Countdown to September 1st vs Ball State (Top 250 Vols)

[BoonshillVol]

slipped my mind that he was an RB for a wshile. Didn't realize he had such a successful career in Canada

One of the finest pure athlete to ever suit up at Tennessee . Probably would have started at basketball if not for playing football.

 

[peaygolf]

199 days…..

#199 - Bill Young

Another Vols great that somehow didn’t make an all-conference team, Bill Young lettered in 1966, 1968, and 1969. Young was a 6’3” 205 lbs safety from Knoxville who was voted team captain in ‘69. In ‘66, Young made a name for himself as a great cover man and run stopper while intercepting 2 passes. Young was voted pre-season All-SEC in ‘67, but an injury in fall practice sidelined him for the season. In 1968, Young stood out with 9 interceptions on the season. As a senior, he had 4 more ints, giving him 15 for the 29 games he played, which is tied for third most in UT history. He was also a standout basketball player who played two seasons for the Vols, before focusing on football. Young went to trading camp with the Miami Dolphins, but was cut. He went on to a successful HS coaching career.

 

[ArdentVol]

199 days…..

#199 - Bill Young

Another Vols great that somehow didn’t make an all-conference team, Bill Young lettered in 1966, 1968, and 1969. Young was a 6’3” 205 lbs safety from Knoxville who was voted team captain in ‘69. In ‘66, Young made a name for himself as a great cover man and run stopper while intercepting 2 passes. Young was voted pre-season All-SEC in ‘67, but an injury in fall practice sidelined him for the season. In 1968, Young stood out with 9 interceptions on the season. As a senior, he had 4 more ints, giving him 15 for the 29 games he played, which is tied for third most in UT history. He was also a standout basketball player who played two seasons for the Vols, before focusing on football. Young went to trading camp with the Miami Dolphins, but was cut. He went on to a successful HS coaching career.

View attachment 434522

in my jr hi years, young like ron widby and others, were my high school idols. for some reason i rememer him most as a basketball player

 

[peaygolf]

in my jr hi years, young like ron widby and others, were my high school idols. for some reason i rememer him most as a basketball player

Widby WILL be on my list shortly................

 

[peaygolf]

198 days.....

#198 - Charles "Pug" Vaughan

Vaughan, a Knoxville native, played for Coach Neyland from 1932-1934. For many years, he was regarded as "perhaps the finest passer in Tennessee football history." Coach Neyland considered Vaughan the best passer he developed at Tennessee, adding: "Vaughan's passing was almost perfect. His timing couldn't have been improved. The ball just floated into the hands of the receivers." During Vaughan's three years playing for the Volunteers, the team compiled an overall record of 24–5–1 and outscored opponents by a combined score of 589 to 141. In December 1934, Vaughan was voted as the most valuable player on the 1934 Tennessee Volunteers football team.
For the first two seasons, Vaughan was in the shadows of Beattie Feathers, but in '34, Vaughan shown as the star. Two TD passes in 3 games during that time was unheard of. He was also a great runner and known for "skillfully orchestrating the offense." "Pug" was named All-Southern in 1934 and went on th play for the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL. He was one of the best passers in the NFL and won an NFL Championship with the Lions in 1935.

 

[peaygolf]

197 days…….

#197 - Darris McCord

McCord, a Franklin HS and Battle Ground Academy student, played in 1952 for General Neyland and from 1953-1954 with Coach Robinson. McCord was a key piece of the ‘52 Cotton Bowl team. The 6’4” 250 lbs McCord wreaked havoc during the next two seasons as an offensive and defensive tackle when Robinson went back to the old two-way player system. Robinson needed a leader and found it in a steady blocker on the offensive end and a brute tackler in contrast.
His hard work and grit earned him 1st team All-America status from the Football Writers Association of America and 1st team All-SEC in 1954 before the two-year starter went on to a professional career in the NFL. He was a 3rd round pick for the Lions and played for 13 seasons on the defensive line. He helped Detroit win the ‘57 NFL Championship and was named to the Pro Bowl.

 

[peaygolf]

196 days…..

#196 - Gerald Jones

Jones came to Knoxville as one of the nation’s top recruits. As a freshman in’07, Jones shined late in the season, as he finished with 58 yards rushing, 111 yards receiving, and 3 total TDs. In 2008, his role increased. His 30 receptions led the team, as did his 4 TDs. He also had 150 punt return yards, 126 rushing yards, and 115 yards in punt returns. Jones only started the final 8 games in 2009 due to injury, but still tallied 46 receptions for 680 yards and 4 TDs. He had two games of over 100 yards vs Georgia and UK. As a senior, Jones had a career high 55 receptions for 596 yards and 4 more TDs, despite missing 3 games. Jones’ 142 career receptions is good for 6th all time in UT history. Add on his 2,171 career yards in receiving, rushing, and returns, Jones is definitely too 200 player.

 

[peaygolf]

195 days…….

#195 - Will Overstreet

A Jackson, MS native, Overstreet lettered from 1998-2001 and served as team captain as a senior. As a freshman, Will recorded 14 tackles and had two sacks during the ‘98 NC season. During his remaining seasons, Overstreet continued his excellent play, helping lead the Vols to two top 10 national rankings. As a senior, he played on what is considered the greatest Defensive Line in UT history with John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth. His best game was epic performance vs UF in 2001. For his career, which happened to be overshadowed by some of the greatest players in UT history, he registered 146 tackles, 17 TFL, and 19 sacks. Overstreet was named 1st team All-SEC in 2000 and 2001 and was 3rd team All-American as a senior. He was a 3rd round pick by Atlanta in 2003, but injuries cut short a promising NFL career.

 

[peaygolf]

194 days…….

#194 - Ben Talley

Talley was a four year letterman from 1991-1994. After a season playing special teams and as a backup, Talley started all 12 games at linebacker in ‘92, recording 85 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. As a junior, Ben had 87 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. He also had 8 stops in the Hall of Fame Bowl and was named 2nd team All-SEC. As a senior, Captain Talley collected 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, helping UT to a Gator Bowl victory. He was also named 2nd team All-SEC for the second year in a row. For his career, Talley had 253 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. He was a 4th round pick by the Giants in the ‘95 draft.

 

[OneManGang]

'81 to '94, eh?

Lawd, that's a longer career on The Hill than Teddy Gaines, who I think played for at least a decade.

 

[Tin Man]

I deduce that you fixed an errant keystroke, @peaygolf.

 

[peaygolf]

I deduce that you fixed an errant keystroke, @peaygolf.

eyes aren't real good at 1:30 AM

 

[ArdentVol]

195 days…….

#195 - Will Overstreet

A Jackson, MS native, Overstreet lettered from 1998-2001 and served as team captain as a senior. As a freshman, Will recorded 14 tackles and had two sacks during the ‘98 NC season. During his remaining seasons, Overstreet continued his excellent play, helping lead the Vols to two top 10 national rankings. As a senior, he played on what is considered the greatest Defensive Line in UT history with John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth. His best game was epic performance vs UF in 2001. For his career, which happened to be overshadowed by some of the greatest players in UT history, he registered 146 tackles, 17 TFL, and 19 sacks. Overstreet was named 1st team All-SEC in 2000 and 2001 and was 3rd team All-American as a senior. He was a 3rd round pick by Atlanta in 2003, but injuries cut short a promising NFL career.

View attachment 435148

what a motor
it was a shame he had pro career ruined

 

[peaygolf]

193 days…….

#193 - Jonathan Hefney

Hefney was a four year letterman from Rick Hill, SC who started every game except the first game his freshman season. Hefney was a “team first” guy who played corner, safety, and returned punts. He was an All-SEC Freshman after recording 65 tackles in 2004. As a sophomore, he had another solid season and is most remembered for his epic game vs LSU. As a junior, Hefney made 2nd Team All-SEC after collecting 96 tackles and 5 interceptions. As a senior in ‘07, Jonathan only had one interception, but registered 96 more tackles and 6 PBUs. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and was expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the draft. For his career, Hefney had 322 tackles and 10 interceptions. He wasn’t drafted and signed as a FA with Tampa. After getting cut, Hefney signed with Winnipeg in the CFL where he was a 2X All-Star.

 

[IndianaVol]

193 days…….

#193 - Jonathan Hefney

Hefney was a four year letterman from Rick Hill, SC who started every game except the first game his freshman season. Hefney was a “team first” guy who played corner, safety, and returned punts. He was an All-SEC Freshman after recording 65 tackles in 2004. As a sophomore, he had another solid season and is most remembered for his epic game vs LSU. As a junior, Hefney made 2nd Team All-SEC after collecting 96 tackles and 5 interceptions. As a senior in ‘07, Jonathan only had one interception, but registered 96 more tackles and 6 PBUs. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and was expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the draft. For his career, Hefney had 322 tackles and 10 interceptions. He wasn’t drafted and signed as a FA with Tampa. After getting cut, Hefney signed with Winnipeg in the CFL where he was a 2X All-Star.

View attachment 435487

Wasn't Hefney one of the first guys out of that Rock Hill, SC area recruited to UT?
Opened up a big pipeline of talent...I believe Dobbs, Bray, and a few others are from that area.
Always loved Hefney's versatility too.

 

[peaygolf]

Wasn't Hefney one of the first guys out of that Rock Hill, SC area recruited to UT?
Opened up a big pipeline of talent...I believe Dobbs, Bray, and a few others are from that area.
Always loved Hefney's versatility too.

Yes……
He was a really good corner, but was moved to safety when a couple of freshman were recruited to play corner. He “covered “ for a lot of their early mistakes and got blamed for some of it. Wasn’t right to get the fans blame, but he kept doing his job! Shame what happened to him after his career…….He in my top 10 most under appreciated Vols, especially on defense…..

 

[ArdentVol]

193 days…….

#193 - Jonathan Hefney

Hefney was a four year letterman from Rick Hill, SC who started every game except the first game his freshman season. Hefney was a “team first” guy who played corner, safety, and returned punts. He was an All-SEC Freshman after recording 65 tackles in 2004. As a sophomore, he had another solid season and is most remembered for his epic game vs LSU. As a junior, Hefney made 2nd Team All-SEC after collecting 96 tackles and 5 interceptions. As a senior in ‘07, Jonathan only had one interception, but registered 96 more tackles and 6 PBUs. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and was expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the draft. For his career, Hefney had 322 tackles and 10 interceptions. He wasn’t drafted and signed as a FA with Tampa. After getting cut, Hefney signed with Winnipeg in the CFL where he was a 2X All-Star.

View attachment 435487

glad you mentioned CFL career. Remember how surprised i was when he went he went undrafted.

 

[peaygolf]

glad you mentioned CFL career. Remember how surprised i was when he went he went undrafted.

I’m gonna look up Vols in the CFL…….

Kongbo
Holloway
Crompton
Copeland

Just quick off my head…..

 

[peaygolf]

glad you mentioned CFL career. Remember how surprised i was when he went he went undrafted.

Tennessee

CFL players list……not sure how current

 

[ArdentVol]

thanks
bubba wyche, hubert simpson,

 

[peaygolf]

thanks
bubba wyche, hubert simpson,

speaking of........


192 days............

#192 - Bubba Wyche

I know, I know. How can a guy who started only 13 games at QB, and not listed in the record books, be ranked in the top 200? The guy was a winner, and if not for Dewey Warren, Wyche would be herelded as a legend in Knoxville.

Bubba Wyche only lettered in 1967 and 1968. Wych was the 3rd string QB behind Dewey Warren and Charlie Fulton at the beginning of the season, and going in to the #6 Alabama game, UT was 2-1 and ranked #7 in the country. Warren and Fulton were hurt, so Wyche stepped in at Legion Field and gave a epic performance. He lead UT to a TD on their first drive and led the Vols to a 24-13 victory. He followed that up win a victory vs LSU the next week. Those two victories helped the Vols to the '76 SEC Championship and Litkenhous National Championship.
As the full time starter in 1968, Wych lead the Vols to an epic tie vs UGA. It was game one on "Doug's Rug' at Neyland Stadium. Wyche tossed a 21 yrd TD as time expired and then completed the 2pt conversion to escape with a tie. Wyche would go on to complete 57% of his passes for 1,539 yards and 14 TDs for the season, defeat Alabama again (The only QB to defeat Bear Bryant two years in a row,) an 8-2-1 record, and an Orange Bowl trip. For his career, Wyche was 173-312 for 2,018 yards and 18 TDs. He was 10-2-1 as a starter, and helped save the Vols in '67.

 

[ArdentVol]

maybe it was the bear thing, but bubba is one of my all-time favorites. . that georgia game was the last i attended in neyland that year as i left knoxville days later for college

 

[peaygolf]

191 days..............

#191 - Charles Davis

Davis was moved from QB to Safety during his '82 redshirt season and made his way into the starting line-up in 1983. His late interception preserved the Vols 7-0 win vs Rutgers and he had 12 tackles in the win vs Alabama. In 1984, he suffered a broken fibula and missed several games, but still finished with 34 tackles and 2 ints. During the Vols magical '85 season, Davis registered 59 tackles and forced 2 fumbles. He had 6 tackles and a pick in the Sugar Bowl win vs. Miami. Davis was a Preseason All-SEC candidate in 1986, but the Vols poor record hurt his chance. He still finished with 83 tackles and 4 interceptions. Coach Doug Matthews said Davis was one of the smartest players he ever coached and was always in the right spot. For his career, Davis registered 234 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 13 interceptions. He was a FA with the Cowboys, but was cut before the '87 season. Davis has gone on to become one of the most respected sportscasters on TV.

 

[OffTackleVol]

speaking of........


192 days............

#192 - Bubba Wyche

I know, I know. How can a guy who started only 13 games at QB, and not listed in the record books, be ranked in the top 200? The guy was a winner, and if not for Dewey Warren, Wyche would be herelded as a legend in Knoxville.

Bubba Wyche only lettered in 1967 and 1968. Wych was the 3rd string QB behind Dewey Warren and Charlie Fulton at the beginning of the season, and going in to the #6 Alabama game, UT was 2-1 and ranked #7 in the country. Warren and Fulton were hurt, so Wyche stepped in at Legion Field and gave a epic performance. He lead UT to a TD on their first drive and led the Vols to a 24-13 victory. He followed that up win a victory vs LSU the next week. Those two victories helped the Vols to the '76 SEC Championship and Litkenhous National Championship.
As the full time starter in 1968, Wych lead the Vols to an epic tie vs UGA. It was game one on "Doug's Rug' at Neyland Stadium. Wyche tossed a 21 yrd TD as time expired and then completed the 2pt conversion to escape with a tie. Wyche would go on to complete 57% of his passes for 1,539 yards and 14 TDs for the season, defeat Alabama again (The only QB to defeat Bear Bryant two years in a row,) an 8-2-1 record, and an Orange Bowl trip. For his career, Wyche was 173-312 for 2,018 yards and 18 TDs. He was 10-2-1 as a starter, and helped save the Vols in '67.

View attachment 435656

If this picture is from the 1967 game vs. Vanderbilt in Knoxville, it's the very first Tennessee game I ever attended. I was 7, and my Uncle Jack and Aunt Virgie took me and my 5 year old brother. Also, we sat in the North end zone, which is what the background is in this picture, I believe.

 

[peaygolf]

190 days...........

#190 - Robert Shaw

Shaw was a powerful and quick Center who lettered from 1975-1978. Shaw was a 3 year starter who helped usher in the Majors' era in Knoxville. The Vols were rebuilding and didn't have the success on the field, but Shaw's leadership and skills made the offense dangerous, and helped Jimmy Streater become All-Time yardage leader in Vols history. Shaw was named 1st Team All-SEC in 1977 and 1978 and was voted captain as a senior. He was a 1st round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, but a knee injury ended his career in 1981. Shaw went on to a successful business career with Cowboy teammate Roger Staubach.