The newest live mascot for University of Tennessee at Knoxville made his national television debuton NBC's "Today." And he was a really good boy.
Smokey XII hit the field on Friday in the lead up to his Neyland Stadium debut on Saturday.
The two-year-old dog − who will celebrate a ceremonial birthday alongside the university on Sept. 10 − follows in the paw prints of his 11 predecessors and is the first rescue dog to assume the role as the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's mascot.
To share his story with the nation, "Today" came to Knoxville to go live with Smokey XII along with his handlers, members of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, cheerleaders and his costumed mascot counterpart. The report showed him interacting with fans, practicing
his game day routine and taking a trip to the vet.
Watch the full segment below. Can't see the player? Tap here.
Smokey XII, originally named Neyland, was identified during a search for a new mascot after Smokey XI's early retirement. This came after three short years due to a "reserved temperament" that made the bluetick coonhound uncomfortable appearing in public.
Be sure to keep an eye out on game day as Smokey XII leads the team through the Power T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.
This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: UT's new mascot makes TV debut on 'Today' as a 'promising new recruit'
