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

[peaygolf]

In about 5 1/2 hours…….

 

[Orange.]

In about 5 1/2 hours…….

While we wait, Reggie White in the league.

 

[Rocky Volboa]

24 hours away

 

[malinoisvol]

 

[malinoisvol]

 

[ArdentVol]

If I missed Bobby.....it was purly an oversight. Ill find out later where I had him. He IS on my list.......

bobby was on list, and i was thrilled to see him honored

 

[VFL1993]

I believe I figured out #1 and so I’m excited to see if I’m correct. Thanks for doing all of the diligent work that went into putting this list together Peay. Every morning when I woke up the first thing I did was look at who would be named next.

 

[HollowaytoSeivers]

Just curious, where were Bowden Wyatt and Andy Kozar on the list?

 

[MAD]

Just curious, where were Bowden Wyatt and Andy Kozar on the list?

#29 & #70

 

[stevenrich2003]

While we wait, Reggie White in the league.

I can not make an argument.... Just simply can not. RW was the original MAN of MEN. He made people look stupid from the time he strapped it up till he retired. I really wish he would have lived a long healthy life to raise his family and enjoy being the greatest player to wear the big orange.

Peay, I would have swapped #1 and #2, but that would be my list and not yours. Both are cemented in their legacies that all other player are shadowed under. 1 on defense, the other on offense.

 

[HollowaytoSeivers]

#29 & #70

Thank you sir

 

[Smokey X]

bobby was on list, and i was thrilled to see him honored

guess I need to get my eyes checked.....thanks Peay

 

[peaygolf]

I can not make an argument.... Just simply can not. RW was the original MAN of MEN. He made people look stupid from the time he strapped it up till he retired. I really wish he would have lived a long healthy life to raise his family and enjoy being the greatest player to wear the big orange.

Peay, I would have swapped #1 and #2, but that would be my list and not yours. Both are cemented in their legacies that all other player are shadowed under. 1 on defense, the other on offense.

I’m hoping that when y’all read about my #1, y’all will see why I chose him. He was my #1 from the start.

 

[MemphisVol77]

I’m hoping that when y’all read about my #1, y’all will see why I chose him. He was my #1 from the start.

I thought I had it figured out, but it turns out I've got the memory of a gold fish. The player I was thinking was listed just a few days ago. Doh!!!

Now I'm stumped.

I've even tried googling several variations of "all time best Austin Peay to UT transfers", to see if I missed an obvious one.
No luck finding a cheat sheet.

 

[peaygolf]

#1 All-Time…….

In 1926, former UT captain and Tennessee High coach Jay Lowe, contacted Coach Neyland and asked him to help devise a defense to stop a local high school kid who was tearing up opponents. Neyland told him how and said to let him know how it worked. Neyland received a note shortly after the game that said, “Defense worked perfectly. Just like you said. He gained very little yardage from scrimmage. Unfortunately, we had to punt five times and he returned all five back for touchdowns.” That is when Coach Neyland discovered Gene McEver.
McEver played for the Vols in 1928, 1929, and 1931. During his three years, he and the Vols never lost a game, going 27-0-3. In 1928, UT and Alabama renewed their series after not playing since 1913. In Tuscaloosa, the Vols were a 4-5 touchdown underdog to the mighty Tide. On the opening kickoff, McEver burst through the middle and raced 98 yards for a touchdown. He also scored on a pass reception in the stunning 15-13 victory. That game put the University of Tennessee’s football program on the national map. He was named 1st Team All-Southern for his excellent play. In 1929, Gene had, in my mind, the greatest season in Vols history. McEver scored 18 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns and scored a total of 130 points, still a UT single season record. He had a record 5 TDs and 3 extra points vs South Carolina. Nine of his eighteen rushing scores were from 25 plus yards. McEver was named 1st Team All-Southern and was a unanimous pick as a 1st Team All-American, the first in school history. Primed for a encore in 1930, McEver suffered a severe knee injury and missed the entire 1930 season. Back when such injuries were career ending, Gene returned in 1931 and changed his game. Instead of being shifty and agile, he used his strength to run over opponents. Time Magazine said it best: “After a season on the sidelines, he has learned how to plunge straight through a line instead of shifting through a broken field, how to shake off tacklers instead of dodging them, how to throw forward passes that sometimes travel 60 yd. Stocky, black-haired, grey-eyed, McEver wears a helmet that always falls off. Tennessee footballers remember only once when he took time out—on a rainy day, when his trousers fell off as well as his headguard.”
He lead the Vols to their first ever “Bowl Game,” when they traveled to New York to play NYU in a charity game after the ‘31 season.
Plain and simple, Eugene Tucker ("Wild Bull," "Bristol Blizzard," "Black Knight") McEver started Tennessee football as we know it. He was All-Southern all three years he played. He was UTs first All-American and was the first Vol enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
He is not only the best player in UT history, he is the most influential player. Without him, UT isn’t UT. If you don’t believe me, that’s fine. Maybe the words of General Neyland will make you a believer. Neyland said, “…he’s the best player I ever coached…..the best I ever saw.” Words from the General himself!

98 yards vs Bama


60 yards vs Centre College

 

[BoonshillVol]

Didn't play at UT.

Never said he did,
I thought the list was top 250 vols not top 250 players .

 

[MAD]

#1 All-Time…….

In 1926, former UT captain and Tennessee High coach Jay Lowe, contacted Coach Neyland and asked him to help devise a defense to stop a local high school kid who was tearing up opponents. Neyland told him how and said to let him know how it worked. Neyland received a note shortly after the game that said, “Defense worked perfectly. Just like you said. He gained very little yardage from scrimmage. Unfortunately, we had to punt five times and he returned all five back for touchdowns.” That is when Coach Neyland discovered Gene McEver.
McEver played for the Vols in 1928, 1929, and 1931. During his three years, he and the Vols never lost a game, going 27-0-3. In 1928, UT and Alabama renewed their series after not playing since 1913. In Tuscaloosa, the Vols were a 4-5 touchdown underdog to the mighty Tide. On the opening kickoff, McEver burst through the middle and raced 98 yards for a touchdown. He also scored on a pass reception in the stunning 15-13 victory. That game put the University of Tennessee’s football program on the national map. He was named 1st Team All-Southern for his excellent play. In 1929, Gene had, in my mind, the greatest season in Vols history. McEver scored 18 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns and scored a total of 130 points, still a UT single season record. He had a record 5 TDs and 3 extra points vs South Carolina. Nine of his eighteen rushing scores were from 25 plus yards. McEver was named 1st Team All-Southern and was a unanimous pick as a 1st Team All-American, the first in school history. Primed for a encore in 1930, McEver suffered a severe knee injury and missed the entire 1930 season. Back when such injuries were career ending, Gene returned in 1931 and changed his game. Instead of being shifty and agile, he used his strength to run over opponents. Time Magazine said it best: “After a season on the sidelines, he has learned how to plunge straight through a line instead of shifting through a broken field, how to shake off tacklers instead of dodging them, how to throw forward passes that sometimes travel 60 yd. Stocky, black-haired, grey-eyed, McEver wears a helmet that always falls off. Tennessee footballers remember only once when he took time out—on a rainy day, when his trousers fell off as well as his headguard.”
He lead the Vols to their first ever “Bowl Game,” when they traveled to New York to play NYU in a charity game after the ‘31 season.
Plain and simple, Eugene Tucker ("Wild Bull," "Bristol Blizzard," "Black Knight") McEver started Tennessee football as we know it. He was All-Southern all three years he played. He was UTs first All-American and was the first Vol enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
He is not only the best player in UT history, he is the most influential player. Without him, UT isn’t UT. If you don’t believe me, that’s fine. Maybe the words of General Neyland will make you a believer. Neyland said, “…he’s the best player I ever coached…..the best I ever saw.” Words from the General himself!

98 yards vs Bama
View attachment 485629

60 yards vs Centre College
View attachment 485630

I had a feeling it was gonna be an oldtimer from that period with black and white photos and leather helmets and a cool middle nickname. But I didn’t expect them to have three nicknames.

Eugene Tucker ("Wild Bull," "Bristol Blizzard," "Black Knight") McEver

After reading your write up I would say he was the clear #1.

 

[BoonshillVol]

thanks for the time n afford
I can't believe I forgot about him my grandpa used to tell me how great he was many years ago. Thanks once again

 

[Orange.]

Never said he did,
I thought the list was top 250 vols not top 250 players .

Thought you knew. Check post #1

 

[Orange.]

#1 All-Time…….

In 1926, former UT captain and Tennessee High coach Jay Lowe, contacted Coach Neyland and asked him to help devise a defense to stop a local high school kid who was tearing up opponents. Neyland told him how and said to let him know how it worked. Neyland received a note shortly after the game that said, “Defense worked perfectly. Just like you said. He gained very little yardage from scrimmage. Unfortunately, we had to punt five times and he returned all five back for touchdowns.” That is when Coach Neyland discovered Gene McEver.
McEver played for the Vols in 1928, 1929, and 1931. During his three years, he and the Vols never lost a game, going 27-0-3. In 1928, UT and Alabama renewed their series after not playing since 1913. In Tuscaloosa, the Vols were a 4-5 touchdown underdog to the mighty Tide. On the opening kickoff, McEver burst through the middle and raced 98 yards for a touchdown. He also scored on a pass reception in the stunning 15-13 victory. That game put the University of Tennessee’s football program on the national map. He was named 1st Team All-Southern for his excellent play. In 1929, Gene had, in my mind, the greatest season in Vols history. McEver scored 18 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns and scored a total of 130 points, still a UT single season record. He had a record 5 TDs and 3 extra points vs South Carolina. Nine of his eighteen rushing scores were from 25 plus yards. McEver was named 1st Team All-Southern and was a unanimous pick as a 1st Team All-American, the first in school history. Primed for a encore in 1930, McEver suffered a severe knee injury and missed the entire 1930 season. Back when such injuries were career ending, Gene returned in 1931 and changed his game. Instead of being shifty and agile, he used his strength to run over opponents. Time Magazine said it best: “After a season on the sidelines, he has learned how to plunge straight through a line instead of shifting through a broken field, how to shake off tacklers instead of dodging them, how to throw forward passes that sometimes travel 60 yd. Stocky, black-haired, grey-eyed, McEver wears a helmet that always falls off. Tennessee footballers remember only once when he took time out—on a rainy day, when his trousers fell off as well as his headguard.”
He lead the Vols to their first ever “Bowl Game,” when they traveled to New York to play NYU in a charity game after the ‘31 season.
Plain and simple, Eugene Tucker ("Wild Bull," "Bristol Blizzard," "Black Knight") McEver started Tennessee football as we know it. He was All-Southern all three years he played. He was UTs first All-American and was the first Vol enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
He is not only the best player in UT history, he is the most influential player. Without him, UT isn’t UT. If you don’t believe me, that’s fine. Maybe the words of General Neyland will make you a believer. Neyland said, “…he’s the best player I ever coached…..the best I ever saw.” Words from the General himself!

98 yards vs Bama
View attachment 485629

60 yards vs Centre College
View attachment 485630

Fabulous conclusion, Peay! Loved it and the whole thread. It's game day!!!! LFG!

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

#1 All-Time…….

In 1926, former UT captain and Tennessee High coach Jay Lowe, contacted Coach Neyland and asked him to help devise a defense to stop a local high school kid who was tearing up opponents. Neyland told him how and said to let him know how it worked. Neyland received a note shortly after the game that said, “Defense worked perfectly. Just like you said. He gained very little yardage from scrimmage. Unfortunately, we had to punt five times and he returned all five back for touchdowns.” That is when Coach Neyland discovered Gene McEver.
McEver played for the Vols in 1928, 1929, and 1931. During his three years, he and the Vols never lost a game, going 27-0-3. In 1928, UT and Alabama renewed their series after not playing since 1913. In Tuscaloosa, the Vols were a 4-5 touchdown underdog to the mighty Tide. On the opening kickoff, McEver burst through the middle and raced 98 yards for a touchdown. He also scored on a pass reception in the stunning 15-13 victory. That game put the University of Tennessee’s football program on the national map. He was named 1st Team All-Southern for his excellent play. In 1929, Gene had, in my mind, the greatest season in Vols history. McEver scored 18 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns and scored a total of 130 points, still a UT single season record. He had a record 5 TDs and 3 extra points vs South Carolina. Nine of his eighteen rushing scores were from 25 plus yards. McEver was named 1st Team All-Southern and was a unanimous pick as a 1st Team All-American, the first in school history. Primed for a encore in 1930, McEver suffered a severe knee injury and missed the entire 1930 season. Back when such injuries were career ending, Gene returned in 1931 and changed his game. Instead of being shifty and agile, he used his strength to run over opponents. Time Magazine said it best: “After a season on the sidelines, he has learned how to plunge straight through a line instead of shifting through a broken field, how to shake off tacklers instead of dodging them, how to throw forward passes that sometimes travel 60 yd. Stocky, black-haired, grey-eyed, McEver wears a helmet that always falls off. Tennessee footballers remember only once when he took time out—on a rainy day, when his trousers fell off as well as his headguard.”
He lead the Vols to their first ever “Bowl Game,” when they traveled to New York to play NYU in a charity game after the ‘31 season.
Plain and simple, Eugene Tucker ("Wild Bull," "Bristol Blizzard," "Black Knight") McEver started Tennessee football as we know it. He was All-Southern all three years he played. He was UTs first All-American and was the first Vol enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
He is not only the best player in UT history, he is the most influential player. Without him, UT isn’t UT. If you don’t believe me, that’s fine. Maybe the words of General Neyland will make you a believer. Neyland said, “…he’s the best player I ever coached…..the best I ever saw.” Words from the General himself!

98 yards vs Bama
View attachment 485629

60 yards vs Centre College
View attachment 485630

I knew you was gonna school us on your number one peay. Thanks so much for the countdown man you made this off-season 10x better. Whenever I found myself getting upset in the recruiting threads, or just life in general and needed an escape, I came to this list. Thanks again.

 

[BoonshillVol]

Thought you knew. Check post #1

At my age the 1st post was a looooong time ago but thanks for letting me know

 

[Tin Man]

Terrific thread this year, @peaygolf! Thank you!

 

[Volmac2022]

The only thing that matters is we are less than 15hrs away from kick off

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Nice choice for #1, Peay. McEver is certainly the best player (Neyland himself told us) from the best era (so far) in Tennessee football history.

You nailed it.

Thanks so much for entertaining us these past eight months. You put such a huge amount of work into this. I know it was a labor of love. We appreciate you for it.

And now...football.

Go Vols!