7 days 'til kickoff, the best players who wore #7.

#1
M

macrovol

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
1,289
Likes
1,876
#1
According to Grok, the best Vols who wore number 7.

  • Condredge Holloway (QB, 1972–74)
    • Why He Stands Out: Holloway was a trailblazer as the first African-American quarterback to start in the SEC. A two-sport star (football and baseball), he earned All-SEC honors, was named the 1973 SEC Junior of the Year and 1972 SEC Sophomore of the Year, and led Tennessee to three bowl games, including the 1974 Liberty Bowl. His dynamic dual-threat ability and historical significance make him the top player on this list.
    • Stats/Accolades: Tennessee’s all-time leader in total offense at the time, inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Deon Grant (DB, 1997–99)
    • Why He Stands Out: Grant was a key contributor to Tennessee’s 1998 BCS National Championship team and earned consensus All-American honors in 1999. He tied for the NCAA lead with nine interceptions for 167 return yards in 1999, showcasing his ball-hawking prowess. His clutch interception in Tennessee’s overtime win over Florida in 1998 was pivotal in securing the national title. Grant’s NFL career (12 seasons, Super Bowl XLVI champion with the Giants) further underscores his talent.
    • Stats/Accolades: 69 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 9 interceptions in 1999; First-team All-SEC (1999); SEC Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Auburn, 1999); Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2025).
  • Bobby Dodd (QB, 1928–30)
    • Why He Stands Out: Dodd led Tennessee to a 27-1-2 record over three seasons as a starting quarterback. A two-time All-Southern selection, his versatility as a dual-threat player and multi-sport athlete (basketball, baseball, track) was notable. His later induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as both a player (1959) and coach (1993, for Georgia Tech) highlights his legacy.
    • Stats/Accolades: Limited statistical records from the era, but his team success and individual honors stand out.
  • George Cafego (HB, 1937–39)
    • Why He Stands Out: A two-time All-American halfback, Cafego excelled in the single-wing offense as a runner, passer, kick returner, and punter. He amassed 2,139 yards in total offense and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. His leadership helped Tennessee achieve an 11-0 record in 1938, including a national championship claim by some polls.
    • Stats/Accolades: SEC Player of the Year (1938), College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vol524, chuckiepoo, Buzzbait and 2 others
#3
#3
macrovol said:
According to Grok, the best Vols who wore number 7.

  • Condredge Holloway (QB, 1972–74)
    • Why He Stands Out: Holloway was a trailblazer as the first African-American quarterback to start in the SEC. A two-sport star (football and baseball), he earned All-SEC honors, was named the 1973 SEC Junior of the Year and 1972 SEC Sophomore of the Year, and led Tennessee to three bowl games, including the 1974 Liberty Bowl. His dynamic dual-threat ability and historical significance make him the top player on this list.
    • Stats/Accolades: Tennessee’s all-time leader in total offense at the time, inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Deon Grant (DB, 1997–99)
    • Why He Stands Out: Grant was a key contributor to Tennessee’s 1998 BCS National Championship team and earned consensus All-American honors in 1999. He tied for the NCAA lead with nine interceptions for 167 return yards in 1999, showcasing his ball-hawking prowess. His clutch interception in Tennessee’s overtime win over Florida in 1998 was pivotal in securing the national title. Grant’s NFL career (12 seasons, Super Bowl XLVI champion with the Giants) further underscores his talent.
    • Stats/Accolades: 69 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 9 interceptions in 1999; First-team All-SEC (1999); SEC Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Auburn, 1999); Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2025).
  • Bobby Dodd (QB, 1928–30)
    • Why He Stands Out: Dodd led Tennessee to a 27-1-2 record over three seasons as a starting quarterback. A two-time All-Southern selection, his versatility as a dual-threat player and multi-sport athlete (basketball, baseball, track) was notable. His later induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as both a player (1959) and coach (1993, for Georgia Tech) highlights his legacy.
    • Stats/Accolades: Limited statistical records from the era, but his team success and individual honors stand out.
  • George Cafego (HB, 1937–39)
    • Why He Stands Out: A two-time All-American halfback, Cafego excelled in the single-wing offense as a runner, passer, kick returner, and punter. He amassed 2,139 yards in total offense and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. His leadership helped Tennessee achieve an 11-0 record in 1938, including a national championship claim by some polls.
    • Stats/Accolades: SEC Player of the Year (1938), College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Click to expand...
Casey Clausen belongs on this list... don't trust AI for facts lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Voltopia, Vol737, MR_VOL and 7 others
#6
#6
LOL, you guys have influenced Grok already. I asked again, this time from the Twitter version:
  • Determining the 10 best players to wear the #7 jersey for the University of Tennessee football team involves evaluating their contributions, accolades, and impact during their time with the Volunteers, based on available historical data. Below is a list of the top 10 players who have donned the #7 jersey, ranked based on their collegiate achievements, statistical performance, and legacy at Tennessee, with a focus on those highlighted in sources like Vols Wire and Vol Nation.
    1. Condredge Holloway (QB, 1972–74)
      • Why He Stands Out: Holloway was a trailblazer as the first African-American quarterback to start in the SEC. A two-sport star (football and baseball), he earned All-SEC honors, was named the 1973 SEC Junior of the Year and 1972 SEC Sophomore of the Year, and led Tennessee to three bowl games. His dual-threat ability and historic significance make him the clear top choice.
    2. Jerod Mayo (LB, 2006–07)
      • Why He Stands Out: Mayo was a standout linebacker, serving as a defensive captain and earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2007. He recorded 236 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in his career, showcasing his dominance. Mayo went on to win a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, highlighting his impact as a Vol.
    3. Anthony Miller (WR, 1987)
      • Why He Stands Out: Miller was a dynamic wide receiver who earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1987. His speed and playmaking ability made him a key offensive weapon, and he went on to a successful NFL career with the San Diego Chargers. His impact in a single season wearing #7 was significant.
    4. Casey Clausen (QB, 2000–03)
      • Why He Stands Out: Clausen was a four-year starter at quarterback, leading Tennessee to a 2001 SEC Championship and multiple bowl appearances. He ranks among Tennessee’s all-time passing leaders with 6,847 yards and 49 touchdowns. His consistency and leadership solidify his place on this list.
    5. Rick Clausen (QB, 2005)
      • Why He Stands Out: Rick, Casey’s brother, wore #7 in 2005 and played a key role as a backup quarterback, stepping up in critical moments, including a memorable win over LSU. While his tenure was shorter, his clutch performances earned him recognition.
    6. Deon Grant (DB, 1998–99)
      • Why He Stands Out: Grant was a standout defensive back, earning All-SEC honors in 1999. He recorded 9 interceptions and 167 tackles during his time at Tennessee, contributing to the 1998 National Championship season. His NFL career further underscores his talent.
    7. Cam Sutton (DB, 2015)
      • Why He Stands Out: Sutton was a versatile defensive back, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2015. He recorded 7 interceptions and 28 pass breakups in his career, showcasing his ball-hawking skills. His leadership in the secondary was notable.
    8. Rashaan Gaulden (DB, 2014, 2016–17)
      • Why He Stands Out: Gaulden was a reliable defensive back, starting in multiple seasons and recording 5 interceptions and 156 tackles. His versatility and toughness in the secondary made him a valuable contributor to the Vols.
    9. Chris White (DB, 1982–85)
      • Why He Stands Out: White was a steady performer in the secondary during the mid-1980s, contributing to Tennessee’s defensive efforts. He recorded 6 interceptions and was a key part of the 1985 SEC Championship team.
    10. Preston Williams (WR, 2015–16)
      • Why He Stands Out: Williams showed promise as a wide receiver, with 16 receptions for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns in his brief time at Tennessee. Injuries and off-field issues limited his impact, but his potential was evident before transferring to Colorado State.
  • Notes:
    • The list prioritizes players with significant accolades (e.g., All-SEC, All-American) and impact on Tennessee’s success, such as bowl appearances and championships. Holloway and Mayo stand out for their historic and statistical contributions, while others like the Clausen brothers and Grant are recognized for their consistency and NFL success.
    • Some players, like Nu’Keese Richardson and Demetrice Morley, wore #7 but had limited impact due to short tenures or off-field issues, so they were not included in the top 10.
    • The rankings reflect performance at Tennessee, not necessarily NFL careers, though professional success was considered for context.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ned Ray McWorkher, chuckiepoo, jerrync and 2 others
#11
#11
macrovol said:
LOL, you guys have influenced Grok already. I asked again, this time from the Twitter version:
  • Determining the 10 best players to wear the #7 jersey for the University of Tennessee football team involves evaluating their contributions, accolades, and impact during their time with the Volunteers, based on available historical data. Below is a list of the top 10 players who have donned the #7 jersey, ranked based on their collegiate achievements, statistical performance, and legacy at Tennessee, with a focus on those highlighted in sources like Vols Wire and Vol Nation.
    1. Condredge Holloway (QB, 1972–74)
      • Why He Stands Out: Holloway was a trailblazer as the first African-American quarterback to start in the SEC. A two-sport star (football and baseball), he earned All-SEC honors, was named the 1973 SEC Junior of the Year and 1972 SEC Sophomore of the Year, and led Tennessee to three bowl games. His dual-threat ability and historic significance make him the clear top choice.
    2. Jerod Mayo (LB, 2006–07)
      • Why He Stands Out: Mayo was a standout linebacker, serving as a defensive captain and earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2007. He recorded 236 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in his career, showcasing his dominance. Mayo went on to win a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, highlighting his impact as a Vol.
    3. Anthony Miller (WR, 1987)
      • Why He Stands Out: Miller was a dynamic wide receiver who earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1987. His speed and playmaking ability made him a key offensive weapon, and he went on to a successful NFL career with the San Diego Chargers. His impact in a single season wearing #7 was significant.
    4. Casey Clausen (QB, 2000–03)
      • Why He Stands Out: Clausen was a four-year starter at quarterback, leading Tennessee to a 2001 SEC Championship and multiple bowl appearances. He ranks among Tennessee’s all-time passing leaders with 6,847 yards and 49 touchdowns. His consistency and leadership solidify his place on this list.
    5. Rick Clausen (QB, 2005)
      • Why He Stands Out: Rick, Casey’s brother, wore #7 in 2005 and played a key role as a backup quarterback, stepping up in critical moments, including a memorable win over LSU. While his tenure was shorter, his clutch performances earned him recognition.
    6. Deon Grant (DB, 1998–99)
      • Why He Stands Out: Grant was a standout defensive back, earning All-SEC honors in 1999. He recorded 9 interceptions and 167 tackles during his time at Tennessee, contributing to the 1998 National Championship season. His NFL career further underscores his talent.
    7. Cam Sutton (DB, 2015)
      • Why He Stands Out: Sutton was a versatile defensive back, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2015. He recorded 7 interceptions and 28 pass breakups in his career, showcasing his ball-hawking skills. His leadership in the secondary was notable.
    8. Rashaan Gaulden (DB, 2014, 2016–17)
      • Why He Stands Out: Gaulden was a reliable defensive back, starting in multiple seasons and recording 5 interceptions and 156 tackles. His versatility and toughness in the secondary made him a valuable contributor to the Vols.
    9. Chris White (DB, 1982–85)
      • Why He Stands Out: White was a steady performer in the secondary during the mid-1980s, contributing to Tennessee’s defensive efforts. He recorded 6 interceptions and was a key part of the 1985 SEC Championship team.
    10. Preston Williams (WR, 2015–16)
      • Why He Stands Out: Williams showed promise as a wide receiver, with 16 receptions for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns in his brief time at Tennessee. Injuries and off-field issues limited his impact, but his potential was evident before transferring to Colorado State.
  • Notes:
    • The list prioritizes players with significant accolades (e.g., All-SEC, All-American) and impact on Tennessee’s success, such as bowl appearances and championships. Holloway and Mayo stand out for their historic and statistical contributions, while others like the Clausen brothers and Grant are recognized for their consistency and NFL success.
    • Some players, like Nu’Keese Richardson and Demetrice Morley, wore #7 but had limited impact due to short tenures or off-field issues, so they were not included in the top 10.
    • The rankings reflect performance at Tennessee, not necessarily NFL careers, though professional success was considered for context.
Click to expand...
#8 on your list deserves to be much much higher:
iu
 
  • Like
Reactions: chuckiepoo
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top