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

[feathersax]

Take a listen, Vol Nation.
“Tennessee” Billy Strings w/ Bela Fleck - Bing video

 

[peaygolf]

3 days …….

#3 - Doug Atkins

Quite possibly, the baddest man to ever wear the Orange and White. At 6’8”, Atkins arrived in Knoxville on a basketball scholarship, but General Neyland saw his size and athleticism, and convinced him to play football. Playing defensive end, Atkins helped the Vols to an 11-1 record and a Cotton Bowl win over Texas in 1950. The Vols defense shutout six teams his sophomore season. In 1951, Doug’s ferocious rush helped UT lead the nation in pass defense, as the Vols went undefeated in the regular season and were named National Champions of 1951. The defense had five shutouts and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC. In 1952, Atkins was even more dominant. The Vols finished 8-2-1, and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC and unanimous 1st Team All-American.

How dominant was Atkins at Tennessee? Atkins was selected SEC Player of the Quarter Century (1950-74) and was the only unanimous choice on the team. Often, offensive plays were simply run to the other side of the field. At the same time, Atkins proved mobile and agile enough to backpeddle from his defensive end position to cover a receiver stride for stride if Neyland’s defensive call so dictated. A skilled defensive end as a sophomore and junior, he moved to defensive tackle his senior year. Atkins was also a threat to use his hight and vertical leap to swat a quarterback’s passes out of the air, intercepting 3 of them. Atkins also played one season of basketball for UT and was a three year letterman in track and field, where his specialty was the high jump where he was SEC runner up in 1952. Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history. Atkins is a member of both the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame. Many historians regard Atkins as not only the greatest Volunteer of all time, but a top 5 SEC player of all time.

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

4 days…..

#4 - Eric Berry

Berry was the #1 corner in the country out of high school and the top ranked prospect in Georgia when he signed with UT. In 2007, Berry became the first defensive freshman to start in the Fulmer era. He had perhaps the greatest freshman season in school history. He led all SEC freshman with 87 tackles. He recorded 5 interceptions with 222 return yards, setting a new school record. He had a 96 yard interception return for a TD vs UF and had a career high 14 tackles vs UK. He was a Freshman All-American and was named 2nd Team All-SEC. As a sophomore in 2008, Eric had 72 tackles for the season and tied for the national lead with 7 interceptions. He broke his own record, and set a SEC record, with 265 return yards, including 2 for TDs. He was a unanimous All-SEC and unanimous All-American. He was the ‘08 SEC defensive player of the year and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award. As a junior, Eric was second on the team with 87 tackles. He had 19 “big plays,” including 7 PBUs, 7 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions. Again, he was named 1st Team All-SEC and was a unanimous All-American for the second consecutive season. He was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award as the nations best defensive back, was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, and won the Vince Dooley Award (Top Defensive Back in Southeast by Touchdown Club of Atlanta.) Berry decided to forgo his senior season and was the fifth pick in the 2010 NFL draft by the Chiefs. Berry was a 3X All-Pro and one of the leagues best players, but had to retire due to health reasons. Berry probably holds more awards than any defensive player in school history. His leadership on and off the field are unequaled, and without question, he is the greatest player since 2000.

View attachment 484643

Peay this guy right here is my number1!! Ya know to this day, that Alabama recieved still hasn’t hit the ground after that 360 hit!! Honestly peay I respect your knowledge of ut football have you ever seen a db that instilled that much fear into an opposing offense??

 

[Scottt5]

3 days …….

#3 - Doug Atkins

Quite possibly, the baddest man to ever wear the Orange and White. At 6’8”, Atkins arrived in Knoxville on a basketball scholarship, but General Neyland saw his size and athleticism, and convinced him to play football. Playing defensive end, Atkins helped the Vols to an 11-1 record and a Cotton Bowl win over Texas in 1950. The Vols defense shutout six teams his sophomore season. In 1951, Doug’s ferocious rush helped UT lead the nation in pass defense, as the Vols went undefeated in the regular season and were named National Champions of 1951. The defense had five shutouts and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC. In 1952, Atkins was even more dominant. The Vols finished 8-2-1, and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC and unanimous 1st Team All-American.

How dominant was Atkins at Tennessee? Atkins was selected SEC Player of the Quarter Century (1950-74) and was the only unanimous choice on the team. Often, offensive plays were simply run to the other side of the field. At the same time, Atkins proved mobile and agile enough to backpeddle from his defensive end position to cover a receiver stride for stride if Neyland’s defensive call so dictated. A skilled defensive end as a sophomore and junior, he moved to defensive tackle his senior year. Atkins was also a threat to use his hight and vertical leap to swat a quarterback’s passes out of the air, intercepting 3 of them. Atkins also played one season of basketball for UT and was a three year letterman in track and field, where his specialty was the high jump where he was SEC runner up in 1952. Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history. Atkins is a member of both the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame. Many historians regard Atkins as not only the greatest Volunteer of all time, but a top 5 SEC player of all time.

View attachment 485016

Thank you for doing this! I have enjoyed reading about these players, especially the ones before my time.

 

[MemphisVol77]

3 days …….

#3 - Doug Atkins

Quite possibly, the baddest man to ever wear the Orange and White. At 6’8”, Atkins arrived in Knoxville on a basketball scholarship, but General Neyland saw his size and athleticism, and convinced him to play football. Playing defensive end, Atkins helped the Vols to an 11-1 record and a Cotton Bowl win over Texas in 1950. The Vols defense shutout six teams his sophomore season. In 1951, Doug’s ferocious rush helped UT lead the nation in pass defense, as the Vols went undefeated in the regular season and were named National Champions of 1951. The defense had five shutouts and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC. In 1952, Atkins was even more dominant. The Vols finished 8-2-1, and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC and unanimous 1st Team All-American.

How dominant was Atkins at Tennessee? Atkins was selected SEC Player of the Quarter Century (1950-74) and was the only unanimous choice on the team. Often, offensive plays were simply run to the other side of the field. At the same time, Atkins proved mobile and agile enough to backpeddle from his defensive end position to cover a receiver stride for stride if Neyland’s defensive call so dictated. A skilled defensive end as a sophomore and junior, he moved to defensive tackle his senior year. Atkins was also a threat to use his hight and vertical leap to swat a quarterback’s passes out of the air, intercepting 3 of them. Atkins also played one season of basketball for UT and was a three year letterman in track and field, where his specialty was the high jump where he was SEC runner up in 1952. Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history. Atkins is a member of both the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame. Many historians regard Atkins as not only the greatest Volunteer of all time, but a top 5 SEC player of all time.

View attachment 485016

 

[peaygolf]

Peay this guy right here is my number1!! Ya know to this day, that Alabama recieved still hasn’t hit the ground after that 360 hit!! Honestly peay I respect your knowledge of ut football have you ever seen a db that instilled that much fear into an opposing offense??

Argument could be made for #1.........
It's not his fault, but never played for a really good team.

 

[Smokey X]

Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history.

Browns been doing stupid a long time

 

[peaygolf]

Argument could be made for #1.........
It's not his fault, but never played for a really good team.

maybe the most versatile db since Ronnie Lott

 

[peaygolf]

Who will be #1

 

[IndianaVol]

Who will be #1View attachment 485061

Getting exciting - 2 days to go and I can think of several that aren't on the list (good players, great team mates, but lacked the awards and accolades) or have already been named that could have been named #1.

 

[ArdentVol]

3 days …….

#3 - Doug Atkins

Quite possibly, the baddest man to ever wear the Orange and White. At 6’8”, Atkins arrived in Knoxville on a basketball scholarship, but General Neyland saw his size and athleticism, and convinced him to play football. Playing defensive end, Atkins helped the Vols to an 11-1 record and a Cotton Bowl win over Texas in 1950. The Vols defense shutout six teams his sophomore season. In 1951, Doug’s ferocious rush helped UT lead the nation in pass defense, as the Vols went undefeated in the regular season and were named National Champions of 1951. The defense had five shutouts and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC. In 1952, Atkins was even more dominant. The Vols finished 8-2-1, and Atkins was named 1st Team All-SEC and unanimous 1st Team All-American.

How dominant was Atkins at Tennessee? Atkins was selected SEC Player of the Quarter Century (1950-74) and was the only unanimous choice on the team. Often, offensive plays were simply run to the other side of the field. At the same time, Atkins proved mobile and agile enough to backpeddle from his defensive end position to cover a receiver stride for stride if Neyland’s defensive call so dictated. A skilled defensive end as a sophomore and junior, he moved to defensive tackle his senior year. Atkins was also a threat to use his hight and vertical leap to swat a quarterback’s passes out of the air, intercepting 3 of them. Atkins also played one season of basketball for UT and was a three year letterman in track and field, where his specialty was the high jump where he was SEC runner up in 1952. Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history. Atkins is a member of both the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame. Many historians regard Atkins as not only the greatest Volunteer of all time, but a top 5 SEC player of all time.

View attachment 485016

definitely worthy of top 3 and in my top 1
fortunate to watch him on sunday and I am very fortunate to remember that scoreboard

 

[peaygolf]

Getting exciting - 2 days to go and I can think of several that aren't on the list (good players, great team mates, but lacked the awards and accolades) or have already been named that could have been named #1.

There is one definite omission……..
many will argue with it (Haynesworth) but the numbers and awards don’t cut it. He benefited from others

 

[IndianaVol]

There is one definite omission……..
many will argue with it (Haynesworth) but the numbers and awards don’t cut it. He benefited from others

Yep, Haynesworth was one of them I was thinking about.

Another would be Iroquois "Inky" Johnson...great, great team mate and has given more than his all for Tennessee, but unfortunately he lacked the time and measurables needed to be included here.

 

[Jravol78]

“Doug Atkins was like a storm blowing over a Kansas farm house,” intoned John Facenda of NFL Films in 1983.”He came from all directions. All there was to do was to tie down what you could and hope he didn’t take the roof.”
“He was just a vicious pass rusher,” said Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, a former Bears teammate. “He’d take the tackle all the way back to the quarterback and knock them both down. He had a great wingspan. He just played the game hard, the way you were supposed to play it.”

“One of his favorite tricks was to throw a blocker at the quarterback,” Johnny Unitas said.

I love it whenever the exploits of Doug Atkins are brought up , it’s like VN’s version of Bill Brasky

 

[Jravol78]

239 days……

#239 - Mike Jones

Jones was a 3 year letterman from 1967-1969. Jones was one of the nation’s highest recruited players out of Nashville and lined up at quarterback, tailback, end, safety, defensive back, and monster. He made his name as a defensive back and at monster, helping the Vols defense set records for turnovers. Wherever he was needed to play, he did so exceptionally. Playing on a defense loaded with All-Americans, Jones only made 2nd Team All-SEC once, in 1967. He currently ranks second in Tennessee history with 16 career interceptions, where he had 252 return yards. He can toss in 2 rushing TDs as well.

most think this is Jim Weatherford…..but it’s Mike Jones on the cover of SI

View attachment 426802

So Peay , I was going back over list and saw this post. I always thought this was Al Dorsey ?

 

[Smokey X]

Paul Bain trembles at the thought of Doug Atkins

 

[peaygolf]

So Peay , I was going back over list and saw this post. I always thought this was Al Dorsey ?

I read somewhere that is Mike Jones on the cover...... a mystery........

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Take a listen, Vol Nation.
“Tennessee” Billy Strings w/ Bela Fleck - Bing video

There's some fine talent on that stage:

Strings and Molly Tuttle are new bluegrass legends, plus Sam Bush on the mandolin and Bryan Sutton in the back are well established legends.

 

[photovol]

They most certainly ARE

Chip Kell was 3 time all SEC and 2 time All American and although several years old than me, he was a good friend of mine, he convinced me to play baseball at Tennessee

 

[LynchburgTNVol]

Who will be #1View attachment 485061

Hope Manning is #2. (I like an upset except that year for the Heisman. That was robbery!) Great list, Peay!

 

[stevenrich2003]

Atkins would be a 1st round pick by the Browns and helped win an NFL championship in 1954. He was traded to the Bears and became one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history.

Browns been doing stupid a long time

My EXACT thoughts. If Atkins can win a championship for the browns, he truly must be the greatest player of all time.

 

[feathersax]

There's some fine talent on that stage:

Strings and Molly Tuttle are new bluegrass legends, plus Sam Bush on the mandolin and Bryan Sutton in the back are well established legends.

Could not stay seated while watching this magic. I first saw Bela Fleck & the Flectones in Nashville 20+ years ago. He assembled some monster musiciaians for this show at the Ryman. I'm a jazz-classical guy at heart, but players like this knock me out.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Could not stay seated while watching this magic. I first saw Bela Fleck & the Flectones in Nashville 20+ years ago. He assembled some monster musiciaians for this show at the Ryman. I'm a jazz-classical guy at heart, but players like this knock me out.

Love me some bluegrass. Thanks for the video.

 

[Tin Man]

Could not stay seated while watching this magic. I first saw Bela Fleck & the Flectones in Nashville 20+ years ago. He assembled some monster musiciaians for this show at the Ryman. I'm a jazz-classical guy at heart, but players like this knock me out.

Turned a lot of people on to Bela Fleck when I was in “The Biz” in the early ‘80s.

 

[peaygolf]

Murray State offered Doug Atkins $400 a month to go to school there. One of Neylands assistants went to Atkins and offered him $50 a month. Atkins said it was enough for beer money so he came to UT. He never saw a penny of the money. Years later he asked Neyland about it. Neyland said sic "I told him not to come back without you. It was you or his job."