Fans at Neyland Stadium on Saturday may have spotted a familiar face with comedian and actor Kevin Hart on the sidelines. The Hollywood star was in Knoxville as the Tennessee Volunteers opened their season with a blowout 72-17 win over East Tennessee State.
Vols reporter Sam Rothman captured video of Hart chatting with Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel before kickoff, which added a bit of celebrity buzz to an already electric atmosphere. But why was Hart there as a visitor for the Vols? The connection to the program is personal as his son, Hendrix, is being recruited by Tennessee’s track and field team.
The younger Hart is a standout sprinter at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. He has posted impressive times in both the 100 and 200 meters. According to Athletic.net, his season bests include a 10.68-second 100 and a 21.35-second 200. While Kevin Hart has not publicly confirmed the recruiting process, he did share photos from Tennessee’s workout and practice facilities on Instagram. The visit suggests this was more than a casual arrangement.
For Tennessee, it was a great promo to have Hart on site. It served as a recruiting tool between the intersection of entertainment and athletics. However, the Vols are focused on this week's SEC opener against No. 6 Georgia with ESPN's College GameDay in town for the matchup.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Fire Billy': Florida fans chant in disbelief after USF loss, buyout details for Napier
- Reporter slams Shedeur Sanders after Colorado's third-string QB shines against Delaware
- Alabama fan wants to pay Kalen DeBoer's $70 million buyout with Powerball jackpot
- Deion Sanders sends clear message to Ryan Clark over Browns treatment of Shedeur
- Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson trolled with jumbotron diss