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

71 days……..

#71 - Dale Jones

The cornerstone of the ‘85 Sugar Vols, Jones is regarded as one of the best to ever play for Johnny Majors. As a redshirt freshman in 1983, he began the season as a 3rd string LB, but got a chance to play due to injuries. He had 2 TFLs in the win over Bama and 14 tackles in the Citrus Bowl win over Maryland. He finished the season with 77 tackles and 2 sacks and was named Freshman All-American. In 1984, he had 12 tackles in the season opening win over WSU and had 13 more in the victory over Alabama. He finished with 109 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. In the ‘85 SEC championship season, he was the emotional leader, on and off the field. Following the team's 17-10 loss to Florida, Jones rallied the team with a locker room speech in which he declared, "This is the only game we're going to lose all year." In the Bama win, Jones tipped a late pass and intercepted it, sealing the 16-14 victory. His 2 huge sacks on Vinny Testaverde, helped UT defeat Miami in the Suger Bowl. For the season, Jones had 82 tackles, 5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and 3rd Team All-American. As a captain of the ‘86 team, he helped the Vols weather the storm of a 2-5 start, winning the final four games and earn a berth in the Liberty Bowl. There he was named Defensive MVP with his 11 tackles and fumble recovery. He finished with 88 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the season. He was named 1st Team All-SEC for the second time. During his four years at Tennessee, Jones amassed 349 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, 24 tackles-for-loss, and 11 forced fumbles. Johnny Majors said, “I have never seen a young man in my life that it meant more to play for one particular school than it does for Dale Jones to play at Tennessee."
After his career at UT, Jones was drafted by the Cowboys in the 10th round in 1987, but was released before the season. He was picked up as a replacement player during the strike, and started three games. To this day, the mention of Dale Jones’ name brings a smile to me, and many true Vols fans!

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I’ve never understood why he isn’t our LB Coach.
 
Also the amount of off tackle QB powers we could have ran using Hurd as a lead blocker could have been really interesting

I get it, but remember that 95 percent of the audience has no idea what you mean when you say " power " " pulling guard " or even how many men are supposed to be on the line of scrimmage.

Can you imagine running power several times in a drive and then slip Kamara out of the back door on a boot or a reverse?
 
70 days……

#70 - Andy Kozar

When a Vols fan talks about great fullbacks, Kozar’s name should be first mentioned. A bruising back that played from 1950-1952, Kozar averaged over 5 yards per carry during his career at UT. In his first varsity season, after being moved from the OL, Kozar had 126 carries for 648 yards and 11 TDs, helping UT to an 11-1 record and a victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. His 92 yards and 2 touchdowns earned him MVP honors in the Cotton Bowl. In the NC season of 1951, Kozar had 122 carries for 634 yards and 11 TDs and was named 2nd team All-SEC. In the first game of his senior season, he ran for 155 yards vs Miss St, and seemed to be a sho-in for All-American honors, but an injury caused him to miss the last two games. He still managed 660 yards and 7 TDs and was named 1st team All-SEC and 2nd team All-American. He finished his career with 1,942 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Bears in 1953, but was called to military duty until 1955. After participating in pre-season games, he was traded to Philadelphia and decided to retire from football and continue his education, earning a master’s degree and PhD. He also authored 9 books.
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69 days……

#69 - Conrad Graham

Graham was a member of the greatest secondary in UT history, and goes down as one of it’s best, and most under appreciated players. In his first season with the Vols' varsity squad, played in 11 games as a sophomore and registered 48 tackles, 1.5 for loss, three sacks and recovered four fumbles. He also snagged three INTs for 73 yards and a touchdown. As a junior, he was selected to the All-SEC second-team by the Associated Press. He tallied 61 stops, two TFLs and recovered two fumbles. He picked off five pass and racked up a career-high 148 yards, returning one INT for a TD. As a senior, he earned first-team All-America honors and was named to the All-SEC first team by the AP and UPI,recording a career-high 65 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, while recovering two fumbles and causing one more. Graham Intercepted a career-high seven passes, retuning them for 72 yards and a touchdown and returned a blocked punt 13 yards for a TD. For his career, he made 164 tackles, had 8 fumble recoveries, and intercepted 15 passes for 293 yards and 3 TDs. Graham played in the Senior Bowl and was drafted in the 8th round by the Bears, but retired during the season due to knee injuries. A truly underrated Vol!




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69 days……

#69 - Conrad Graham

Graham was a member of the greatest secondary in UT history, and goes down as one of it’s best, and most under appreciated players. In his first season with the Vols' varsity squad, played in 11 games as a sophomore and registered 48 tackles, 1.5 for loss, three sacks and recovered four fumbles. He also snagged three INTs for 73 yards and a touchdown. As a junior, he was selected to the All-SEC second-team by the Associated Press. He tallied 61 stops, two TFLs and recovered two fumbles. He picked off five pass and racked up a career-high 148 yards, returning one INT for a TD. As a senior, he earned first-team All-America honors and was named to the All-SEC first team by the AP and UPI,recording a career-high 65 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, while recovering two fumbles and causing one more. Graham Intercepted a career-high seven passes, retuning them for 72 yards and a touchdown and returned a blocked punt 13 yards for a TD. For his career, he made 164 tackles, had 8 fumble recoveries, and intercepted 15 passes for 293 yards and 3 TDs. Graham played in the Senior Bowl and was drafted in the 8th round by the Bears, but retired during the season due to knee injuries. A truly underrated Vol!




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Great photo! That was Graham's 1971 junior season and the Vols D completely shutting down the Penn State team that featured Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell. They were the highest scoring offense in the nation, strongly favored, and we crushed them. Graham's senior year (1972) we beat Penn State again at home in the first ever night game at Neyland Stadium. Graham also broke up a 4th down LSU pass in the final minutes to clinch the Bluebonnet Bowl that year. And Bert Jones, LSU's QB, was no slouch. (That was Condredge Holloway's first year at QB.) Rock on, Peay!
 
Great photo! That was Graham's 1971 junior season and the Vols D completely shutting down the Penn State team that featured Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell. They were the highest scoring offense in the nation, strongly favored, and we crushed them. Graham's senior year (1972) we beat Penn State again at home in the first ever night game at Neyland Stadium. Graham also broke up a 4th down LSU pass in the final minutes to clinch the Bluebonnet Bowl that year. And Bert Jones, LSU's QB, was no slouch. (That was Condredge Holloway's first year at QB.) Rock on, Peay!
Hard to believe it’s been 50 years.
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Hard to believe it’s been 50 years.
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I was two years old then. I wish I’d been 10 years older to have been able to enjoy that group of defensive players play together. My first game was Ole Miss in 1972. Still have the ticket stub……obv don’t remember squat
 
Hard to believe it’s been 50 years.
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The story behind those lights is a part of Vol Lore.

After the pasting in 1971, during the off season, the PSU AD called Bob Woodruff and whined that he wanted out of the '72 rematch in Neyland because it was scheduled for early in the season and too hot for a day game, etc.

Woodruff said something to the effect of, "No, you're not getting out of this. We'll put up lights."

Temporary lights were installed and the Vols spanked their a^^es yet again.
 
68 days…..

#68 - Trey Smith

Smith arrived in Knoxville as one of the highest ranked players in the country, and did not disappoint. In 2017 Smith started all 12 games for Tennessee as a freshman, collecting All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team honors, in addition to Freshman All-America honors from several organizations … Was the only UT offensive lineman to start all 12 games … Became the first Vol true freshman to start at left tackle in over 30 years when he protected the blind side against Southern Miss. As a sophomore, he started the first seven games before he was shut down for the rest of the season due to blood clots … Had started 19 consecutive games to start his career before the setback. Most wondered if he’d ever play again, but he was determined to get back on the field. He returned for his junior season and started all 13 games and didn’t allow a sack all season. He was named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and Winner of the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy, given to the collegiate player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values and exceptional performance on the field. He was named 1st team All-SEC following the season. As a senior in 2020, he played every game during the Covid season and allowed only one sack for the year. He was a lone bright spot during a dismal season and was named 1st team All-SEC and 2nd team All-American for his steady play and effort. Smith was more than just a great player…..he was, and is, a testament to character and courage. He was a 6th round pick by the Chiefs in 2021, and has a bright future ahead of himself.

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67 days…….

#67 - Eddie Brown

Brown, from Marion County, played varsity from 1971-1973. As a sophomore safety, Brown played in 10 games and collected 53 tackles, caused two fumbles and had three interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown. In 1972, Brown also became the Vols punt returner, adding a vital weapon to his assortment. He made 64 tackles, forced and recovered a fumble, and had 2 interceptions. As a punt returner, he averaged over 10 yards a return and netted 429 yards. His senior season was spectacular. Brown made 82 tackles, had 2 fumble recoveries, and intercepted 5 passes. He added 359 punt return yards and 2 touchdowns. The UT captain led the Vols' 28-27 comeback win against Kansas at Memphis Memorial Stadium. Brown intercepted a pass and returned it 74 yards before being brought down, had his teeth knocked out while blocking a field goal, had consistently long punt returns and played a vital role in stopping a two-point conversion to preserve the Tennessee victory. For his efforts in 1973, Brown was named 1st team All-SEC and was a 1st team All-American. During his three seasons, Brown made 199 tackles, had 5 fumble recoveries, 10 interceptions, 788 punt return yards, and 3 total touchdowns. The Vols went 27-7-2 during his career. He was an 8th round pick by the Browns and played in two Super Bowls with the Redskins and Rams. He was a 2X Pro Bowl pick and also played in the USFL.

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66 days……

#66 - Bill Mayo

Mayo came to UT in 1981 as one of the highest recruits in the country, and quickly became a starter. In 1982, he was named to the sophomore All-American team, and helped lead the Vols to their first win over Alabama in 12 years and a Peach Bowl berth. As a junior, Mayo became one of the best lineman in the country. Mayo was the lead blocker for Johnnie Jones, who became the first player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards. The Vols finished with 2,319 yards rushing for the season as a team and finished 9-3. Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC after the season. As a senior, he again opened up holes for Jones, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season. After leading UT to a fourth straight Bowl game, Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC again and was also name a consensus 1st Team All-American. Mayo finished his career with more starts than anyone in school history, starting 46 of the 47 games he played in his career. The record has since been broken, but Mayo remains Tennessee's Mr. Consistency. After UT, Mayo was drafted by the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.

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66 days……

#66 - Bill Mayo

Mayo came to UT in 1981 as one of the highest recruits in the country, and quickly became a starter. In 1982, he was named to the sophomore All-American team, and helped lead the Vols to their first win over Alabama in 12 years and a Peach Bowl berth. As a junior, Mayo became one of the best lineman in the country. Mayo was the lead blocker for Johnnie Jones, who became the first player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards. The Vols finished with 2,319 yards rushing for the season as a team and finished 9-3. Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC after the season. As a senior, he again opened up holes for Jones, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season. After leading UT to a fourth straight Bowl game, Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC again and was also name a consensus 1st Team All-American. Mayo finished his career with more starts than anyone in school history, starting 46 of the 47 games he played in his career. The record has since been broken, but Mayo remains Tennessee's Mr. Consistency. After UT, Mayo was drafted by the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.

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"Everything's better with Mayo."
 
Another great one, Peay. This whole series is really worthwhile in every way. And on top of the drama of seeing who's next, as the numbers (days) steadily get lower, just how near we are to the season is it's own kind of drama. Only a touch more than two months to go!
I'm ready for top 50......................
 
66 days……

#66 - Bill Mayo

Mayo came to UT in 1981 as one of the highest recruits in the country, and quickly became a starter. In 1982, he was named to the sophomore All-American team, and helped lead the Vols to their first win over Alabama in 12 years and a Peach Bowl berth. As a junior, Mayo became one of the best lineman in the country. Mayo was the lead blocker for Johnnie Jones, who became the first player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards. The Vols finished with 2,319 yards rushing for the season as a team and finished 9-3. Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC after the season. As a senior, he again opened up holes for Jones, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season. After leading UT to a fourth straight Bowl game, Mayo was named 1st Team All-SEC again and was also name a consensus 1st Team All-American. Mayo finished his career with more starts than anyone in school history, starting 46 of the 47 games he played in his career. The record has since been broken, but Mayo remains Tennessee's Mr. Consistency. After UT, Mayo was drafted by the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.

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Question - being a "youngun" (born in '74 so my earliest Vol memories are around those '84 or '85 teams), is Bill Mayo any relation to the , I'm sure to be mentioned in this list, Jerod Mayo?
 
Question - being a "youngun" (born in '74 so my earliest Vol memories are around those '84 or '85 teams), is Bill Mayo any relation to the , I'm sure to be mentioned in this list, Jerod Mayo?
He did have a son, Cam, who played at UT. He got himself in some trouble……

Jerod Mayo was #134 on my list:)
 

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