in any specific customer base. “Honestly, we didn’t have a target demographic in mind when we started, it was really about spreading what we love to everyone in this community,” Shyr said. “We really believe that if you have something good, it’ll appeal to everyone.” Hey Bear Cafe doesn’t just serve drinks. They accommodate for different food trucks as well. However, it took them a while to get trucks to come on a regular basis due to different COVID-19 regulations.

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STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 “After we got everything figured out, we were able to provide a place for them to come consistently,” Shyr said. “Now it’s mainly the weather that causes them to have to shut down. We have plenty of space and we follow the safety guidelines for COVID, so food trucks like to come here often.” Shyr provides for her workers as well, keeping most of her staff since Hey Bear started. A freshman at Pellissippi State Community College, Journey Bolter started when the Cafe first opened. “I love [working here],” Bolter said. “We’ve all gotten really close becaus it’s such a small business and there’s only like … 11 or 12 of us that work here, so we’re all pretty much working with each other all the time ... it’s been nice to be able to still work [during the pandemic].” Boulter said she likes to provide people with boba tea because, “Boba tea is happiness.” Shyr has many plans for the future of Hey Bear Cafe. These include plans for live music from local bands in the spring every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They also plan to do “a spring market” which will be on Sundays. This market will have many kinds of vendors, not just food. “Anything that’s local, we’ll take it!” Shyr said. Shyr eyes a future location for Hey Bear Cafe

The exterior of Hey Bear Cafe on Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville. Hugh Dupree / The Daily Beacon sometime in 2022. She couldn’t say much about it except that it “is a very unique space” and that she’s “excited to expand Hey Bear Cafe in another part of the town.” Presently, Shyr wants to continue serving everyone around her. “We have all kinds of people come here to enjoy our space, our drinks, the local food trucks and local vendors,” Shyr said. “It really creates a great sense of community and an environment that is welcom-

ing to all. That’s what I hope we can continue to do, through quality tea and great customer service.” Hey Bear Cafe operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and an additional 30 minutes on Friday and Saturday night. They provide outdoor seating or curbside pickup. Their website provides a look at their menu along with a food truck calendar, and they update their Instagram and Facebook pages regularly.

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