KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - There are a lot of connections between UAB and Tennessee, including a story about Grayson Pope, a Vol baseball commit who experienced an unthinkable tragedy.

In late spring 2023, Pope fulfilled a dream. The native Tennessean who grew up just outside of Birmingham committed to play baseball for Tony Vitello and the Tennessee Volunteers.

A sweet swinging outfielder, Pope was one of the most highly touted prospects in the state of Alabama, and in committing for 2025, was in line to join the best recruiting class that Tennessee baseball had ever signed. Weeks later, however, tragedy struck out of nowhere.

While Pope was playing golf with friends, a violent summer pop-up storm emerged. As Pope and his buddies raced for shelter, an oak tree fell on his golf cart, and

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