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

#952
#952
16 days……..

#16 - George Cafego

George Cafego came out of the coal mining district of West Virginia to become one of Tennessee's backfield stars. Coach Neyland called Cafego a "practice bum. On the practice field he couldn't do anything right, but for two hours on a Saturday afternoon he did everything an All- American is supposed to do." After a 6-3-1 sophomore season, Cafego led the Volunteers to two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons. In 1938, the Vols topped their regular season with a 17-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, with Cafego making All-American. The following year, 1939, the Vols did not allow a point to be scored against them in the regular season. Late in the season, Cafego was injured and missed the Rose Bowl game vs USC. Despite missing four games, Cafego became a repeat All-America and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In his three years at Tennessee, "Bad News” gained 2,139 yards in total offense. He averaged 6.1 yards every time he carried the ball. He ran, passed, did all the punting, and returned kicks. In 1937, he had a 60-yard punt return against Virginia Tech; in 1939 he had a 70-yard punt against Louisiana State. After colege, Cafego played pro with the Washington, Boston and Brooklyn teams in 1940 and 1943-45. He served as assistant coach at Wyoming, Furman, Arkansas and Tennessee. His tenure as a Tennessee assistant covered 30 years (1955-1984). Cafego was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

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#954
#954
peaygolf said:
16 days……..

#16 - George Cafego

George Cafego came out of the coal mining district of West Virginia to become one of Tennessee's backfield stars. Coach Neyland called Cafego a "practice bum. On the practice field he couldn't do anything right, but for two hours on a Saturday afternoon he did everything an All- American is supposed to do." After a 6-3-1 sophomore season, Cafego led the Volunteers to two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons. In 1938, the Vols topped their regular season with a 17-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, with Cafego making All-American. The following year, 1939, the Vols did not allow a point to be scored against them in the regular season. Late in the season, Cafego was injured and missed the Rose Bowl game vs USC. Despite missing four games, Cafego became a repeat All-America and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In his three years at Tennessee, "Bad News” gained 2,139 yards in total offense. He averaged 6.1 yards every time he carried the ball. He ran, passed, did all the punting, and returned kicks. In 1937, he had a 60-yard punt return against Virginia Tech; in 1939 he had a 70-yard punt against Louisiana State. After colege, Cafego played pro with the Washington, Boston and Brooklyn teams in 1940 and 1943-45. He served as assistant coach at Wyoming, Furman, Arkansas and Tennessee. His tenure as a Tennessee assistant covered 30 years (1955-1984). Cafego was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

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Here is a Cafego story. In 73 when I was 9 at all sports camp at UT, he was one of my coaches. Nicest guy and my favorite of all the football coaches I met.

I was staying over in the sports dorms close to Stokely where UT played basketball. On one of the floors I was walking around offices at the arena and saw that exact photo you posted on the wall, that’s when I realized he was a big deal. I just couldn’t figure out how he hadn’t aged, he looked exactly the same in the photo as he did in person 30+ years later.
 
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#955
#955
mad4vols said:
Here is a Cafego story. In 73 when I was 9 at all sports camp at UT, he was one of my coaches. Nicest guy and my favorite of all the football coaches I met.

I was staying over in the sports dorms close to Stokely where UT played basketball. On one of the floors I was walking around offices at the arena and saw that exact photo you posted on the wall, that’s when I realized he was a big deal. I just couldn’t figure out how he hadn’t aged, he looked exactly the same in the photo as he did in person 30+ years later.
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He and my grandmother were good friends back in school…..she said he was so nice, but not a guy that other guys would ever cross. She and some sorority sisters took a train to the Rose Bowl that year
 
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#957
#957
15 days……

#15 - Bob Johnson

After arriving from Bradley Central in 1964 as Doug Dickey’s first recruit, Johnson was moved from tackle to center, and he quickly became the greatest center in UT history. The Vols were 25-6-2 during his three seasons at the position, and Johnson’s blocking helped usher in a new era in UT football. In 1965, the Vols finished 8-1-2 and ranked #7. Johnson helped lead a balanced attack, and his leadership on the line helped lay the groundwork for a new found passing attack. As a junior, in 1966, the passing game would set every school record. The Vols would finish 8-3 and were Gator Bowl champs. Johnson was named 1st Team All-SEC and was a 1st Team All-American. In 1967, Johnson helped lead the Vols to a 9-2 record, a SEC Championship, and a #2 national ranking. His blocking helped the passing game flourish and opened huge holes for Chadwick and Pickens. Johnson was named All-SEC and was a unanimous 1st Team All-American. He was named the Jacobs Trophy winner as the best blocker in the SEC and finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was also an Academic All-American and Senior Class President in 1967. Coach Dickey said he was the greatest leader, on and off the field he ever saw. Johnson was the first pick by the Bengals in their franchise history, and became a perennial All-Pro. Johnson was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

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#959
#959
mad4vols said:
Here is a Cafego story. In 73 when I was 9 at all sports camp at UT, he was one of my coaches. Nicest guy and my favorite of all the football coaches I met.

I was staying over in the sports dorms close to Stokely where UT played basketball. On one of the floors I was walking around offices at the arena and saw that exact photo you posted on the wall, that’s when I realized he was a big deal. I just couldn’t figure out how he hadn’t aged, he looked exactly the same in the photo as he did in person 30+ years later.
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Great story!

On the age thing, my guess is that since they were asking him to do so much in that game (and because he was giving every ounce of effort he had), then that prolonged red-lined effort gave him the "old man face" effect after a while. When you met him he was relaxed and in his element.

If you get before and after pictures of marathoners, especially the amateurs, the same aging affect occurs. It is sort of a much healthier "faces of meth".
 
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#960
#960
peaygolf said:
17 days……

#17 - Al Wilson

Wilson, from Jackson Central Merry, arrived as a freshman in 1995 and gained immediate playing time. He played in all twelve games as a reserve LB and on special teams, making 25 tackles and one interception. In 1996, he became a starter and was second on the team with 87 tackles, including 13 vs Georgia. As a junior, Wilson emerged as one of the best players in the country, registering 83 tackles and 5 sacks, despite missing time with an ankle injury. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and became not only the physical leader of the defense, he was also the emotional leader. As 1998 rolled around, greatness was expected out of Al. He did not disappoint. Culminated by his 12 tackles and three forced fumbles in the Florida win, Wilson led a dominant defensive effort that propelled UT to the National Championship. He made 77 tackles, 4 sacks and 21 “big plays,” while missing three games due to injury. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and was the only Vol to be named 1st Team All-American in ‘98. High energy, emotional, hard hitting, and a true leader, Wilson is the epitome of what one wants in a football player. He was a 1st round pick by the Broncos in ‘99 and made five Pro Bowls in his eight year career. Wilson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

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Not disputing your list, but how can Al not be ranked higher than 17..... I know we have long history and a ton of great players, but I always considered Al an all time top 10 player.
 
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#963
#963
stevenrich2003 said:
Not disputing your list, but how can Al not be ranked higher than 17..... I know we have long history and a ton of great players, but I always considered Al an all time top 10 player.
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I get it…. It was hard to do the top 20. “Only” a one time all-American put him behind some on my list. Huge impact and revered, but I just think there are some more impactful during the history…….JMO
 
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#964
#964
peaygolf said:
17 days……

#17 - Al Wilson

Wilson, from Jackson Central Merry, arrived as a freshman in 1995 and gained immediate playing time. He played in all twelve games as a reserve LB and on special teams, making 25 tackles and one interception. In 1996, he became a starter and was second on the team with 87 tackles, including 13 vs Georgia. As a junior, Wilson emerged as one of the best players in the country, registering 83 tackles and 5 sacks, despite missing time with an ankle injury. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and became not only the physical leader of the defense, he was also the emotional leader. As 1998 rolled around, greatness was expected out of Al. He did not disappoint. Culminated by his 12 tackles and three forced fumbles in the Florida win, Wilson led a dominant defensive effort that propelled UT to the National Championship. He made 77 tackles, 4 sacks and 21 “big plays,” while missing three games due to injury. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and was the only Vol to be named 1st Team All-American in ‘98. High energy, emotional, hard hitting, and a true leader, Wilson is the epitome of what one wants in a football player. He was a 1st round pick by the Broncos in ‘99 and made five Pro Bowls in his eight year career. Wilson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

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Wish we had more players like Wilson. Bouncing around the defense line waiting to tackle the running back or sack the QB the pure intensity this man brought to the defensive side of the ball on game days is insane. He was truly one of the greats in college football and in vols history.
 
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#965
#965
peaygolf said:
233 days…….

#233 - Alan Cockrell

Cockrell lettered at QB from 1981-1983. Granted, Cockrell never made all conference, but due to his grit and winning determination, he made my list. Cockrell was a true two sport athlete. He was the first true freshman to ever start at QB in Tennessee history and was an All American baseball player. In his freshman year, he took over as the starter in the third game, but suffered a devastating knee injury vs Auburn. He came back in ‘82 and threw for 2,021 yards and led the Vols over #2 Alabama and the Peach Bowl. The Alabama win broke an 11 game losing streak vs the Tide. In ‘83, he threw for 1,683 yards and led UT to a 9-3 record, another victory over #11 Alabama, and a Citrus Bowl win over Maryland. Concern over his knee issues, Cockrell did not play in 1984, so he could focus on baseball. He was the 9th pick in the MLB draft in 1984 by the San Francisco Giants. For his career, Cockrell had 3,823 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.

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Great athlete and involved in one of the sorriest instances involving a Vol crowd. In 1983 we were driving for what looked like a win over Ol' Miss in Knoxville, when he threw a pick that sealed the win for the Rebels and cost Tennessee a chance at a 10 win season. Some idiot fan hurled a stadium seat at him as he left the field through the North end zone. He wasn't hurt thankfully, but many at the time speculated that it played into his decision not to play football his senior season in 1984.
 
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#966
#966
peaygolf said:
208 days……

#208- Charlie Fulton

Fulton, a Memphis native, lettered from 1965-1967. Fulton doesn’t show up in the record books, but that does not diminish his play and importance. Fulton came to UT as a Wing-T QB and ended up playing tailback and wing-back as well. In 1965, Fulton ran for 300 yards and threw for 425 yards and 4 TDs, leading UT to an 8-1-2 record. As a junior, playing behind Dewey Warren at QB, Fulton played more tailback, leading the team in rushing with 463 yards and also catching 10 passes. He was named 2nd Team All -SEC. As a senior, Fulton continued to do what was needed on the field, playing all three positions, rushing for 328 yards, throwing for 177 yards, and catching 4 passes. The Vols would finish 9-2 and claim part of the ‘67 NC. Fulton would go on to a two year career in the CFL.
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I was in high school when Charlie played and attended many of the home games. We were playing Alabama one Saturday and I was in search of tickets I could afford and was approaching scalpers asking their price. This was literally 30 minutes before kickoff and Charlie's out there still in street clothes scalping his tickets! The players at the time were given an allotment of tickets for family and friends and it was common for the players to sell their extras, but not 30 minutes before game time! lol
 
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#967
#967
14 days……

#14 - Hank Lauricella

“Mr. Everything” was a key member of the Vols during one of the greatest runs in school history. From 1949-1951, Hank led UT to a 28-4-1 record, a consensus National Championship, a partial National Championship, and a Co-SEC Championship. Running Neyland’s single wing offense, Lauricella was a gifted runner, passer, punter and return specialist. In 1949, he passed for 430 yards and 6 TDs, ran for 139 yards, punted for a 39 yard average, and had 198 yards in punt returns. He was also a gifted defensive back that sophomore season. In 1950, Hank was named 1st Team All-SEC and led UT to an 11-1 record and were voted National Champions by numerous wire services. Lauricella threw for over 300 yards and ran for 443 yards, combining for 9 touchdowns. His zigzagging 75 yard run in the Cotton Bowl win over Texas is still regarded as one of the greatest runs in college history. As a senior, Hank had one of the most special seasons in UT history. He led the Vols to an undefeated regular season and a consensus National Championship. He passed for 352 yards and 5TDs and ran for 881 yards and 8 TDs. His 7.9 yard per carry is still a remarkable feat and a record. Lauricella was named 1st Team All-SEC, 1st Team All-American, and was the runner up in the Heisman voting. Hank only played one season in the NFL, before serving in Korea. After a successful career in real estate, he became a long term politician in the Louisiana House and Senate. Lauricella was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

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#968
#968
peaygolf said:
14 days……

#14 - Hank Lauricella

“Mr. Everything” was a key member of the Vols during one of the greatest runs in school history. From 1949-1951, Hank led UT to a 28-4-1 record, a consensus National Championship, a partial National Championship, and a Co-SEC Championship. Running Neyland’s single wing offense, Lauricella was a gifted runner, passer, punter and return specialist. In 1949, he passed for 430 yards and 6 TDs, ran for 139 yards, punted for a 39 yard average, and had 198 yards in punt returns. He was also a gifted defensive back that sophomore season. In 1950, Hank was named 1st Team All-SEC and led UT to an 11-1 record and were voted National Champions by numerous wire services. Lauricella threw for over 300 yards and ran for 443 yards, combining for 9 touchdowns. His zigzagging 75 yard run in the Cotton Bowl win over Texas is still regarded as one of the greatest runs in college history. As a senior, Hank had one of the most special seasons in UT history. He led the Vols to an undefeated regular season and a consensus National Championship. He passed for 352 yards and 5TDs and ran for 881 yards and 8 TDs. His 7.9 yard per carry is still a remarkable feat and a record. Lauricella was named 1st Team All-SEC, 1st Team All-American, and was the runner up in the Heisman voting. Hank only played one season in the NFL, before serving in Korea. After a successful career in real estate, he became a long term politician in the Louisiana House and Senate. Lauricella was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

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Two weeks!!!!!
 
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#969
#969
1974Vol said:
Great athlete and involved in one of the sorriest instances involving a Vol crowd. In 1983 we were driving for what looked like a win over Ol' Miss in Knoxville, when he threw a pick that sealed the win for the Rebels and cost Tennessee a chance at a 10 win season. Some idiot fan hurled a stadium seat at him as he left the field through the North end zone. He wasn't hurt thankfully, but many at the time speculated that it played into his decision not to play football his senior season in 1984.
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I had forgotten about that............Stupid people do stupid things.
 
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#972
#972
peaygolf said:
14 days……

#14 - Hank Lauricella

“Mr. Everything” was a key member of the Vols during one of the greatest runs in school history. From 1949-1951, Hank led UT to a 28-4-1 record, a consensus National Championship, a partial National Championship, and a Co-SEC Championship. Running Neyland’s single wing offense, Lauricella was a gifted runner, passer, punter and return specialist. In 1949, he passed for 430 yards and 6 TDs, ran for 139 yards, punted for a 39 yard average, and had 198 yards in punt returns. He was also a gifted defensive back that sophomore season. In 1950, Hank was named 1st Team All-SEC and led UT to an 11-1 record and were voted National Champions by numerous wire services. Lauricella threw for over 300 yards and ran for 443 yards, combining for 9 touchdowns. His zigzagging 75 yard run in the Cotton Bowl win over Texas is still regarded as one of the greatest runs in college history. As a senior, Hank had one of the most special seasons in UT history. He led the Vols to an undefeated regular season and a consensus National Championship. He passed for 352 yards and 5TDs and ran for 881 yards and 8 TDs. His 7.9 yard per carry is still a remarkable feat and a record. Lauricella was named 1st Team All-SEC, 1st Team All-American, and was the runner up in the Heisman voting. Hank only played one season in the NFL, before serving in Korea. After a successful career in real estate, he became a long term politician in the Louisiana House and Senate. Lauricella was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

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my dad often spoke of that run
 
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#973
#973
peaygolf said:
15 days……

#15 - Bob Johnson

After arriving from Bradley Central in 1964 as Doug Dickey’s first recruit, Johnson was moved from tackle to center, and he quickly became the greatest center in UT history. The Vols were 25-6-2 during his three seasons at the position, and Johnson’s blocking helped usher in a new era in UT football. In 1965, the Vols finished 8-1-2 and ranked #7. Johnson helped lead a balanced attack, and his leadership on the line helped lay the groundwork for a new found passing attack. As a junior, in 1966, the passing game would set every school record. The Vols would finish 8-3 and were Gator Bowl champs. Johnson was named 1st Team All-SEC and was a 1st Team All-American. In 1967, Johnson helped lead the Vols to a 9-2 record, a SEC Championship, and a #2 national ranking. His blocking helped the passing game flourish and opened huge holes for Chadwick and Pickens. Johnson was named All-SEC and was a unanimous 1st Team All-American. He was named the Jacobs Trophy winner as the best blocker in the SEC and finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was also an Academic All-American and Senior Class President in 1967. Coach Dickey said he was the greatest leader, on and off the field he ever saw. Johnson was the first pick by the Bengals in their franchise history, and became a perennial All-Pro. Johnson was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

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gained sense of his greatness during bengal years
 
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#974
#974
peaygolf said:
16 days……..

#16 - George Cafego

George Cafego came out of the coal mining district of West Virginia to become one of Tennessee's backfield stars. Coach Neyland called Cafego a "practice bum. On the practice field he couldn't do anything right, but for two hours on a Saturday afternoon he did everything an All- American is supposed to do." After a 6-3-1 sophomore season, Cafego led the Volunteers to two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons. In 1938, the Vols topped their regular season with a 17-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, with Cafego making All-American. The following year, 1939, the Vols did not allow a point to be scored against them in the regular season. Late in the season, Cafego was injured and missed the Rose Bowl game vs USC. Despite missing four games, Cafego became a repeat All-America and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In his three years at Tennessee, "Bad News” gained 2,139 yards in total offense. He averaged 6.1 yards every time he carried the ball. He ran, passed, did all the punting, and returned kicks. In 1937, he had a 60-yard punt return against Virginia Tech; in 1939 he had a 70-yard punt against Louisiana State. After colege, Cafego played pro with the Washington, Boston and Brooklyn teams in 1940 and 1943-45. He served as assistant coach at Wyoming, Furman, Arkansas and Tennessee. His tenure as a Tennessee assistant covered 30 years (1955-1984). Cafego was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

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remember seeing him often walking down kingston pike toward campus
 
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