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

[IndianaVol]

Polofsky is without a doubt the greatest Vol from Rhode Island.

OK, I'll bite...are there any other Vols from Rhode Island ??? HAHAHA

 

[peaygolf]

OK, I'll bite...are there any other Vols from Rhode Island ??? HAHAHA

BTW…… I fixed my post……arguably the greatest Vol from Rhode Island……you’ll see later
Pawtucket
Elkas, Ray, 1948, 49
Providence
Carpenter, Don, 1969, 70
Russas, Al, 1946, 47, 48
Slater, Walter, 1941, 42, 46 (Capt.)

 

[MAD]

BTW…… I fixed my post……arguably the greatest Vol from Rhode Island……you’ll see later
Pawtucket
Elkas, Ray, 1948, 49
Providence
Carpenter, Don, 1969, 70
Russas, Al, 1946, 47, 48
Slater, Walter, 1941, 42, 46 (Capt.)

Keeping us in suspense.

 

[peaygolf]

Keeping us in suspense.

never guess #1

 

[peaygolf]

113 days……

#113 - Walter Slater

Slater, from Rhode Island, was a do-it-all starter in 1941 and 1942. A shifty runner with blazing speed, he was also a gifted passer, defensive back, and punter. In 1941, he led the nation in punt returns, averaging 20.4 yards. He was the star of the 1943 Sugar Bowl win over Tulsa, but WWII happened, and Slater enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he was navigator on bombers. After the war, he returned in 1946 for one more season as a Vol. He led UT with 6 TD passes, averaged 40 yards per punt, had 2 punt returns for touchdowns, and picked off 4 passes, returning one for a touchdown. His 78 yard punt return vs UNC will go down as one of the greatest plays in UT history. Late in the game, UT was behind when Slater fielded a punt at the 22 yard line. Weaving his way through defenders, he only had HOFer Choo-Choo Justice to beat, but Justice had an angle on him. Slater faked a pitch, which caused Justice to hesitate for a moment, and Slater eased into the end zone smiling. Slater had a great career in Knoxville, but what could have been if not for WWII. Slater played in the NFL for two seasons with the Steelers, leading the league in punt return avg in 1947.

Slater smiles at Justice……..

 

[IndianaVol]

#113 - Walter Slater

Slater, from Rhode Island,

HAHAHA - getting all the Rhode Island guys out of the way.

BTW - We need some of Slater's swagger on today's squad for sure...smile back at the guy as you cross the goal line. LOVE IT !!!

 

[MAD]

HAHAHA - getting all the Rhode Island guys out of the way.

BTW - We need some of Slater's swagger on today's squad for sure...smile back at the guy as you cross the goal line. LOVE IT !!!

Peay has a great sense of humor.

 

[peaygolf]

Peay has a great sense of humor.

I try , my man!

 

[Tin Man]

leading the leave in punt return avg in 1947.

You appear the victim of autofill/autocorrect. Please, blue pencil.

 

[peaygolf]

112 days...............

#112 - Prentiss Waggner

I rate Waggner higher than probably most will, I get that, but his results speak for themselves. After redshirting in 2008, Waggner played for three different Head Coaches and three different DC's while in Knoxville and was switched between his natural cornerback position to safety for depth reasons a couple times. After playing in every game in 2009, starting two, he exploded in 2010. He made 57 tackles and had 4 PBUs. He also had 3 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions, 3 of which he returned for TDs. He was named 2nd team All-SEC and 2nd Team All-American. During his last two seasons, his production wasn't as good as 2010, but it was still excellent. He had 48 tackles each season and intercepted 4 more passes. He finished his career with 159 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 15 PBUs, and 9 interceptions. He played out of position at times due to depth reasons, but he was a lone bright spot during some very rough times in Knoxville. Waggner was undrafted in 2013, but attended mini-camp with the Cardinals.

 

[peaygolf]

111 days……

#111 - Paul Hug

Hug was one of Neyland’s “Flaming Sophomores,” along with McEver, Dodd, and Hickman, who played during the 1927-1929 seasons. Hug was an end, that protected the outside of the defense, and was a sure handed receiver on offense. In an era where passing was a second thought, Dodd to Hug was a dangerous combination, helping UT to a 26-1-2 record. His exploits include scoring on a 16 yard pass for the only points in the 1928 win over Vandy. His acrobatic 25 yard catch at the two yard line set up the winning score vs undefeated, and heavily favored UF, in 1928. His blocked punt set up the only score in the 6-0 win vs Bama in 1929 and his fumble recovery set up the decisive points in the victory over Vandy the same year. Big receptions, big stops, and big plays were what Paul Hug was known for. He was named All-South in 1929 and was honorable mention All-South in 1928. He was, unfortunately, injured early in 1930, but his legacy was already written in Knoxville. After college, Hug became an assistant at what is now Rhodes College in Memphis, and a Head Coach at what is now UT Martin.

Hug and one of his acrobatic receptions

 

[peaygolf]

110 days…..

#110 - Eric Westmoreland

In 1996, Westmoreland was a reserve linebacker, and still had 29 tackles and a forced fumble. In ‘97, he was primed for a great season, but was injured in the UCLA game, his first career start, and missed the rest of the season and was granted a medical redshirt. In those two games, he made 11 tackles and a forced fumble. In the ‘98 national championship season, Eric moved into the starting lineup at left outside linebacker, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles (60 solos) and 11 stops for losses of 37 yards...Picked off a pass and deflected four others...Caused two fumbles and recovered another. In 1999, he started the first nine games at left outside linebacker...Recorded 51 tackles (36 solos) with nine stops for losses of 21 yards...Caused and recovered two fumbles...Deflected three passes and made 17 big plays. Westmoreland was captain in 2000, and was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick by the Associated Press and The Sporting News, and 2nd team All-American…..Started all year at left (strongside) outside linebacker...Led the team with a career-high 83 tackles (56 solos) while also making five sacks for minus 50 yards and 10 stops for losses of 24 yards... Deflected four passes and intercepted another...Caused and recovered a fumble...Credited with 22 big plays and also had an interception. Plain and simple, Westmoreland was a stud! He was a 3rd round pick in the 2001 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played in the NFL through 2004.

 

[peaygolf]

109 days…….

#109 - Cordarrelle Patterson

Let the debate begin……..Patterson could be rated much higher, but only playing one season hurts, in my opinion.
Patterson came to UT as a JUCO out of Hutchinson(KS) CC. In his 2012 season, Patterson was named All-SEC as an all purpose player. He left after only one season, but is impact is legendary. We should be grateful for that one year. He was a 1st round pick by the Vikings in 2013 and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. He’s a 4X All-Pro and currently plays for Atlanta.
Here are some of his accolades:

• Mark of 1,858 all-purpose yards broke record of Reggie Cobb (1,721), set in 1987
• With 28.0 yards per kickoff return, ranks 19th in the NCAA and second in the SEC
• Average of 28.0 yards per kickoff return, ranks a UT record for any Vol with at least 20 returns in a season
• First player in NCAA to scored a touchdown four ways in a season since 2008 (Rec., Rush, Kick Return, Punt Return)
• One of seven players in NCAA to score a touchdown three different ways in 2012
• Led Vols with 10 touchdowns (five receiving, three rushing and one each on kickoff and punt return)
• Set SEC record for single-season total kick return (kickoff+punt) average per return with 27.6
• His 28.0 kickoff yards per return, rank as the second-most in a single-season in SEC history
• Returned 24 kickoffs for 671 yards, third-most yards in a season in UT history
• In 12 starts, had 46 catches for 778 receiving yards with five touchdowns
• Rushed 25 times for 308 yards (12.3 per carry), three TDs
• Became the second Vol to have a kickoff and punt return for touchdown in the same season, joining Bobby Gordon, who did it in 1957
• Became fourth Vol to have a kickoff and punt return in a career, joining Gordon, Stanley Morgan and Willie Gault
• Second Vol all-time to have touchdowns four ways in a career, joining Carl Pickens (1991-93), Patterson did it all in one season
• Became fifth Vol with a return touchdown and a TD by rushing or receiving with a 98-yard kickoff return score and an 11-yard touchdown catch at #19 Miss State (10/13); last was Carl Pickens in 1990.
• 
  
• 

 

[OffTackleVol]

110 days…..

#110 - Eric Westmoreland

In 1996, Westmoreland was a reserve linebacker, and still had 29 tackles and a forced fumble. In ‘97, he was primed for a great season, but was injured in the UCLA game, his first career start, and missed the rest of the season and was granted a medical redshirt. In those two games, he made 11 tackles and a forced fumble. In the ‘98 national championship season, Eric moved into the starting lineup at left outside linebacker, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles (60 solos) and 11 stops for losses of 37 yards...Picked off a pass and deflected four others...Caused two fumbles and recovered another. In 1999, he started the first nine games at left outside linebacker...Recorded 51 tackles (36 solos) with nine stops for losses of 21 yards...Caused and recovered two fumbles...Deflected three passes and made 17 big plays. Westmoreland was captain in 2000, and was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick by the Associated Press and The Sporting News, and 2nd team All-American…..Started all year at left (strongside) outside linebacker...Led the team with a career-high 83 tackles (56 solos) while also making five sacks for minus 50 yards and 10 stops for losses of 24 yards... Deflected four passes and intercepted another...Caused and recovered a fumble...Credited with 22 big plays and also had an interception. Plain and simple, Westmoreland was a stud! He was a 3rd round pick in the 2001 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played in the NFL through 2004.

View attachment 455512

Yet another former high school running back, I believe from Marion County, Tennessee. Eddie Moore, a former tailback from nearby South Pittsburg, Tennessee followed him a few years later.

 

[peaygolf]

108 days.........

#108 - Ray Nettles

Nettles arrived in Knoxville in 1968 and played behind legend Jack Reynolds. As a sophomore in 1969, Nettles showed himself enough, that the coaches knew the linebacker position would be in great hands the next two seasons. As a junior, Nettlesmade 126 tackles, had 6.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. As a senior in 1971, he stepped up his game even further, registering 174 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Known for his eminence strength and quickness, Nettles also lined up at nose tackle on some short yardage situations. Regarded as the SECs hardest hitter, Nettles helped UT to a 21-3 record during his two years as a starter and was named All-SEC in 1971 and was the Defensive MVP in the Liberty Bowl. He was a 6th round pick by the Dolphins, but chose to play in the CFL because they offered 2X the money. He was a 3X ALL-Star and was inducted into the CFL HoF in 2005. The Nettles' story is one of triumph and tragedy, suffering from years of mental health issues and addiction. Sadly, Nettles passed away in 2009 to cancer, but he did so..............sober and at peace.

 

[OffTackleVol]

108 days.........

#108 - Ray Nettles

Nettles arrived in Knoxville in 1968 and played behind legend Jack Reynolds. As a sophomore in 1969, Nettles showed himself enough, that the coaches knew the linebacker position would be in great hands the next two seasons. As a junior, Nettlesmade 126 tackles, had 6.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. As a senior in 1971, he stepped up his game even further, registering 174 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Known for his eminence strength and quickness, Nettles also lined up at nose tackle on some short yardage situations. Regarded as the SECs hardest hitter, Nettles helped UT to a 21-3 record during his two years as a starter and was named All-SEC in 1971 and was the Defensive MVP in the Liberty Bowl. He was a 6th round pick by the Dolphins, but chose to play in the CFL because they offered 2X the money. He was a 3X ALL-Star and was inducted into the CFL HoF in 2005. The Nettles' story is one of triumph and tragedy, suffering from years of mental health issues and addiction. Sadly, Nettles passed away in 2009 to cancer, but he did so..............sober and at peace.

View attachment 455924

Ray Nettles backing up Jack Reynolds..............how freaking great is that bit of Big Orange history?

 

[peaygolf]

Ray Nettles backing up Jack Reynolds..............how freaking great is that bit of Big Orange history?

just wait and see where the rest of that linebacker corps will be rated......scary................

 

[IndianaVol]

just wait and see where the rest of that linebacker corps will be rated......scary................

Growing up I often heard Tennessee called "Wide Receiver U", but I would say there were far more top notch LBs come through that T than WRs.

 

[OneManGang]

My favorite picture of Nettles was after that Liberty bowl game where he grabbed a plastic "Hog Hat" off an Arkansas fan and wore it!

just wait and see where the rest of that linebacker corps will be rated......scary................

Both inspiring and depressing - simultaneously.

 

[HollowaytoSeivers]

110 days…..

#110 - Eric Westmoreland

In 1996, Westmoreland was a reserve linebacker, and still had 29 tackles and a forced fumble. In ‘97, he was primed for a great season, but was injured in the UCLA game, his first career start, and missed the rest of the season and was granted a medical redshirt. In those two games, he made 11 tackles and a forced fumble. In the ‘98 national championship season, Eric moved into the starting lineup at left outside linebacker, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles (60 solos) and 11 stops for losses of 37 yards...Picked off a pass and deflected four others...Caused two fumbles and recovered another. In 1999, he started the first nine games at left outside linebacker...Recorded 51 tackles (36 solos) with nine stops for losses of 21 yards...Caused and recovered two fumbles...Deflected three passes and made 17 big plays. Westmoreland was captain in 2000, and was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick by the Associated Press and The Sporting News, and 2nd team All-American…..Started all year at left (strongside) outside linebacker...Led the team with a career-high 83 tackles (56 solos) while also making five sacks for minus 50 yards and 10 stops for losses of 24 yards... Deflected four passes and intercepted another...Caused and recovered a fumble...Credited with 22 big plays and also had an interception. Plain and simple, Westmoreland was a stud! He was a 3rd round pick in the 2001 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played in the NFL through 2004.

View attachment 455512

I remember Westmoreland absolutely destroyed a Vandy player on a pass play in '98. That WR/RB probably still feels that hit when he gets out of bed each morning.

 

[peaygolf]

107 days……

#107 - Jason Allen

Allen arrived in 2002 as a highly recruited athlete out of Muscle Shoals. After serving as a backup as a freshman, Allen became a starter in 2003, making 57 tackles and having two interceptions. He showed how exceptional he was in the Alabama game, making 12 tackles, blocking a field goal, and breaking up a pass to seal the victory. Allen started the first game of the season at cornerback before moving to safety for the final 12 contests. He finished with 123 tackles which led the SEC while also becoming the first non linebacker to lead the team in tackles since records began in 1970. Along with his tackles, he totaled two sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions and seven passes defensed during the year. For his efforts, he was named 1st team All-SEC and 3rd team All-American and was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. His senior season was supposed to be even better, but suffered an season ending hip injury in the fifth game.Prior to the injury, he recorded 35 tackles, a 10-yard sack, three stops for losses, a forced fumble and deflected two passes. He finished his career with 220 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 18 PBUs, and 4 interceptions. Allen was the 16th pick in the NFL draft by the Dolphins and played for two other teams during his career.

 

[peaygolf]

106 days.............

#106 - Cedric Houston

Houston arrived in 2001 and played behind Travis Stephens, but emerged as the man in 2002. Nagging injuries derailed his first two seasons as the starter, but he still managed to rush for 1,523 yards and 8 TDs. As a senior, he split time with Gerald Riggs, Jr, but still ran for 1,005 yards and 6 TDs. He set the record with 134 yards in one quarter vs South Carolina, finishing with 190 yards for the game. For his career, he had ten 100 yard games and amassed 2,634 yards and 17 TDs. He also had 369 receiving yards for good measure. He was named 2nd team All-SEC in 2003 and 2004................all while splitting time and injuries. Houston is often forgotten in the pantheon of great UT backs, but he shouldn't be. He was a 6th round pick by the Jets in 2006.

 

[MAD]

It’s probably too much to ask, but would be super cool to have the top 250 Vols on a list that we could see when this is done.

 

[peaygolf]

It’s probably too much to ask, but would be super cool to have the top 250 Vols on a list that we could see when this is done.

Can do!

 

[Tin Man]

While enjoying this thread, I’ve not viewed it as a countdown to the greatest gridiron Vol, not as a ranking. Peaygolf’s decisions on who would be featured in which day’s post could be influenced by the relative movement of planets, or simply a product of research and preparation (Jupiter aligns with Mars… hmm… Harper! Harper tomorrow! Yes.). Post on, my good man! I eagerly read each one before embarking upon my day (presently, I’m in Spain, 6 hours ahead of EDT).