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

[MAD]

I guess nobody was a Fields fan???

I see you think I’m a nobody…..

 

[ArdentVol]

Tennessee's had remarkable success moving running backs to linebacker. One day I'm going to try and remember 'em all and list 'em.

good idea
i forgot earnest began as rb
wasnt able tp follow thssa closely in those years

 

[peaygolf]

I see you think I’m a nobody…..

Absolutely not! Top 5 favorite

 

[peaygolf]

155 days...........

#155 - Aaron Hayden

The Detroit native arrived in Knoxville in 1991 and quickly emerged as a great player with power and speed. He started four games while mainly serving as James Stewart's back-up. and finished with 704 yards and 7 TDs, while also catching 10 pases for another TD. He ran for 109 yards in his 1st game vs Louisville and was named Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC. As a sophomore, he started three games and still playing behind Stewart, and now Charlie Garner, he ran for 321 yards and a TD. His junior year, he was injured in the third game and missed the rest of the regular season. He still ran for 217 yards in his three games. As a senior, he had his best season, but still was behind Stewart on the depth chart. He had 157 carries for 819 yards and 7 TDs and caught 7 passes for 115 yards. He played with a few of the best tailbacks in UT history, but was still able to make significant contributions and was a leader on and off the field. With different circumstances, he could have been one of the leading rushers in UT history. He finished his career with 2,061 yards rushing, good for 16th in UT history, all while playing second fiddle to others. Hayden had five 100 yard rushing games and averaged over 5 yards a carry and 13.2 yards per reception.

 

[peaygolf]

154 days……

#154 - A.J. Johnson

Johnson burst on the scene in 2011 with 80 tackles, second most by a freshman in UT history. He was named 1st Team Freshman All-American and SEC. He’s also the only true freshman in school history to have three double digit tackle games. In 2012, he had his best season statistically, with 138 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. He also carried the ball 12 times, scoring 6 TDs. He was named 2nd team All-SEC for his efforts. As a junior, Johnson was a 1st team All-SEC choice and had 106 tackles and 8.5 more tackles for loss. He decided to return for his senior season, but it was dampened by misguided allegations, and he was suspended in early November. He still finished with 101 tackles, 2 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. He went undrafted due to his legal issues, but signed with the Broncos in 2018 after he was acquitted of all wrong doings. He finished his career in Knoxville with 425 tackles, 2nd most in school history.

 

[peaygolf]

153 days……

#153 - Mike “Stop” Cofer

Cofer was a four year letterman from 1979-1982. A local product out of Rule HS, Cofer quickly became a major contributor under Coach Majors, making 27 tackles and a fumble recovery as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was having a huge start to the season, but was injured, and missed the rest of the year. In only 5 games, he registered 32 tackles, a sack, and 2 fumble recoveries. In 1981, he was moved from Defensive End to Linebacker and immediately made an impact, making 14 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles in the opener vs Georgia. Nagging injuries still plagued him, but he finished with 94 tackles and a blocked punt. As a senior, he was named captain and moved back to DE and made 2nd team All-SEC. He had 84 tackles, 4 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, leading the Vols to the Peach Bowl. Despite battling injuries, Cofer still finished his career with 237 tackles, 9 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. He was a 3rd round pick by Detroit in 1983, and made the Pro Bowl in 1988.

 

[peaygolf]

152 days.......

#152 - John Barnhill

Barnhill transferred to UT from Memphis and played from 1925-1927. The Vols record during his time was 21-3-2 and they shared the 1927 Southern Conference Championship. Barnhill played nose tackle and guard for Coach Neyland was was considered one of the best in the country at both positions. He helped open holes for greats such as Dick Dodson and Roy Witt and helped shutout 16 opponents. Barnhill was named All-South in both '26 and '27, and was captain of the '27 Vols. He was elected to play in an East/West charity game in LA after the 1927 season. Barnhill was also on several All-American teams in 1927. After his playing days, he was an assistant for the Vols and then was named Head Coach after Neyland served during WWII. His record of 32-5-2 is the best winning percentage in UT football history. After Neyland returned, Barnhill coached Arkansas for four years and the was their AD until 1971.

 

[OrangeTsar]

I appreciate the incredible amount of effort and research that went into this thread. It is very well done and I m thankful

 

[OrangeTsar]

Counting the days to SEC Media days

 

[peaygolf]

151 days……

#151 - Mark Hovanic

Hovanic was a terror on the DL, lettering from 1985-1987. He was known for his big plays and nasty demeanor on the field. As a redshirt freshman in 1984, he was tried at several positions and only appeared in one game. In 1985, he settled in at DT and started every game, collecting 45 tackles and 8 sacks….including a sack and forced fumble in the Sugar Bowl. In ‘86, he had 29 tackles, 6 sacks, and 6 tackles for loss. An injury kept him from playing the first three games in ‘87, but he still managed 5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss, and was named 1st team All-SEC. For his career, Hovanic had 19 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Saturday Down South named him the best #59 in SEC history.

 

[Smokey X]

160 days…..

#160 - Charles McRae

McRae was a Clinton native and a four year letterman from 1987-1990. After a redshirt year in ‘86, he was thrust into action on the defensive line due to injuries. He had a blocked field goal and an extra point, while collecting 26 tackles and a forced fumble. In ‘88, he had 8 tackles and a sack, but was sidelined much of the season with a foot injury. In 1990, McRae moved to the offensive line and became part of a record setting offense. He paved the way for the SECs leading rushing attack and helped the Vols to a SEC championship. He was named 2nd team All-SEC. For good measure, he blocked two more kicks. As a senior, he again led the Vols to an SEC championship and helped Tony Thompson rush for over 1,000 yards. He was named 1st team All-SEC and was the 7th pick in the ‘91 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.

View attachment 443033

I'll never forget sitting in the downpour in the north end zone for the 1989 Auburn game. The long Reggie Cobb TD running right towards us and Charles McRae pancaked the middle LB so bad that the first thing to hit the ground was the LB's shoulder pads.

 

[Orange.]

155 days...........

#155 - Aaron Hayden

The Detroit native arrived in Knoxville in 1991 and quickly emerged as a great player with power and speed. He started four games while mainly serving as James Stewart's back-up. and finished with 704 yards and 7 TDs, while also catching 10 pases for another TD. He ran for 109 yards in his 1st game vs Louisville and was named Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC. As a sophomore, he started three games and still playing behind Stewart, and now Charlie Garner, he ran for 321 yards and a TD. His junior year, he was injured in the third game and missed the rest of the regular season. He still ran for 217 yards in his three games. As a senior, he had his best season, but still was behind Stewart on the depth chart. He had 157 carries for 819 yards and 7 TDs and caught 7 passes for 115 yards. He played with a few of the best tailbacks in UT history, but was still able to make significant contributions and was a leader on and off the field. With different circumstances, he could have been one of the leading rushers in UT history. He finished his career with 2,061 yards rushing, good for 16th in UT history, all while playing second fiddle to others. Hayden had five 100 yard rushing games and averaged over 5 yards a carry and 13.2 yards per reception.

View attachment 444324

Excellent photo choice! I believe that game to the day is the greatest comeback ever staged by any school at South Bend. We were down 24 and ND was kicking a field goal, which we blocked and took to the house, to start the Vols' rally to victory. Hayden scored the winning touchdown on a screen pass. He was a great back.

 

[Orange.]

151 days……

#151 - Mark Hovanic

Hovanic was a terror on the DL, lettering from 1985-1987. He was known for his big plays and nasty demeanor on the field. As a redshirt freshman in 1984, he was tried at several positions and only appeared in one game. In 1985, he settled in at DT and started every game, collecting 45 tackles and 8 sacks….including a sack and forced fumble in the Sugar Bowl. In ‘86, he had 29 tackles, 6 sacks, and 6 tackles for loss. An injury kept him from playing the first three games in ‘87, but he still managed 5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss, and was named 1st team All-SEC. For his career, Hovanic had 19 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Saturday Down South named him the best #59 in SEC history.

View attachment 445283

...including a sack and forced fumble in the Sugar Bowl.

Such a great player with an attitude always, but that 85 season Sugar Bowl was unbelievably great. We crushed the would-be national champion with our D making a statement of the sort rarely seen in football. The Vols proved on the field that we were the best team in the college football. If there had been a playoff at that time, Hovanic and friends would have brought the trophy home. That sounds like a homer view, but I recall many in the shocked media declaring that while we finished 4th we were the best team in the country by the end of the season. That D was under a lot of pressure after T Robb went down in our win over bammer, and they delivered.

 

[OffTackleVol]

I'll never forget sitting in the downpour in the north end zone for the 1989 Auburn game. The long Reggie Cobb TD running right towards us and Charles McRae pancaked the middle LB so bad that the first thing to hit the ground was the LB's shoulder pads.

One of my favorite TD runs as well in part because of the pancake block. Cobb's run vs. Auburn is right up there with Johnny Jones's run and Graham's 2 versus the Tide..

 

[Tin Man]

Tennessee’s appearance in the 1986 Sugar Bowl was their first since 1971. Volunteer fans showed up in the tens of thousands. Modestly, the Super Dome was 2/3rds Orange. Tennessee fans flooded New Orleans, tipped anyone playing Rocky Top and bought rounds of drinks for everyone, even Miami fans. Our joy at the Volunteers return was unbounded. When we left town, everyone waived goodbye and expressed hope for our return. One fellow at my last stop in Slidel declared that our economic impact could balance the Federal budget. We were at our best, good natured and generous in spirit and deed.

 

[peaygolf]

150 days…..

#150 - Evan Berry

Berry, son of James and brother to Eric, played defensive back and returned kicks from 2014-2017. Injuries plagued his career, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a legend. As a freshman, he was a reserve DB, but handled kickoffs, and had an average return of 29.5 yards. As a sophomore, he led the nation with a 38.3 yard kickoff return avg and was named 1st Team All-American and SEC. He returned 3 kickoffs for TDs and added 18 tackles and had a 100 yard interception return vs Northwestern in the Bowl game. As a junior, he returned another KO for a TD vs South Carolina and averaged 33 yards per return. He only played in 3 games as a senior due to injuries, but averaged 35.8 yards per return in his 4 attempts. He finished his career with a 34.2 average return and 4 TDs. He, along with Willie Gault, are the two best returners in UT history. He spent one season with the Browns after college.

 

[peaygolf]

149 days…..

#149 - Hubert Simpson

Power and speed describe the McMinn County native perfectly. Simpson arrived in 1976 and quickly got playing time, scoring 4 TDs and rushing for 200 yards in Coach Battle’s modified wish-bone offense. Simpson quit football for a year, but returned to play for Coach Majors in 1978. After starting the season in Majors “doghouse,” he gained the starting job mid season and had big games vs Army and Ole Miss, finishing with 524 yards and a TD. In 1979, Simpson continued to stay in and out of trouble, but would etch his name into the annals of Tennessee lore. In the Norte Dame game, he rushed for 117 yards and 4 TDs in the 40-17 victory. He followed that up with 174 yards vs UK and 181 vs Ole Miss. He finished with 792 yards and 6 TDs. Simpson was poised to have a spectacular season as a senior, but skipped a practice and was dismissed from the team. Who knows what could have been. His attitude and demons kept him from becoming the leading rusher in Vols history (at the time.) For his career, he had 309 carries for 1,516 yards and 11 TDs and 22 receptions for 127 yards and 2 TDs. He was drafted by the Bengals in 1981, but was cut. He played one season in the CFL for Toronto. If you want to see his talent, watch the ‘79 Notre Dame game and see for yourself.

 

[peaygolf]

 

[OffTackleVol]

149 days…..

#149 - Hubert Simpson

Power and speed describe the McMinn County native perfectly. Simpson arrived in 1976 and quickly got playing time, scoring 4 TDs and rushing for 200 yards in Coach Battle’s modified wish-bone offense. Simpson quit football for a year, but returned to play for Coach Majors in 1978. After starting the season in Majors “doghouse,” he gained the starting job mid season and had big games vs Army and Ole Miss, finishing with 524 yards and a TD. In 1979, Simpson continued to stay in and out of trouble, but would etch his name into the annals of Tennessee lore. In the Norte Dame game, he rushed for 117 yards and 4 TDs in the 40-17 victory. He followed that up with 174 yards vs UK and 181 vs Ole Miss. He finished with 792 yards and 6 TDs. Simpson was poised to have a spectacular season as a senior, but skipped a practice and was dismissed from the team. Who knows what could have been. His attitude and demons kept him from becoming the leading rusher in Vols history (at the time.) For his career, he had 309 carries for 1,516 yards and 11 TDs and 22 receptions for 127 yards and 2 TDs. He was drafted by the Bengals in 1981, but was cut. He played one season in the CFL for Toronto. If you want to see his talent, watch the ‘79 Notre Dame game and see for yourself.

View attachment 445738

Hubert had all the potential to be a great player. Reminded me of a teammate I played with in high school (1978), Terry Vanzant. Terry was 6'2" just shy of 200 pounds and ran a legit 4.3. Full speed by his 3rd stride. Could have played anywhere in college. Whatever demons Hubert had, Terry had similar. Our junior year, we played Riverdale out of Murfreesboro. They came to Winchester undefeated at 7-0 and ranked 2nd in the state. We were 6-1. Terry had 325 yards rushing and scored 3 TD's in a 21-0 victory. Should have played pro ball and enjoying his millions$$$$$ today.

 

[peaygolf]

Huber had all the potential to be a great player. Reminded me of a teammate I played with in high school (1978), Terry Vanzant. Terry was 6'2" just shy of 200 pounds and ran a legit 4.3. Full speed by his 3rd stride. Could have played anywhere in college. Whatever demons Hubert had, Terry had similar. Our junior year, we played Riverdale out of Murfreesboro. They came to Winchester undefeated at 7-0 and ranked 2nd in the state. We were 6-1. Terry had 325 yards rushing and scored 3 TD's in 21-0 victory. Should have played pro ball and enjoying his millions$$$$$ today.

Xavier Crawford comes to mind as well...........

 

[OffTackleVol]

Xavier Crawford comes to mind as well...........

Out of Memphis?

 

[peaygolf]

Out of Memphis?

If I'm not mistaken..............he's the highest football recruit to ever come out of the state of TN.

 

[IndianaVol]

CRAZY the amount of talent there is in this pack of guys from ~140 to ~180...if not for injuries, head cases, parents, and other demons; oh what could have been for some of these men.

 

[peaygolf]

148 days……

#148 - Johnny Mills

Mills played wide receiver and tight end at the University of Tennessee (1964-66) where he lettered for 3 years. After only catching 5 passes in 1964, Mills became a force in ‘65, catching 23 passes for 328 yards. Ten of those receptions were vs UCLA, a then UT single game record. He led the Vols in receiving in 1966 with 725 yards and 4 touchdowns, and had a single game total of 225 yards vs UK which was a long-standing single game record, which would not be broken for 30 years. In the Auburn game, he broke his own record with 11 receptions. For his career, he set a then record of 76 receptions for 1120 yards. Mills was selected All-South Eastern Conference in 1966. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. Mills later became an assistant coach at University of Tulsa and then at Kaywood High School. He then became the head coach at Harlan High School.

 

[peaygolf]

147 days……

#147 - Montario Hardesty

After a redshirt season in 2005, Hardesty had some ups n downs during his next four seasons in Knoxville. He started 5 games in ‘06, rushing for almost 400 yards and 4 TDs. His ‘07 season wasn’t as good as expected, but his still rushed for over 300 yards and 3 more touchdowns. 2008 was his worst year statistically, rushing for just over 200 yards, but did score 6 touchdowns. 2009 was a completely different story. Hardesty had one of the best seasons by a runner in UT history. He had five 100 yard games and led the SEC with 282 carries and finished with 1,345 yards and 13 TDs. He was named 2nd team All-SEC and was 2009 Shrine Bowl MVP. He finished his career with 2,391 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns. He also had 405 receiving yards and another touchdown. He is 9th in career rushing yards in school history. He was a second round pick by the Browns and played four seasons in the NFL.