🏀 Do not worry about Zakai Zeigler

Don’t be surprised if Zakai Zeigler suits up for Tennessee against Auburn on Saturday.

OK… that would be surprising.

But the way Zeigler has handled the torn ACL he suffered against Arkansas isn’t.

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes explained on Thursday.

“I was kidding (Zeigler) today about being tough,” Barnes said. “I said, ‘If you’re really tough, you’ll come back’ and he said, ‘Well, I’m coming back then – today. You tell me what I need to do.’ And he would do that. I promise you if I told him, ‘We need you to tape it up as tight as you can and play,’ he would do it. I promise you. He’s the kind of guy that would do that if it would be for two minutes or three minutes, anything to help his team.”

Zeigler is the kind of guy who will find a way to succeed.

His path to Tennessee – and his immediate impact in Knoxville – is proof of that.

This circumstance with his injury is different, but his mindset will be the same.

Have you ever heard the expression That Dude?

That’s Zeigler. He has been That Dude at point guard for Tennessee this season.

That’s why replacing him will be so difficult.

How will the Vols do it?

By committee, according to Barnes.

“Obviously Santi (Vescovi) could go there,” Barnes said. “Once the game starts, we get going, other than dead-ball situations, I mean, whoever gets it can go with it. Otherwise, we could change it throughout the game, but I would obviously think Santi would be the first guy that would be there with it.”

Josiah-Jordan James will be another option. So will Jahmai Mashack, who might’ve been the biggest positive for Tennessee in February.

Barnes also said senior guard Tyreke Key will return from injury and BJ Edwards will be available off the bench.

The Vols still have talent in the backcourt, length and athleticism and on the wing, and depth in the post. That last part is important: Tennessee’s frontcourt has to make a difference.

No one thinks it will be easy for Tennessee to replace Zeigler. No one should think it’s impossible, either.

The Vols will get a great test Saturday at Auburn (2 pm, ESPN). The Tigers are on the NCAA Tournament bubble and will be desperate for a win against Tennessee.

The Vols should be motivated. They have SEC and NCAA Tournament seeding on the line.

They also have a fallen teammate to play for. Don’t discount a galvanized locker room in March.

Tennessee’s players will try their best for Zakai while he focuses on returning next season.

And Zeigler will return better than ever. You can bet on that.

LET THE QUARTERBACK DEBATES BEGIN

Dennis Dodd raised some eyebrows in Knoxville with his most recent column for CBS Sports.

Dodd’s article featured “23 things” to know ahead of spring practice in college football.

No. 22 on the list focused on incoming freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who enrolled at Tennessee in December.

Dodd mentioned Iamaleava’s reported $8 million NIL deal before turning to his competition with senior Joe Milton, who’s expected to start for Tennessee this fall. Dodd finished by writing this:

“You won't believe this -- actually, you will -- but there are already whispers Iamaleava isn't worth the $8M. Tennessee is covered as closely as the White House.”

Whispers? Is there a game of telephone happening in Tennessee’s football office?

There are several reasons why Dodd’s report is odd.

1. Tennessee hasn’t started spring practice. Iamaleava took part in a few bowl practices, and he’s involved in winter workouts. But how do those workouts determine his worth?

2. No one in Knoxville – and I mean no one – expects Iamaleava to beat out Milton this spring.

3. Iamaleava was a senior in high school three months ago. No one knows what a player will do at the stage Iamaleave is in.

Will Iamaleave succeed at Tennessee in the future and be “worth” what he’s reportedly being paid?

Watch the video above…or use the button below to check out our discussion on Josh and Swain. ⬇️⬇️

SPORTS NUGGETS

🏀 Dana O'Neil wrote a great story on Zakai Zeigler earlier this season. Read it here (requires a subscription to The Athletic, FYI) and listen to our interview with O’Neil talking about Zeigler.

🏈 Tennessee edge rusher Byron Young ran a fast 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Like, really fast. (The Combine, which includes seven VFLs, continues this weekend.)

🏀 Wondering which team is in the NCAA Tournament and which team has work to do? ESPN’s Bubble Watch (ESPN+) fills you in ahead of a big basketball weekend.

🏈 It’s never too early to project College GameDay sites. Tennessee should be an attractive option to The Mothership again this fall.

🏀 The Lady Vols begin SEC Tournament play tonight. According to Charlie Creme, they have a chance to move up in NCAA Tournament seeding.

⚾ Tennessee baseball will host Gonzaga for a three-game series. Here’s a rundown with viewing info (listen to the games on WNML).

STICK TO SPORTS!

This actually is sports but in movie form.

I loved the first two Creed movies and can’t wait to see Creed III. Here’s the trailer to get you hyped.

FOR ROGER

Today’s newsletter saves the best person for last.

We received sad news on Tuesday with the passing of Roger Davis.

Many sports radio listeners heard Roger call different shows and stations over the years.

We were fortunate to have Roger come to many remotes and events on The Sports Animal. He joined us on-site during Josh and Swain in October on his birthday.

Roger wanted a Tennessee win over Alabama that week. The Vols gave him a big present.

Roger represented everything that was good – both as a sports fan and a person.

He was proud of his Tennessee fandom and proud of his Christian faith.

He had a smile big enough to match the positive attitude he brought every time he called a show or attended an event around town.

Roger leaves behind a huge void in the sports caller world.

Thanks to everyone who shared memories of Roger this week, and condolences to his family and friends grieving his loss.

Here is a gofundme to help support Roger’s family.

WVLT ran a nice feature on Roger Davis that’s worth your time. Please watch below.

NEVER miss an episode of Josh and Swain. Here are a few ways to listen to the podcast:

• Apple

• Spotify

• Amazon

• Stitcher

• Google

Thank you for reading.