Just like many of you, im sure...I started loving UT football the night Daryl Dickey led us to a massive win over Miami in the 1986 Sugar Bowl; a year in which he stepped in for the great Tony Robinson. Since that night, I have loved and hated, cheered and cussed, smiled and cried as a Vol. They have taken me to the highest of highs; but, they have also made me want to burn the house down, and beat people up. Whenever i was younger, in college, I spent every single dime I had to go see them play, essentials be damned; since then, the good Lord has blessed me, and I have given them much much more...and been ecstatic to do it.
With that being said, with all of those years behind me, right up to this moment today, two QBs stand head and shoulders above all the rest, imo...they being Heath Shuler and Peyton Manning. Today, they welcome a new great one to stand with them.
#5, tip of the cap, young man. You carry with you every single thing it means to be a Volunteer. You are GREAT...on and off the field; and, it has been an unbelievable pleasure watching you play and carry yourself. Imo, you are the single most important football player since Al Wilson...you have carried the Big Orange out of the wasteland, and have done it with tremendous talent and grace. I love you, I respect you, and will continue to root for you no matter what the future may bring...although I am certain, it holds limitless possibility for someone like you.
Good luck to you, #5...you get well soon; and, I do not say this lightly, at all...you true, blue VFL.