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

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.
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Another Vol whose matriculation intersected mine. 👍🏼
 
189 days……

#189 - Richard Pickens

Pickens was part of the ‘64/‘65 recruiting class that included 3 AA’s and 6 All-SEC players. He was a three year starter at fullback, know for his powerful headfirst running style and fierce blocking. A leader on and off the field, Pickens was described by Coach Dickey as the “steadiest player” he ever coached. When Pickens UT career was over, he was the third leading rusher in UT history, with 1,644 yards. He was an alternate captain in 1968 and was the SECs leader in rushing yards with 736. He was named 1st Team All-SEC as a senior…….He passed away in 2014 due to concussion complications and ALS.
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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.
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As I have posted on here before, I turned down a couple, three small college offers to accept a walk-on position at UT. Growing up as a teenager, I often chewed tobacco while push mowing yards and bailing hay. I'd never done snuff. One day after practice, I'm getting on the elevator to go back to my room at Gibbs Hall and Mr. Shaw was on it. He offered me a pinch of Skoal, which I accepted. About a half hour later, never been so freaking sick..........hell it turns my stomach now just thinking about it.
 
188 days……

#188 - Chris White

White, from Cleveland, TN, came to UT as a QB and switched to safety. After only playing in 2 games in 1981, he was redshirted in ‘82. For the next two seasons, White played sparingly on defense, but was a special teams star, collecting 20 tackles during those seasons. During spring practice before the ‘85 season, White finally got his chance to work with the first team due to an injury to Charles Davis. In the opener vs. UCLA, White made his first career start and a three interceptions and was named SEC co-defensive player of the week. In the Rutgers game, he returned an interception 55 yards for a TD, and was named SEC defensive player of the week vs Ole Miss after picking off two passes and blocking a punt. For good measure, White caped off his All-American season by intercepting Testeverde during the ‘86 Sugar Bowl victory. White lead the nation with 9 interceptions during the ‘85 season and collected 62 tackles. He was chosen captain for the ‘85 season…..as well as All-American and All-SEC.

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188 days……

#188 - Chris White

White, from Cleveland, TN, came to UT as a QB and switched to safety. After only playing in 2 games in 1981, he was redshirted in ‘82. For the next two seasons, White played sparingly on defense, but was a special teams star, collecting 20 tackles during those seasons. During spring practice before the ‘85 season, White finally got his chance to work with the first team due to an injury to Charles Davis. In the opener vs. UCLA, White made his first career start and a three interceptions and was named SEC co-defensive player of the week. In the Rutgers game, he returned an interception 55 yards for a TD, and was named SEC defensive player of the weeks Ole Miss after picking off two passes and blocking a punt. For good measure, White caped off his All-American season by intercepting Testeverde during the ‘86 Sugar Bowl victory. White lead the nation with 9 interceptions during the ‘85 season and collected 62 tackles. He was chosen captain for the ‘85 season.

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Still cheering on Chris as he intercepted Testaverde & ran out of gas just before crossing the goal line. CW was terrific.
 
188 days……

#188 - Chris White

White, from Cleveland, TN, came to UT as a QB and switched to safety. After only playing in 2 games in 1981, he was redshirted in ‘82. For the next two seasons, White played sparingly on defense, but was a special teams star, collecting 20 tackles during those seasons. During spring practice before the ‘85 season, White finally got his chance to work with the first team due to an injury to Charles Davis. In the opener vs. UCLA, White made his first career start and a three interceptions and was named SEC co-defensive player of the week. In the Rutgers game, he returned an interception 55 yards for a TD, and was named SEC defensive player of the weeks Ole Miss after picking off two passes and blocking a punt. For good measure, White caped off his All-American season by intercepting Testeverde during the ‘86 Sugar Bowl victory. White lead the nation with 9 interceptions during the ‘85 season and collected 62 tackles. He was chosen captain for the ‘85 season.

View attachment 436349

Coach Majors had a penchant for signing QB's and turning 'em into safeties, and signing running backs and turning 'em into linebackers.
 
Wo
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.

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wow that 2006 season was my very first that I watched on my own. I was 12. That name put me down Memory lane lol I love this thread ! Hefner was my favorite vol player on defense n meachem was my favorite offense of player!!
One more thing I remember watching one game and ESPN showed that Eric ainge and meachem were both heisman hopefuls that year… my how the years go by.
 
187 days.......

#187 - Ron Widby

Widby stayed home for college and decided against playing football in 1963, focusing on basketball. The following year, Coaches from both programs worked it out so Ron could play bot. By 1964, Widby was starting for both and played on the baseball team. As a sophomore, he averaged almost .300 playing his only season of baseball and averaged over 41 yards a punt. His junior season saw Widby averaged 43 yards a punt and lettered on the Golf Team. During the Bluebonnet Bowl, the basketball team was playing in Shreveport, and was ferried by plane back and forth to accommodate their schedules. As a senior, Widby lead the nation in punting with a 44 yard average and helped UT win the SEC Basketball Title. He was SEC POY in basketball averaging 22 points a game and scored 50 pts in his last regular season game. He was name 1st Team All-American for his booming punts and pinpoint placement. Widby was picked in the 4th round by the Saints, but decided to play in the ABA instead. After one season, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys and had a stellar career, playing in a Super Bowl and making the Pro Bowl.
A letterman in 4 sports during his time in Knoxville, Widby is perhaps the greatest all around athlete in UT history.


Redirect Notice..................Cool Article

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186 days…….

#186 - Trey Teague

Trey came to UT from a small private school in Jackson, Tn in 1994. Trey was a four year letterman, who actually played some defense as a freshman, recording 8 tackles and 2 sacks. He was moved to the offensive line where he became Manning’s starting Center. Teague was the cornerstone of one of the best OLines in UT history. In 1997, he helped UT lead the nation averaging 482 yards per game and to the SEC Championship. Teague was named 1st team All-SEC as a senior and was a 7th round pick by the Broncos. He enjoyed a 9 year career with Denver and Buffalo.


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189 days……

#189 - Richard Pickens

Pickens was part of the ‘64/‘65 recruiting class that included 3 AA’s and 6 All-SEC players. He was a three year starter at fullback, know for his powerful headfirst running style and fierce blocking. A leader on and off the field, Pickens was described by Coach Dickey as the “steadiest player” he ever coached. When Pickens UT career was over, he was the third leading rusher in UT history, with 1,644 yards. He was an alternate captain in 1968 and was the SECs leader in rushing yards with 736. He was named 1st Team All-SEC as a senior…….He passed away in 2014 due to concussion complications and ALS.
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Richard Pickens | Concussion Legacy Foundation
 
187 days.......

#187 - Ron Widby

Widby stayed home for college and decided against playing football in 1963, focusing on basketball. The following year, Coaches from both programs worked it out so Ron could play bot. By 1964, Widby was starting for both and played on the baseball team. As a sophomore, he averaged almost .300 playing his only season of baseball and averaged over 41 yards a punt. His junior season saw Widby averaged 43 yards a punt and lettered on the Golf Team. During the Bluebonnet Bowl, the basketball team was playing in Shreveport, and was ferried by plane back and forth to accommodate their schedules. As a senior, Widby lead the nation in punting with a 44 yard average and helped UT win the SEC Basketball Title. He was SEC POY in basketball averaging 22 points a game and scored 50 pts in his last regular season game. He was name 1st Team All-American for his booming punts and pinpoint placement. Widby was picked in the 4th round by the Saints, but decided to play in the ABA instead. After one season, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys and had a stellar career, playing in a Super Bowl and making the Pro Bowl.
A letterman in 4 sports during his time in Knoxville, Widby is perhaps the greatest all around athlete in UT history.


Redirect Notice..................Cool Article

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never saw him play golf during my days at tthe Whittle Springs (my goodness, it was short) course
 
185 days……

#185 - Harold “ Herky” Payne

Payne was maybe the greatest “backup” player in Tennessee history. Herky was an amazing athlete, but happened to play at the same time Hank Lauricella did. Herky never complained, he just did what he was asked to do. In his first varsity season, Payne rushed for 138 yards and 2 TDs, while also a standout return specialist, returning a punt 90 yards vs Duke. In 1950, he was much more relied on offense, where he rushed for 444 yards and 7 TDs, while throwing for 5 more touchdowns. During the NC season of 1951, most talk about the All-Americans on the line and Lauricella, but UT wouldn’t have been Champions without Herky. Payne rushed for 566 yards an 14 touchdowns as well as throwing for 4 more. His efforts made him 3rd team All-SEC, but that does not begin to explain his importance as a player. Payne was also a standout baseball player and led UT to the 1951 College World Series. He was drafted by the Steelers in the 9th round and had won the starting position at tailback, but suffered a serious concussion in the final pre-season game.
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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.


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Fortunately, my mom saved my first Tennessee shirt, which I now have framed. I think it came from Bubba's time as QB.
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I've heard that peaygolf's deduces are wild. 😉
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184 days..............

184 - Andre Lott

Lott arrived at UT in 1997 as a partial qualifier from Memphis Melrose and had to sit out a year. In 1998, Lott appeared in all 13 games as a reserve and still had 24 total tackles. In 1999, he settled in as a starter and had 10 PBUs and 45 tackles, while collecting his first career INT vs UK. In 2000, Lott was Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist and was named 2nd Team All-SEC after switching from Corner to Safety. He scored his first career TD vs ULM on a 30 yard fumble return. He finished the season with 55 tackles and 1 INT. In his last season, Lott finished with 28 tackles, 1 sack, 4 PBUs and was named 1st Team All-SEC. Lott was drafted in the 5th round by Washington and played 5 seasons in the NFL

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Hum??????
I’ll need to do some research

I know UT wore those helmets from ‘37-‘48
They beat Clemson 20-7 in 1938. Scoreboard in the background says 13-7.

Could be ‘44. UT won 26-7……
 
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