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

[ArdentVol]

27 days..........

#27 - Joey Kent

What did he do? All he did was score. Joey Kent! Touchdown on play number one.''
That play made Kent an icon, his consistency made him a legend. Kent arrived from Alabama in 1993 and began to etch his name in the UT record books. During is storied career, Kent had 15 career 100 yard games, 7 of them in '96 and 6 in '95. He holds the single game record with 13 reception vs Arkansas in 1995 and had 7 consecutive 100 yard games in 1996. He's also the only Vol in history to have consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. A favorite of Manning, Kent had 69 receptions for 1,055 yards and 9 TDs in 1995 and 68 receptions for 1,080 yards and 7 TDs in 1996. Kent was a 1st Team All-SEC receiver in '95 and '96 and left UT as it's all time leader in receptions (183), yards (2,814), and touchdowns (25). Plain and simple, Kent is an all-time great! He was a 2nd round pick by the Oilers/Titans in 1997 and played in the Super Bowl with Tennessee.

View attachment 478170

Joey was a speeding toddler when we moved from Huntsville 46 years ago. When my wife and four other bammersd stepped into the upper deck of legion field that blissful night, he was about 2o yards from the endzone

 

[OrangeTsar]

Caught myself this morning for the first time this year waking up, realizing it was Saturday, and wondering what games to watch (before realizing season still hasn’t started)
It’s almost TIME people!!!!!
GBO

 

[MAD]

Caught myself this morning for the first time this year waking up, realizing it was Saturday, and wondering what games to watch (before realizing season still hasn’t started)
It’s almost TIME people!!!!!
GBO

No better feeling than waking up on a football Saturday morning, getting ready to head to Neyland.

 

[OrangeTsar]

No better feeling than waking up on a football Saturday morning, getting ready to head to Neyland.

Yup. Still gotta pick my trips for this year. Five hours each way isn’t trivial

 

[Tin Man]

There is only the Vols for you, my son.

 

[peaygolf]

26 days……

#26 - Harry Galbreath

After redshirting in 1983, Galbreath played in seven games in 1984, learning a lot from former great Bill Mayo. In 1985, he earned the reputation as one of the strongest Vols, lifting a total of 1,615 pounds on incline, squat, power clean and bench press. He became a starter at left guard during the spring and helped UT win the SEC championship and Sugar Bowl. In 1986, Galbreath helped William Howard score 14 rushing touchdowns and aided the Vols in winning the final four games to earn an invitation to the Liberty Bowl. He was named 1st team All-SEC following the season. As a RS-Senior, Galbreath helped give rise to Reggie Cobb, opening huge holes that allowed Cobb to rush for 1,197 yards. Harry was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American, while serving as captain of the 10-2-1 Vols. He was also named the Jacobs Trophy winner as the SECs best blocker. Johnny Majors said he was the most dominating and aggressive run blocker he ever saw….which is high praise indeed. Harry was an 8th round pick by the Dolphins and played in 141 NFL games, starting 131 for three franchises. He would go on to coach at Austin Peay, TSU, Hampton, and UT before retiring. Sadly, he passed away in 2010.

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

26 days……

#26 - Harry Galbreath

After redshirting in 1983, Galbreath played in seven games in 1984, learning a lot from former great Bill Mayo. In 1985, he earned the reputation as one of the strongest Vols, lifting a total of 1,615 pounds on incline, squat, power clean and bench press. He became a starter at left guard during the spring and helped UT win the SEC championship and Sugar Bowl. In 1986, Galbreath helped William Howard score 14 rushing touchdowns and aided the Vols in winning the final four games to earn an invitation to the Liberty Bowl. He was named 1st team All-SEC following the season. As a RS-Senior, Galbreath helped give rise to Reggie Cobb, opening huge holes that allowed Cobb to rush for 1,197 yards. Harry was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American, while serving as captain of the 10-2-1 Vols. He was also named the Jacobs Trophy winner as the SECs best blocker. Johnny Majors said he was the most dominating and aggressive run blocker he ever saw….which is high praise indeed. Harry was an 8th round pick by the Dolphins and played in 141 NFL games, starting 131 for three franchises. He would go on to coach at Austin Peay, TSU, Hampton, and UT before retiring. Sadly, he passed away in 2010.

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Some great o linemen coming through ut. Appreciate the stories on these guys peay, you don’t here much about the big uglies so it’s a refreshing and very educating you giving these guys some love.

 

[Tin Man]

The Vols will teach you the true nature of College Football

 

[rocytop2624]

32 days……

#32 - Reggie Cobb

In my opinion, Cobb is the greatest “modern” running back in UT history. After redshirting in 1986, Cobb emerged as a third string tailback in 1987, but worked his way into getting playing time as the season started. In the first game vs Iowa, Cobb ran for 138 yards and then scored 3 touchdowns vs Miss St. Cobb would finish the season with five 100 yard games in the regular season and top it off with 146 yards in the Peach Bowl win, where he was MVP. For the season, he finished with 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing, while gaining 198 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns and 326 yards returning kicks. For the season, Cobb set a then UT record with 1,721 yards and scored 20 TDs. He was named Freshman All-SEC and 2nd team All Conference. In 1988, he rushed for 182 yards vs Duke, but was plagued by injuries, missing three games and parts of two others. He still managed to rush for 547 yards and 3 TDs. Prior to the ‘89 season, Cobb was suspended, but reinstated just before the season opener, where he rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown. He shared time with the upstart Chuck Webb in the win over UCLA, but was still as dominant as ever. He had over 100 yards vs Duke in the third game, and then came Auburn. Cobb exploded for 225 yards on 22 carries, including one the greatest runs I’ve ever witnessed, a 79 yard touchdown where he out ran everyone. The following week, he ran for 106 yards and the game winning touchdown vs Georgia. Few new it was his last game as a Vol. Cobb failed another drug test and was kicked off the team before the Alabama game, ending his UT career. In less than 25 total games, Cobb ran for 2,360 yards and 26 touchdowns. His amazing speed and power are unmatched in my opinion. One can argue between him and Webb, but I would take Cobb. It’s a shame that his talent wasn’t able to be fully displayed due to off the field issues, but thankfully, he managed to enter treatment in 1990 and was a 2nd round pick by the Buccaneers. Cobb had a successful NFL career as a player and a scout.

View attachment 476817

I would put Webb & Cobb & Lewis together they all was big fast and bruisers .

 

[peaygolf]

25 days…….

#25 - Nathan Dougherty

The Tennessee guard never had thoughts of playing football until his second year at UT, and then he made the squad on his first tryout in 1906. That was the year the forward pass was made legal. After a 1-6-2 season, Dougherty helped boost the Vols' record the next two years, earning All-Southern selections in 1907 and 1998. Tennessee put together records of 7-2-1 and 7-2 before falling back to 1-6-2 in 1909. Dougherty is regarded as the first superstar in Vols history. He was 6’2” 190 lbs, full of muscle with quickness to match. But it was the 1909 season that Dougherty showed a glimpse of his leadership abilities by captaining the football, basketball and track teams all at the same time. In fact, Dougherty helped form the first ever Tennessee basketball squad that very year and for his efforts on the gridiron, Dougherty was named to the FWAA Southeast Area All-Time Team (1869-1919). After his college career was over, Dougherty became the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee and chairman of its Athletic Council. He was the man who hired General Neyland and told him to “even the score with Vanderbilt.” He was also instrumental in erecting what is now Neyland Stadium. He was president of the Southern Conference, a founder of the Southeastern Conference, acting commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, and vice-president of the NCAA. Dougherty was elected into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is widely considered the father of Tennessee athletics.

 

[rocytop2624]

25 days…….

#25 - Nathan Dougherty

The Tennessee guard never had thoughts of playing football until his second year at UT, and then he made the squad on his first tryout in 1906. That was the year the forward pass was made legal. After a 1-6-2 season, Dougherty helped boost the Vols' record the next two years, earning All-Southern selections in 1907 and 1998. Tennessee put together records of 7-2-1 and 7-2 before falling back to 1-6-2 in 1909. Dougherty is regarded as the first superstar in Vols history. He was 6’2” 190 lbs, full of muscle with quickness to match. But it was the 1909 season that Dougherty showed a glimpse of his leadership abilities by captaining the football, basketball and track teams all at the same time. In fact, Dougherty helped form the first ever Tennessee basketball squad that very year and for his efforts on the gridiron, Dougherty was named to the FWAA Southeast Area All-Time Team (1869-1919). After his college career was over, Dougherty became the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee and chairman of its Athletic Council. He was the man who hired General Neyland and told him to “even the score with Vanderbilt.” He was also instrumental in erecting what is now Neyland Stadium. He was president of the Southern Conference, a founder of the Southeastern Conference, acting commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, and vice-president of the NCAA. Dougherty was elected into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is widely considered the father of Tennessee athletics.

View attachment 478564

 

[IndianaVol]

25 days…….

#25 - Nathan Dougherty

The Tennessee guard never had thoughts of playing football until his second year at UT, and then he made the squad on his first tryout in 1906. That was the year the forward pass was made legal. After a 1-6-2 season, Dougherty helped boost the Vols' record the next two years, earning All-Southern selections in 1907 and 1998. Tennessee put together records of 7-2-1 and 7-2 before falling back to 1-6-2 in 1909. Dougherty is regarded as the first superstar in Vols history. He was 6’2” 190 lbs, full of muscle with quickness to match. But it was the 1909 season that Dougherty showed a glimpse of his leadership abilities by captaining the football, basketball and track teams all at the same time. In fact, Dougherty helped form the first ever Tennessee basketball squad that very year and for his efforts on the gridiron, Dougherty was named to the FWAA Southeast Area All-Time Team (1869-1919). After his college career was over, Dougherty became the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee and chairman of its Athletic Council. He was the man who hired General Neyland and told him to “even the score with Vanderbilt.” He was also instrumental in erecting what is now Neyland Stadium. He was president of the Southern Conference, a founder of the Southeastern Conference, acting commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, and vice-president of the NCAA. Dougherty was elected into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is widely considered the father of Tennessee athletics.

View attachment 478564

What a way to kick off the top 25 !!!
Excellent choice here.

 

[OffTackleVol]

25 days…….

#25 - Nathan Dougherty

The Tennessee guard never had thoughts of playing football until his second year at UT, and then he made the squad on his first tryout in 1906. That was the year the forward pass was made legal. After a 1-6-2 season, Dougherty helped boost the Vols' record the next two years, earning All-Southern selections in 1907 and 1998. Tennessee put together records of 7-2-1 and 7-2 before falling back to 1-6-2 in 1909. Dougherty is regarded as the first superstar in Vols history. He was 6’2” 190 lbs, full of muscle with quickness to match. But it was the 1909 season that Dougherty showed a glimpse of his leadership abilities by captaining the football, basketball and track teams all at the same time. In fact, Dougherty helped form the first ever Tennessee basketball squad that very year and for his efforts on the gridiron, Dougherty was named to the FWAA Southeast Area All-Time Team (1869-1919). After his college career was over, Dougherty became the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee and chairman of its Athletic Council. He was the man who hired General Neyland and told him to “even the score with Vanderbilt.” He was also instrumental in erecting what is now Neyland Stadium. He was president of the Southern Conference, a founder of the Southeastern Conference, acting commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, and vice-president of the NCAA. Dougherty was elected into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is widely considered the father of Tennessee athletics.

View attachment 478564

Honestly, I thought he might be top 10. What an icon.

 

[StarRaider]

Dougherty was dean of the University of Tennessee College of Engineering at Knoxville from 1940 to 1956. He was also the chairman of the UT Athletic Council from 1917 to 1956. An engineering building at the school is named after him. The building caught fire in November 2006, but was later reopened.

 

[peaygolf]

24 days……

#24 - Andy Spiva

A couple of questions. How was Spiva not an All-American and how is he not in the College Football HoF?
Spiva played from 1973-1976, and is one of the most underrated players in college football history. After making 25 tackles in six games as a freshman, Spiva was as good as anyone in the country for the next three seasons. As a sophomore, he made 163 tackles and forced three fumbles. As a junior, Spiva was credited with 165 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 7 forced fumbles and was named 1st Team All-SEC. His senior season in 1976 is, in my opinion, one of the top 3 defensive seasons in school history. He had 11 TFLs, 4 forced fumbles, an interception, and 194 tackles. He was named 1st Team All-SEC for the second year in a row. For his career (40 games) Spiva had 14 forced fumbles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and a mind blowing 547 tackles. Not only is the the Vols all-time leader in tackles, he is the SECs all-time leader. For reference, AJ Johnson is second in Vols history and has the most in the SEC since 2005, and “only” has 424. During his four seasons, Spiva averaged 137 tackles per season…….He was a 5th round pick in 1977 by the Cardinals, but was released. He was picked up by the Falcons and played in 13 games for Atlanta in ‘77. Designated as a starter for 1978, Spiva injured his knee in the preseason and missed the entire year. After a successful rehab, Spiva was tragically killed in a car crash before the 1979 season. It’s unfortunate that more fans didn’t get to see Spiva play, or even know who he is. He is without a doubt, one of the greatest Vols ever and bright star whose career has never been earned the respect it deserves.

 

[Tin Man]

I watched Spiva from the student section during my matriculation. Andy was a fan favorite. His death was a tragic loss felt by many.

 

[StarRaider]

Wow 194 tackles in 11 games... 17 per game. Al Wilson had 272 in 4 seasons. Andy was the Host in John Ward's "and a host of Volunteers"...

 

[peaygolf]

23 days.........

#23 - Frank Emanuel

Often regarded as one of the top 5 linebackers in UT history, Emanuel is in my top three or four. Big, strong, and quick, Emanuel was the leader of one of the best modern defenses in school history. He started off as a two way player in his first varsity season in 1963, helping the Vols to three shutout wins. In 1964, under first year HC Doug Dickey, Emanuel became a full time starter and led a defense that held their own, but watched the new offense struggle. Even though UT finished 4-5-1, the defense only gave up an average of 12 points a game. Emanuel was named 2nd Team All-SEC, leading the Vols in tackles and also picking off two passes. and helping lay the groundwork for the future. In 1965, things started to come together, as the Vols would finish the season 8-1-2 and ranked #7 in the country. Emanuel again lead the team in tackles, including an amazing 26 vs Kentucky. He also intercepted 2 passes. The Vols defense only gave up 98 points during the season and no Vols team has given up fewer since. Emanuel was named 1st Team All-SEC and was a 1st Team All-American by every wire service. After his career was over in Knoxville, he was drafted by the Saints in the 4th round and was a 2nd round pick by the Dolphins in the AFL. He played four seasons in Miami and one in New Orleans. Emanuel was voted in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

 

[peaygolf]

Wow 194 tackles in 11 games... 17 per game. Al Wilson had 272 in 4 seasons. Andy was the Host in John Ward's "and a host of Volunteers"...

That is really cool to watch.
YouTube TV has the seasons review from each season during the 60's and 70's. Really cool 30 minute recaps.

 

[peaygolf]

22 days……

#22 - Ed Molinski

Molinski was a hard-charging guard on University of Tennessee football teams from 1938 to 1940. Those teams compiled an astonishing 31-2 record and played in three bowl games. Molinski also played for two of the greatest coaches of all time – the legendary Paul Brown at Massillon High School in Ohio and UT’s General Robert Neyland. Molinski was a prototypical Tennessee guard of that time, combining speed and strength in one lethal package. But football was not the only sport in which Molinski excelled. He was also captain of the UT boxing team and a state Golden Gloves champion. Ed was known for his fiery temper, which was evident when he was ejected in the 1939 Orange Bowl vs Oklahoma. Molinski teamed with another great, Bob Suffridge, to anchor an offensive line and a defensive line that is unmatched in UT history. The ‘39 team didn’t allow a point during the regular season, a feat not accomplished since. Molinski was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American in 1939. In 1940, he again displayed his dominance on both lines of scrimmage, and was a 1st Team All-SEC selection and a consensus 1st Team All-American for the second straight season.
After college, Molinski joined the Marines and served in WWII, then became an assistant football coach at Memphis State and Mississippi State. After coaching, he received his medical degree and practiced medicine in Memphis until his death.
Forever remembered as one of the most important players in school history, Molinski was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

 

[MAD]

22 days……

#22 - Ed Molinski

Molinski was a hard-charging guard on University of Tennessee football teams from 1938 to 1940. Those teams compiled an astonishing 31-2 record and played in three bowl games. Molinski also played for two of the greatest coaches of all time – the legendary Paul Brown at Massillon High School in Ohio and UT’s General Robert Neyland. Molinski was a prototypical Tennessee guard of that time, combining speed and strength in one lethal package. But football was not the only sport in which Molinski excelled. He was also captain of the UT boxing team and a state Golden Gloves champion. Ed was known for his fiery temper, which was evident when he was ejected in the 1939 Orange Bowl vs Oklahoma. Molinski teamed with another great, Bob Suffridge, to anchor an offensive line and a defensive line that is unmatched in UT history. The ‘39 team didn’t allow a point during the regular season, a feat not accomplished since. Molinski was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American in 1939. In 1940, he again displayed his dominance on both lines of scrimmage, and was a 1st Team All-SEC selection and a consensus 1st Team All-American for the second straight season.
After college, Molinski joined the Marines and served in WWII, then became an assistant football coach at Memphis State and Mississippi State. After coaching, he received his medical degree and practiced medicine in Memphis until his death.
Forever remembered as one of the most important players in school history, Molinski was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.


View attachment 479385

Every night it’s like checking to see if my lottery ticket hits or not. There are few I’m holding out hope that make it. Or what if they don’t make the list at all?

 

[swampfoxfan]

32 days……

#32 - Reggie Cobb

In my opinion, Cobb is the greatest “modern” running back in UT history. After redshirting in 1986, Cobb emerged as a third string tailback in 1987, but worked his way into getting playing time as the season started. In the first game vs Iowa, Cobb ran for 138 yards and then scored 3 touchdowns vs Miss St. Cobb would finish the season with five 100 yard games in the regular season and top it off with 146 yards in the Peach Bowl win, where he was MVP. For the season, he finished with 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing, while gaining 198 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns and 326 yards returning kicks. For the season, Cobb set a then UT record with 1,721 yards and scored 20 TDs. He was named Freshman All-SEC and 2nd team All Conference. In 1988, he rushed for 182 yards vs Duke, but was plagued by injuries, missing three games and parts of two others. He still managed to rush for 547 yards and 3 TDs. Prior to the ‘89 season, Cobb was suspended, but reinstated just before the season opener, where he rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown. He shared time with the upstart Chuck Webb in the win over UCLA, but was still as dominant as ever. He had over 100 yards vs Duke in the third game, and then came Auburn. Cobb exploded for 225 yards on 22 carries, including one the greatest runs I’ve ever witnessed, a 79 yard touchdown where he out ran everyone. The following week, he ran for 106 yards and the game winning touchdown vs Georgia. Few new it was his last game as a Vol. Cobb failed another drug test and was kicked off the team before the Alabama game, ending his UT career. In less than 25 total games, Cobb ran for 2,360 yards and 26 touchdowns. His amazing speed and power are unmatched in my opinion. One can argue between him and Webb, but I would take Cobb. It’s a shame that his talent wasn’t able to be fully displayed due to off the field issues, but thankfully, he managed to enter treatment in 1990 and was a 2nd round pick by the Buccaneers. Cobb had a successful NFL career as a player and a scout.

View attachment 476817

Always thought Majors proved nobody was bigger than the team by removing Cobb from the team. I think Tennessee would have beat Alabama otherwise.

 

[peaygolf]

Every night it’s like checking to see if my lottery ticket hits or not. There are few I’m holding out hope that make it. Or what if they don’t make the list at all?

If they don’t make the list…….you can just jump up and down and say, “Peay don’t know squat.”

Probably……you’d be correct

 

[Rifleman]

Every night it’s like checking to see if my lottery ticket hits or not. There are few I’m holding out hope that make it. Or what if they don’t make the list at all?

We're going to get to see Vol Football in 3 weeks and 6 hours. Your ticket's about to hit it big.

 

[MAD]

We're going to get to see Vol Football in 3 weeks and 6 hours. Your ticket's about to hit it big.

Very true

Thanks for reminding me