Opening Drive (Aug. 1): Strikes of a different kind

Now that teams are a couple of days into practice in full pads, scrimmages are next on the schedule. Catch up on stories from around the area:

Tennessee baseball commitment Drew Beam now ready to focus on football as Blackman QB | Daily News Journal

Blackman’s asking a Tennessee baseball commit to throw strikes of a different kind this season. He’ll need that command dealing with the defenses in the Blaze’s region.

Dandy Dozen: BGA’s Antonio Stevens’ commitment to Purdue football fulfills goal | Tennessean (subscription content)

BGA’s Antonio Stevens checks in at No. 10 on the Tennessean’s annual Dandy Dozen list.

Dandy Dozen: Shelbyville’s Gary Smith III ready to carry the ball one more year before focusing on defensive line | Tennessean (subscription content)

No. 11 on the Dandy Dozen list belongs to Gary Smith III, doing his best William “Refrigerator” Perry impersonation in short-yardage work.

Dandy Dozen: Cane Ridge’s Michael Reese learned football from dad, who was Tennessee State’s coach | Tennessean (subscription content)

It doesn’t hurt to have a former college coach in the family. Although Reese isn’t headed where his father coached (he chose Duke), the Ravens know what they can expect to get out of him this year.

Smyrna DE Walker says Texas A&M a perfect fit | Murfreesboro Post

Dallas Walker’s already committed to the Aggies, but he hopes to help the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball this season.

Dickson County, Creek Wood begin practicing in pads | Main Street Preps

Dickson County and Creek Wood open the season against each other.