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

#851
#851
peaygolf said:
33 days……

#33 - Condredge Holloway

Quite possibly, the most revered Vol of all time. Holloway is a true legend in every aspect and a true VFL. In his first game of his first varsity season in 1972, Holloway became the first black quarterback to start in the SEC, and guided the Vols to a win over Georgia Tech. Holloway would guide the Vols to a 10-2 record, a win over #6 Penn St, and a Bluebonnet Bowl win over LSU. For the season, he threw for 807 yards and 3 TDs, attempted a then record 91 passes without an interception, and was named SEC sophomore of the year. As a junior, the “Artful Dodger” was 89 of 154 passing for 1,149 yards and 10 touchdowns while also rushing for 433 yards and four scores on 128 carries. Throughout the season, Holloway weaved and scrambled his way into the hearts of fans across the country. He led the Vols to the Gator Bowl and was selected as 1st team All-SEC, 2nd team All-American, and was named College Football Player of the Year by the Atlanta Sports Club. Holloway’s senior-season statistical totals included 1,146 passing yards and 267 rushing yards for 1,413 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns (five passing, two rushing). He fought injuries all season, but still led UT to dramatic finishes vs UCLA, Clemson, Vanderbilt, and the Liberty Bowl win over Maryland. When he was finished at UT, Holloway was the all-time leader in total yards with 4,068. His 23 victories were the most ever during a three year career. He was third in passing yards with 3,102 and had the lowest interception percentage by a passer (2.9, 12 in 407 attempts). Holloway was also a standout player on the baseball team and turned down a pro career out of high school to join the Vols. After college, Holloway went to play in the CFL, where he continued his legendary status and became one of the greatest players in their league’s history. Yes, his numbers are average for today’s standards, but what he did in his era, his impact culturally, his toughness, and his amazing talent make him one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. Imagine what he would do in today’s game……

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I was holding out hope that Holloway would get a higher spot.
 
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#852
#852
peaygolf said:
33 days……

#33 - Condredge Holloway

Quite possibly, the most revered Vol of all time. Holloway is a true legend in every aspect and a true VFL. In his first game of his first varsity season in 1972, Holloway became the first black quarterback to start in the SEC, and guided the Vols to a win over Georgia Tech. Holloway would guide the Vols to a 10-2 record, a win over #6 Penn St, and a Bluebonnet Bowl win over LSU. For the season, he threw for 807 yards and 3 TDs, attempted a then record 91 passes without an interception, and was named SEC sophomore of the year. As a junior, the “Artful Dodger” was 89 of 154 passing for 1,149 yards and 10 touchdowns while also rushing for 433 yards and four scores on 128 carries. Throughout the season, Holloway weaved and scrambled his way into the hearts of fans across the country. He led the Vols to the Gator Bowl and was selected as 1st team All-SEC, 2nd team All-American, and was named College Football Player of the Year by the Atlanta Sports Club. Holloway’s senior-season statistical totals included 1,146 passing yards and 267 rushing yards for 1,413 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns (five passing, two rushing). He fought injuries all season, but still led UT to dramatic finishes vs UCLA, Clemson, Vanderbilt, and the Liberty Bowl win over Maryland. When he was finished at UT, Holloway was the all-time leader in total yards with 4,068. His 23 victories were the most ever during a three year career. He was third in passing yards with 3,102 and had the lowest interception percentage by a passer (2.9, 12 in 407 attempts). Holloway was also a standout player on the baseball team and turned down a pro career out of high school to join the Vols. After college, Holloway went to play in the CFL, where he continued his legendary status and became one of the greatest players in their league’s history. Yes, his numbers are average for today’s standards, but what he did in his era, his impact culturally, his toughness, and his amazing talent make him one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. Imagine what he would do in today’s game……

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my no 1, and I was away at school for too many of his years
 
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#854
#854
peaygolf said:
33 days……

#33 - Condredge Holloway

Quite possibly, the most revered Vol of all time. Holloway is a true legend in every aspect and a true VFL. In his first game of his first varsity season in 1972, Holloway became the first black quarterback to start in the SEC, and guided the Vols to a win over Georgia Tech. Holloway would guide the Vols to a 10-2 record, a win over #6 Penn St, and a Bluebonnet Bowl win over LSU. For the season, he threw for 807 yards and 3 TDs, attempted a then record 91 passes without an interception, and was named SEC sophomore of the year. As a junior, the “Artful Dodger” was 89 of 154 passing for 1,149 yards and 10 touchdowns while also rushing for 433 yards and four scores on 128 carries. Throughout the season, Holloway weaved and scrambled his way into the hearts of fans across the country. He led the Vols to the Gator Bowl and was selected as 1st team All-SEC, 2nd team All-American, and was named College Football Player of the Year by the Atlanta Sports Club. Holloway’s senior-season statistical totals included 1,146 passing yards and 267 rushing yards for 1,413 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns (five passing, two rushing). He fought injuries all season, but still led UT to dramatic finishes vs UCLA, Clemson, Vanderbilt, and the Liberty Bowl win over Maryland. When he was finished at UT, Holloway was the all-time leader in total yards with 4,068. His 23 victories were the most ever during a three year career. He was third in passing yards with 3,102 and had the lowest interception percentage by a passer (2.9, 12 in 407 attempts). Holloway was also a standout player on the baseball team and turned down a pro career out of high school to join the Vols. After college, Holloway went to play in the CFL, where he continued his legendary status and became one of the greatest players in their league’s history. Yes, his numbers are average for today’s standards, but what he did in his era, his impact culturally, his toughness, and his amazing talent make him one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. Imagine what he would do in today’s game……

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I love how Tennessee was ahead of their time, starting the first black qb paved the way for a lot of Black players in the sec.
Not only was he the first black qb, he proved that he was an amazing qb who’s legend has lived on to this day. One of my favorite all time vols.
 
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#855
#855
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.

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#857
#857
Cobb is a text book story of avoid the off-field demons - I argue that if not for those demons and issues, we might not even know the name Webb.
I argue too that the Auburn game is one of, if not the, best game by a RB at Tennessee ever.

BTW - Condredge at 33, Cobb at 32...list is getting good @peaygolf ...I have both of those guys in my top 25. Can't wait for tomorrow !!!
 
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#858
#858
IndianaVol said:
Cobb is a text book story of avoid the off-field demons - I argue that if not for those demons and issues, we might not even know the name Webb.
I argue too that the Auburn game is one of, if not the, best game by a RB at Tennessee ever.

BTW - Condredge at 33, Cobb at 32...list is getting good @peaygolf ...I have both of those guys in my top 25. Can't wait for tomorrow !!!
Click to expand...
100% agree !
 
#859
#859
peaygolf said:
130 days…….

#130 - Cory Fleming

Fleming was a standout QB out of Nashville, and was redshirted in 1989. At the advice of Coach Doug Matthews, Fleming switched to receiver. In 1990, he caught one pass for 10 yards. Playing behind Carl Pickens, Fleming got a chance to finally play real minutes when Pickens was injured vs Miss St. He caught only 14 passes that season, but 5 were TDs, including a huge one in the comeback vs Notre Dame. In ‘92, Fleming established himself as a leader on and off the field for UT, catching 40 passes for 490 yards and 2 TDs. Known for his work ethic and ability to play every receiver position, Fleming stepped up his play in 1993. He caught 39 passes for 596 yards and 11 TDs. His streak of six consecutive games with a TD reception is tied for the longest in school history. He had two 100 yard games in his final season and was named to the Coaches 1st Team All-SEC squad. Fleming finished his career with 94 receptions for 1,266 yards and 18 TDs. His 18 career TDs and 11 TDs in ‘93 were school records at the time. Fleming was a 3rd round pick by the 49ers and eventually won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys. Later, he became a legend in the Arena League.

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never heard, or remember, his Arena exploits
 
#862
#862
31 days……

#31 - Travis Henry

I know. I said yesterday that I thought Cobb was the greatest “modern” UT tailback, and I still would take him over Henry, but I can’t put the leading rusher in school history behind him……
After gaining 4 yards on two carries as a freshman, Henry had to be talked into not quitting by his mother. Playing behind Jamal Lewis, Henry wasn’t sure he’d ever see the field, but early in the 1998 season, Lewis was injured, and Henry got his chance. Henry ran for over 100 yards in five games, including 197 vs Arkansas, including the literally carrying UT to the game winning TD, and 120 during the SECCG win. His power and grit gained him 970 yards and 7 TDs during the regular season and he helped UT win the National Championship. In 1999, with Lewis back, Henry split carries with him, but still managed to pound out 790 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 2 yards more per carry than Lewis. During his sophomore and junior seasons, Henry ran for 1,760 yards and 15 TDs and only started 6 games. As, 2000 rolled around, Henry was finally the full time starter from day one, and he didn’t disappoint. Henry ran for over 100 yards in 7 games, including 214 vs Arkansas. For the season, he ran for 1,314 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named 1st team All-SEC. Henry holds the school records for yards rushing (3,078), rushing attempts (556), and 100-yard performances (15). All those numbers in basically 3 seasons and only a year and a half worth of starts. Henry was a 2nd round pick by his childhood team, the Buffalo Bills, and was a 2002 Pro Bowl selection.

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#863
#863
30 days……

#30 - Antone Davis

After redshirting in 1986, Davis quickly became a part of the offensive line due to injuries to key starters in 1987. His versatility showed as he played center, guard, and tackle during the season, making the freshman all-American team. In ‘88, he became a full time starter, playing left guard and right tackle at various times. He was named to the sophomore all-American team. As a RS-junior in 1989, Davis anchored one of the best OLs in school history, helping the Vols average 245.5 yards rushing per game, and opening holes for Chuck Webb to gain over 1,000 yards and set a school record 294 yards vs Ole Miss. Davis was named 1st Team All-SEC following the season. In 1990, he again anchored the line line of scrimmage, helping UT set a school record, averaging 411 yards per game and paving the way to a second consecutive SEC championship. His online blocking helped Tony Thompson lead the SEC in rushing yards. Davis was named 1st Team All-SEC, Unanimous 1st Team All-American, and won the Jacobs Trophy as the conference’s best blocker. Davis enjoyed a successful NFL career after being the 8th pick in the ‘91 NFL draft by the Eagles.

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#864
#864
29 days…..

#29 - Bowden Wyatt

It’s a shame that defensive stats weren’t kept back in the early years of football, because Wyatt’s would have been remarkable. Wyatt played from 1936-1938, starting as a two-way end in ‘37 and ‘38. He was quick, smart, and relentless and was the undeniable leader of the defense. He also was the kicking specialist and was a great blocker on offense. In 1938, the Vols had six shutouts on the season. The final shutout capped the year with Wyatt manning the defensive line and kicking a field goal in Tennessee's 17-0 Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma, the Vols' first official bowl game. That 1938 season, Tennessee outscored its opponents 283-16 with Wyatt on the defensive line. Neyland loved Wyatt and called him one of the smartest players he ever coached. Wyatt was named All-SEC and All-American in 1938, and became a college coach after his playing days. Wyatt later returned to Tennessee as head coach in 1955. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1972 and as a coach in 1997.

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#866
#866
peaygolf said:
29 days…..

#29 - Bowden Wyatt

It’s a shame that defensive stats weren’t kept back in the early years of football, because Wyatt’s would have been remarkable. Wyatt played from 1936-1938, starting as a two-way end in ‘37 and ‘38. He was quick, smart, and relentless and was the undeniable leader of the defense. He also was the kicking specialist and was a great blocker on offense. In 1938, the Vols had six shutouts on the season. The final shutout capped the year with Wyatt manning the defensive line and kicking a field goal in Tennessee's 17-0 Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma, the Vols' first official bowl game. That 1938 season, Tennessee outscored its opponents 283-16 with Wyatt on the defensive line. Neyland loved Wyatt and called him one of the smartest players he ever coached. Wyatt was named All-SEC and All-American in 1938, and became a college coach after his playing days. Wyatt later returned to Tennessee as head coach in 1955. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1972 and as a coach in 1997.

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Was Wyatt the first of what I like to call the Tennessee Tree (meaning players at UT that went on to become coaches for UT)?
Seems like we had more than the average - Wyatt, Majors, Fulmer, Chavis are the ones I can think of right away.
 
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#867
#867
IndianaVol said:
Was Wyatt the first of what I like to call the Tennessee Tree (meaning players at UT that went on to become coaches for UT)?
Seems like we had more than the average - Wyatt, Majors, Fulmer, Chavis are the ones I can think of right away.
Click to expand...
Whole lot of Neyland's players went on to be coaches. Some really famous. Like Bobby Dodd of Ga Tech head coaching fame. Or John Barnhill, already mentioned prominently in the Top 5 Coaches thread. Beattie Feathers, who head coached at NC State in football (as well as in baseball at Texas Tech and Wake Forest). George Cafego was an assistant coach at Tennessee, Arkansas, and in the NFL.

Here's a nice article on "Neyland's Boys." Could fill a truck with the players and assistant coaches he gave to the sport:

NEYLAND'S BOYS
 
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#868
#868
VFL-82-JP said:
Whole lot of Neyland's players went on to be coaches. Some really famous. Like Bobby Dodd of Ga Tech head coaching fame. Or John Barnhill, already mentioned prominently in the Top 5 Coaches thread. Beattie Feathers, who head coached at NC State in football (as well as in baseball at Texas Tech and Wake Forest). George Cafego was an assistant coach at Tennessee, Arkansas, and in the NFL.

Here's a nice article on "Neyland's Boys." Could fill a truck with the players and assistant coaches he gave to the sport:

NEYLAND'S BOYS
Click to expand...
WOW - did not realize there were so many, and so many great ones too !!! Thanks @VFL-82-JP
 
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#869
#869
28 days…….

#28 - Leonard Little

Little arrived from Coffeyville CC in 1995, and immediately made a huge impact and is a major reason for the success of the Vols teams for the next three seasons. Little made 62 tackles, but it was his 11 sacks and 14 TFLs that made the most impact. He helped the defense set a new school record with 42 sacks. He blocked a FG vs South Carolina and forced two fumbles vs Alabama. He was named 2nd Team All-SEC for his great season. As a junior, he was well on his way to an All-American season, but injuries kept him out of the last four games and the Bowl game. He still managed 33 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He was named Football News 1st team All-SEC. His senior season solidified him as an all time great. Consistently double teamed, Little made 87 tackles, caused 2 fumbles, had 8.5 sacks, and 21 “big plays,” leading the Vols to the SEC Championship. Little was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American for his efforts. He finished his career with 182 tackles, 28 sacks, and 42 QB pressures…..in only 30 games. Little was a 3rd round pick by the Rams in 1998, and played 12 seasons with the franchise.

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#870
#870
peaygolf said:
28 days…….

#28 - Leonard Little

Little arrived from Coffeyville CC in 1995, and immediately made a huge impact and is a major reason for the success of the Vols teams for the next three seasons. Little made 62 tackles, but it was his 11 sacks and 14 TFLs that made the most impact. He helped the defense set a new school record with 42 sacks. He blocked a FG vs South Carolina and forced two fumbles vs Alabama. He was named 2nd Team All-SEC for his great season. As a junior, he was well on his way to an All-American season, but injuries kept him out of the last four games and the Bowl game. He still managed 33 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He was named Football News 1st team All-SEC. His senior season solidified him as an all time great. Consistently double teamed, Little made 87 tackles, caused 2 fumbles, had 8.5 sacks, and 21 “big plays,” leading the Vols to the SEC Championship. Little was named 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American for his efforts. He finished his career with 182 tackles, 28 sacks, and 42 QB pressures…..in only 30 games. Little was a 3rd round pick by the Rams in 1998, and played 12 seasons with the franchise.

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The cowboy collar + the visor...what a monster.
 
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#874
#874
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.

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#875
#875
peaygolf said:
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.

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Ahh so Peyton’s Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne, in college.
Peyton must have built that mindset of having that go to receiver in Knoxville with Kent. He duplicated it with 3 different receivers in the nfl. The before mentioned Harrison,Wayne, and Thomas.
 
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