University of Tennessee Athletics
Inside the T - For The Fans
February 06, 2015 | Football
By Brian Rice
UTSports.com
National Signing Day is a group effort to sign the top players in the country to become the foundation for the coming years of Tennessee football.
But behind the scenes, there was another group effort going on. Another example, though from a different angle, of the One Tennessee mission that I wrote about last week. This effort was all about you, the loyal fans that make being a Volunteer so special.
The wildly popular National Signing Day show on UTSports.com was the most visible part of that effort. The work started weeks ago to improve on a wildly successful show last season. It was the brain child of VFL Films' Barry Rice (no relation, but he does have an awesome last name) and Link Hudson and their amazingly talented crew. With the new Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio fully up and running, signing day would be the first opportunity to showcase everything it could do.
The whole scene was equal parts NFL Draft, SportsCenter and the Today Show.
The large north studio, where the Butch Jones, Donnie Tyndall and Holly Warlick coaches' shows are produced, served as the primary set with host Sara Mitchell, but the south studio was the star.
Instead of a small conference room, the "War Room" for the coaches moved into the spacious south studio, creating an amazing visual in front of the giant screen that defines the space in the studio. Fans gathered outside the studio and watched the action through the windows that make up the exterior wall.
As in the draft, there was a "the pick is in" moment as the fax machine upstairs fired up. Once the paperwork was approved by Matt Hibbs of the compliance office, Dana Morrision from recruiting made the dramatic walk down the stairs into the studio. Director of graphic design Jonathan King made quick work of jersey nameplates, allowing Butch Jones to announce each player by holding up a "15" jersey with the player's name on the back.
Those of us running the web and social media side got 15-second head start on each newcomer, allowing us to click "Live" as Jones made each announcement.
The announcement of each player caused celebration in the room and outside. When Kahlil McKenzie's paperwork came in, Jones went to the crowd outside and used a fan's bucket hat to celebrate. When Drew Richmond's came in, Jones donned a bow tie, as promised, prompting laughs among the jubilation.
Behind the scenes, there were dozens of pre-produced packages and elements ready to go for the show, including sit-down and live interviews with all 10 of Tennessee's mid-year enrollees. Hours of work, keyed up with an expert push of the button by the VFL Films crew in the control room.
A series of features that produced the most reaction on social media were film breakdowns with reporter Dani Klupenger and Tennessee assistant coaches. Tommy Thigpen's impassioned breakdown of his linebacker class sent Vol fans on Twitter crazy with excitement over the players and their coach. It showed fans exactly why Thigpen is so popular with current players and future Vols.
After the last letter came in, everyone took a deep breath. The coaching staff had a moment to be proud of their effort. We had a moment to be proud of ours. Just like on the field, there are hard numbers that measure the success of an effort like that.
But page views, trending topics and video numbers represent more than just metrics for us. Every one of you that clicked a page represents a relationship for us. The fans are why we do what we do. As someone that is still a fan, I appreciate it on several levels. We want to do all we can to reward you the fans for the passion you show for Tennessee and the support you give every day of the year.
Enjoy this signing class, Vol Nation. You deserve it.
