Jravol78
Now go home and get your shine box
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The Official Countdown To Tennessee Football 2024 (ITS FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE)
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Volfan1000
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NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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chuckiepoo
Aiken born; Knoxpatch six months later
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VolDave53
Life is Good, Just Look Around ~ Matt Prater
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Don't forget Hank Lauricella back in '51. Been going on a long time. Who was Tennessee's biggest Heisman Trophy snub?
NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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19 Days!
Hal Wantland, who passed and rushed for 12 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career at Tennessee between 1963-65 wore #19.
Watnland was a Tennessee native from Columbia, deciding to join the in-state Vols at the end Bowden Wyatt's head coaching tenure in 1962. The program was struggling, winning just four games in Wantland's freshman season and missing out on a bowl game for the fifth-straight year.
Jim McDonald took over as Tennessee's head coach in 1963, the first year that Wantland was on the Vols' varsity squad as a sophomore. Wantland carried the ball 51 times for 183 yards and four touchdowns while passing for another four scores that season.
Tennessee hired Doug Dickey as its new head coach in 1964, the third coach to lead the program in as many years. Dickey, who was previously a young assistant coach under Frank Broyles at Arkansas, brought with him a new offense--the t-formation.
Wantland thrived in the offense, totaling more than 220 yards and four touchdowns rushing as a junior. In 1965, Wantland was named a team captain and featured more in the passing game while also winning the Jacob's Trophy--given annually to the SEC's top blocker.
He had 21 receptions for 305 yards and four touchdowns in a season that put Tennessee in the conversation nationally. The Vols won eight games with a one-possession loss to No. 8 Ole Miss as their lone blemish.
In Tennessee final game of the regular season against No. 5 UCLA in Memphis, Wantland scored two touchdowns in a thrilling 37-34 victory.
Wantland was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 1966 NFL Draft but ended up playing for the Miami Dolphins for one year.
Wantland stayed involved with Tennessee football, returning to help the school's Lettermen's T Club as a secretary-treasurer. He died in 2008 at the age of 63.
In three seasons at Tennessee, Wantland combined for 1,529 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns.
Hal Wantland, who passed and rushed for 12 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career at Tennessee between 1963-65 wore #19.
Watnland was a Tennessee native from Columbia, deciding to join the in-state Vols at the end Bowden Wyatt's head coaching tenure in 1962. The program was struggling, winning just four games in Wantland's freshman season and missing out on a bowl game for the fifth-straight year.
Jim McDonald took over as Tennessee's head coach in 1963, the first year that Wantland was on the Vols' varsity squad as a sophomore. Wantland carried the ball 51 times for 183 yards and four touchdowns while passing for another four scores that season.
Tennessee hired Doug Dickey as its new head coach in 1964, the third coach to lead the program in as many years. Dickey, who was previously a young assistant coach under Frank Broyles at Arkansas, brought with him a new offense--the t-formation.
Wantland thrived in the offense, totaling more than 220 yards and four touchdowns rushing as a junior. In 1965, Wantland was named a team captain and featured more in the passing game while also winning the Jacob's Trophy--given annually to the SEC's top blocker.
He had 21 receptions for 305 yards and four touchdowns in a season that put Tennessee in the conversation nationally. The Vols won eight games with a one-possession loss to No. 8 Ole Miss as their lone blemish.
In Tennessee final game of the regular season against No. 5 UCLA in Memphis, Wantland scored two touchdowns in a thrilling 37-34 victory.
Wantland was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 1966 NFL Draft but ended up playing for the Miami Dolphins for one year.
Wantland stayed involved with Tennessee football, returning to help the school's Lettermen's T Club as a secretary-treasurer. He died in 2008 at the age of 63.
In three seasons at Tennessee, Wantland combined for 1,529 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns.
NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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WillisWG
I don't like radicals left or right!
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NO SIR EEE
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OneManGang
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StarRaider
on double secret probation
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NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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15 Days!
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings played for Tennessee from 2015-19 and wore jersey No. 15.
He totaled 2,153 receiving yards, 18 receiving touchdowns, 93 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 62 passing yards, two passing yards and one defensive interception with the Vols. Jennings will forever be remembered for his famous catch @ UGA.
Jennings was selected in the seventh round (217th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft by San Francisco.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings played for Tennessee from 2015-19 and wore jersey No. 15.
He totaled 2,153 receiving yards, 18 receiving touchdowns, 93 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 62 passing yards, two passing yards and one defensive interception with the Vols. Jennings will forever be remembered for his famous catch @ UGA.
Jennings was selected in the seventh round (217th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft by San Francisco.
StarRaider
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SAPPER 5
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volsfan125
VOL to the core
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This 15 is no slouch either
All American
2x All SEC
Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP
Career TotalsGames: 33
Receptions: 109
Receiving Yards: 1,875
Avg.: 17.2
Touchdowns: 13
Kickoff Returns: 35
Return Yards: 777
Return Touchdowns: 1
Punt Returns: 13
Return Yards: 135
Return Touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 4
Return Yards: 50
INT Touchdowns: 1
Tackles: 19
Tackles-For-Loss: 1
Forced Fumble: 1
Pass Breakups: 4
All American
2x All SEC
Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP
Career TotalsGames: 33
Receptions: 109
Receiving Yards: 1,875
Avg.: 17.2
Touchdowns: 13
Kickoff Returns: 35
Return Yards: 777
Return Touchdowns: 1
Punt Returns: 13
Return Yards: 135
Return Touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 4
Return Yards: 50
INT Touchdowns: 1
Tackles: 19
Tackles-For-Loss: 1
Forced Fumble: 1
Pass Breakups: 4
Attachments
NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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14 Days!
Eric Berry wore #14 and was a two-time All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a defensive back during his career at Tennessee between 2007-09.
Berry drew national attention as a standout player on both offense and defense at Creekside High School in Fairburn, Georgia. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and passed for another 1,000 as a senior while totaling 40 tackles and three interceptions as a safety.
A Parade All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year and starter in the U.S. Army All-American, Berry was rated as the No. 1 player in the country by Rivals before signing with the Vols.
Berry made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2007, recording 86 tackles and nabbing five interceptions, including a 96-yard return for a touchdown against Florida and two for a combined 98 yards vs. Arkansas.
His 222 interception returned yard broke Bobby Majors' previous program record of five interceptions returned for 177 yards set in 1970.
Berry, who was tabbed a consensus Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC that season, was key in getting Tennessee to the SEC Championship Game.
Despite the Vols' losing record the following season in 2008, Berry managed 72 tackles and a career-high and nation-leading seven takeaways, two of which were taken back for scores. He was the only player in college football to record an interception in seven different games.
Berry was Tennessee's first unanimous All-American selection since 1990 and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year following the season.
As a junior in 2009, Berry topped his previous career high in tackles with 87 to go along with two more interceptions and one fumble recovery. After being named an All-American for the second-straight season, Berry declared early for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Berry was taken as the fifth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs and spent all of his nine-year pro career with the franchise.
Berry was a three-time All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler. He combined for 440 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 14 interceptions and five touchdowns with the Chiefs.
During the 2014 season, Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma but after treatment during the offseason, was able to return to the Chiefs in time for the 2015 season. He was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year.
Berry's accolades continued even after he retired from football in 2018. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023 and honored during Tennessee's 20-13 win over Texas A&M last season.
The Vols secondary appropriately ended the game with two interceptions on the Aggies' final two drives.
Eric Berry wore #14 and was a two-time All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a defensive back during his career at Tennessee between 2007-09.
Berry drew national attention as a standout player on both offense and defense at Creekside High School in Fairburn, Georgia. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and passed for another 1,000 as a senior while totaling 40 tackles and three interceptions as a safety.
A Parade All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year and starter in the U.S. Army All-American, Berry was rated as the No. 1 player in the country by Rivals before signing with the Vols.
Berry made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2007, recording 86 tackles and nabbing five interceptions, including a 96-yard return for a touchdown against Florida and two for a combined 98 yards vs. Arkansas.
His 222 interception returned yard broke Bobby Majors' previous program record of five interceptions returned for 177 yards set in 1970.
Berry, who was tabbed a consensus Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC that season, was key in getting Tennessee to the SEC Championship Game.
Despite the Vols' losing record the following season in 2008, Berry managed 72 tackles and a career-high and nation-leading seven takeaways, two of which were taken back for scores. He was the only player in college football to record an interception in seven different games.
Berry was Tennessee's first unanimous All-American selection since 1990 and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year following the season.
As a junior in 2009, Berry topped his previous career high in tackles with 87 to go along with two more interceptions and one fumble recovery. After being named an All-American for the second-straight season, Berry declared early for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Berry was taken as the fifth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs and spent all of his nine-year pro career with the franchise.
Berry was a three-time All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler. He combined for 440 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 14 interceptions and five touchdowns with the Chiefs.
During the 2014 season, Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma but after treatment during the offseason, was able to return to the Chiefs in time for the 2015 season. He was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year.
Berry's accolades continued even after he retired from football in 2018. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023 and honored during Tennessee's 20-13 win over Texas A&M last season.
The Vols secondary appropriately ended the game with two interceptions on the Aggies' final two drives.
NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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13 Days!
Terry Fair, who was a four-year starter and an All-SEC defensive back during Tennessee’s successful run through the mid-1990s wore #13.
Fair came to Knoxville by way of Phoenix, Arizona where he was a standout running back and defensive back at South Mountain High School before signing with the Vols' highly touted 1994 recruiting class.
He saw the field plenty as a freshman that season, totaling 41 tackles, an interception and three pass-breakups, earning Freshman All-SEC recognition. Fair upped those numbers the following year in 1995, accounting for 50 tackles and two takeaways during Tennessee's 11-win campaign.
Fair continued to produce in the Vols' secondary in 1996, recording four interceptions in addition to 33 tackles. He was a key contributor on special teams, too, returning 29 punts for 400 yards and tow scores.
Fair had his best season in 1997 and proved to be a factor in Tennessee's SEC title run as a senior. He had a career-high five interceptions and broke up nine passes. Fair tallied more than 270 punt return yards, perhaps none bigger than his 45-yard return in the third quarter to set up a touchdown drive in the Vols' come-from-behind win over Auburn in the conference championship game in Atlanta.
Fair was the 20th pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions where he spent four seasons, making the Pro Football Writer's Association All-Rookie Team in his first year.
His pro career also included stints with the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Rams, but was marked by injuries. Fair joined the coaching ranks after retiring from the NFL, first at Phoenix College and then Tennessee where he served as a graduate assistant in 2013-14.
Fair was the defensive backs coach at Colorado State and Tennessee.
Fair is tied for 10th all-time at Tennessee in career interceptions with 12 and eighth in passes-defended at 30 over four seasons.
Terry Fair, who was a four-year starter and an All-SEC defensive back during Tennessee’s successful run through the mid-1990s wore #13.
Fair came to Knoxville by way of Phoenix, Arizona where he was a standout running back and defensive back at South Mountain High School before signing with the Vols' highly touted 1994 recruiting class.
He saw the field plenty as a freshman that season, totaling 41 tackles, an interception and three pass-breakups, earning Freshman All-SEC recognition. Fair upped those numbers the following year in 1995, accounting for 50 tackles and two takeaways during Tennessee's 11-win campaign.
Fair continued to produce in the Vols' secondary in 1996, recording four interceptions in addition to 33 tackles. He was a key contributor on special teams, too, returning 29 punts for 400 yards and tow scores.
Fair had his best season in 1997 and proved to be a factor in Tennessee's SEC title run as a senior. He had a career-high five interceptions and broke up nine passes. Fair tallied more than 270 punt return yards, perhaps none bigger than his 45-yard return in the third quarter to set up a touchdown drive in the Vols' come-from-behind win over Auburn in the conference championship game in Atlanta.
Fair was the 20th pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions where he spent four seasons, making the Pro Football Writer's Association All-Rookie Team in his first year.
His pro career also included stints with the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Rams, but was marked by injuries. Fair joined the coaching ranks after retiring from the NFL, first at Phoenix College and then Tennessee where he served as a graduate assistant in 2013-14.
Fair was the defensive backs coach at Colorado State and Tennessee.
Fair is tied for 10th all-time at Tennessee in career interceptions with 12 and eighth in passes-defended at 30 over four seasons.
NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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12 Days!
Marcus Nash, who was an All-SEC wide receiver and one of the most prolific players in program history, wore #12.
Nash played at Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma before inking with the Vols' heralded 1994 signing class that was later key in three top 10 finishes and a conference championship.
Nash's contributions were limited as a freshman. He caught five passes for 77 yards, but those numbers increased the following year as a sophomore in 1995. Nash had 43 receptions for more than 500 yards and scored four times, including six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Tennessee's 41-14 rout of Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham.
After accounting for nearly 700 yards in 1996, Nash had a historic season as a senior in 1997. He led the Vols in receiving with a career-high 1,170 yards and 13 touchdowns.
With Tennessee trailing Auburn in the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, Nash hauled in a Manning pass and then raced 77 yards down the sideline for the touchdown that decided a 30-29 victory.
Nash was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the franchise and totaled four catches for 76 yards as a rookie during the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXIII winning season.
Nash ranks second in receiving yards and touchdowns in the Tennessee record books with 2,447 yards and 20 scores, respectively.
Marcus Nash, who was an All-SEC wide receiver and one of the most prolific players in program history, wore #12.
Nash played at Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma before inking with the Vols' heralded 1994 signing class that was later key in three top 10 finishes and a conference championship.
Nash's contributions were limited as a freshman. He caught five passes for 77 yards, but those numbers increased the following year as a sophomore in 1995. Nash had 43 receptions for more than 500 yards and scored four times, including six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in Tennessee's 41-14 rout of Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham.
After accounting for nearly 700 yards in 1996, Nash had a historic season as a senior in 1997. He led the Vols in receiving with a career-high 1,170 yards and 13 touchdowns.
With Tennessee trailing Auburn in the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, Nash hauled in a Manning pass and then raced 77 yards down the sideline for the touchdown that decided a 30-29 victory.
Nash was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the franchise and totaled four catches for 76 yards as a rookie during the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXIII winning season.
Nash ranks second in receiving yards and touchdowns in the Tennessee record books with 2,447 yards and 20 scores, respectively.
WillisWG
I don't like radicals left or right!
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NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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11 Days!
Joey Kent, who was a two-time All-SEC and record-breaking wide receiver at Tennessee during his four year career between 1993-96, wore #11.
Kent arrived at Tennessee by way of J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1992. He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 1993, accounting for 10 receptions for more than 200 yards and five touchdowns, earning Freshman All-SEC recognition.
As a sophomore the following season, Kent swelled his numbers to 36 catches for 470 yards and headlined the Vols' 45-23 win over Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl with a six-catch, 116 yard performance. It set the stage for an even more prolific junior campaign in 1995.
Kent totaled a career-high 69 receptions and was the first receiver in program history to pass the 1,000-yard mark with 1,055 yards, including three-straight 100-yard games. Among his most memorable catches came on the first play of Tennessee's game against Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham.
Running a quick slant, Kent gathered in a pass from Peyton Manning and raced past the Crimson Tide defense 80 yards for a touchdown to open the way for a 41-14 rout—the Vols first win over Alabama in 10 years.
Kent broke his own record as a senior in 1996, posting 1,080 yards and had seven games with 100 or more yards. In his final game at Tennessee, Kent had five catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns vs. Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl.
Kent was taken by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with franchise and played a part in its run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.
Nearly 30 years after his career with the Vols ended, Kent still holds several program records. He is the all-time leader in receptions (183), receiving yards (2,814), receiving touchdowns (25), 100-yard games (15) and average yards per catch (18.8).
Kent was named to the SEC Football Legends Class in 2023.
Joey Kent, who was a two-time All-SEC and record-breaking wide receiver at Tennessee during his four year career between 1993-96, wore #11.
Kent arrived at Tennessee by way of J.O. Johnson High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1992. He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 1993, accounting for 10 receptions for more than 200 yards and five touchdowns, earning Freshman All-SEC recognition.
As a sophomore the following season, Kent swelled his numbers to 36 catches for 470 yards and headlined the Vols' 45-23 win over Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl with a six-catch, 116 yard performance. It set the stage for an even more prolific junior campaign in 1995.
Kent totaled a career-high 69 receptions and was the first receiver in program history to pass the 1,000-yard mark with 1,055 yards, including three-straight 100-yard games. Among his most memorable catches came on the first play of Tennessee's game against Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham.
Running a quick slant, Kent gathered in a pass from Peyton Manning and raced past the Crimson Tide defense 80 yards for a touchdown to open the way for a 41-14 rout—the Vols first win over Alabama in 10 years.
Kent broke his own record as a senior in 1996, posting 1,080 yards and had seven games with 100 or more yards. In his final game at Tennessee, Kent had five catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns vs. Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl.
Kent was taken by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with franchise and played a part in its run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.
Nearly 30 years after his career with the Vols ended, Kent still holds several program records. He is the all-time leader in receptions (183), receiving yards (2,814), receiving touchdowns (25), 100-yard games (15) and average yards per catch (18.8).
Kent was named to the SEC Football Legends Class in 2023.
Tin Man
Dirt's Childhood Playmate
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Officially, The Big Orange Caravan is a roadshow to give thanks and drum up excitement among UT alumni and fans. Often, I’ve applied the term, Big Orange Caravan to the legion of fans who travel to Vols away games. We travel in large numbers, are good natured, and spend freely. We are appreciated if not beloved by businesses and chambers of commerce everywhere we go. Scheduling a home & away series with Tennessee should be an objective of every P5 school in the nation. We’re Orange! We’re happy to be here! Thanks for your hospitality! GBO!
Tin Man
Dirt's Childhood Playmate
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NO SIR EEE
The Sultan Of Swat
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10 Days!
Tony Robinson, who was one of the most electrifying players in Tennessee program history and an All-SEC quarterback during his nearly two seasons as the Vols’ starter wore #10.
Robinson was a prep standout at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida in the early 1980s but was overlooked by nearby Florida Stateduring his recruitment.
Tennessee head coach Johnny Majors, initially wary of adding to an already crowded quarterbacks room, offered Robinson and he ultimately signed with the Vols’ in 1982.
That recruiting class included wide receiver Tim McGee, offensive lineman Bruce Wilkerson and defensive back Charles Davis, all of which were key to Tennessee’s success later in their careers.
For Robinson, his own contributions looked bleak early on. He served as the backup to Alan Cockrell in his first two seasons and seemed destined to play that role again in 1984.
Robinson’s fortunes changed after Cockrell opted to enter the MLB Draft and forgo his senior season.
Robinson made the most of the opportunity that season. He had a breakout game in the Vols’ 43-30 loss at Florida, completing a school-record 29 passes for more than 370 yards and two touchdown pass of 48-plus yards.
One week later, Robinson led Tennessee to one of the most exciting wins of the Majors era against rival Alabama at Neyland Stadium.
Robinson connected with McGee on a 17-yard touchdown pass to pull the Vols within a score in the fourth quarter.
Helped by a punt return from Andre Creamer, Tennessee paid off good field position with a Johnnie Jones touchdown run that trimmed the Crimson Tide lead to one with two minutes left.
Majors opted to go for the lead instead of a game-tying extra point and Robinson delivered by diving into the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt that proved to be the difference in a 28-26 victory.
Robinson was set up for an even better season in 1985. He passed for another record 387 yards and two scores in the Vols' season-opening tie withUCLA before heading into Tennessee's clash with eventual Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and No. 1 Auburn the following week.
Robinson was masterful, weaving through the Tigers' defense for a 39-yard run and tossing a 37-yard touchdown to McGee in the first quarter. By the second quarter, the rout was on after Robinson hit Vince Carter for his second passing touchdown.
By the end of a convincing 38-20 win, Robinson had passed for 259 yards and four touchdowns and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.
Robinson's own Heisman campaign was underway, but it came to a screeching halt weeks later against Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham. In a game Tennessee won, Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Backup Daryl Dickey took over and managed to help the Vols win their first SEC title 16 years. Tennessee ended the season with a 35-7 thumping of Miami in the Sugar Bowl.
Robinson played professionally for the Richmond Ravens in the now defunct Continental Interstate Football League, but got his shot at the NFL in 1987.
With league players on strike, Robinson, based on the recommendation of his Ravens' coach to Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, was given an opportunity to play for the franchise as it scrambled to fill out rosters with replacement players for the season.
Robinson was initially a backup, but an injury put him on the field in a Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys. He finished 11-of-18 passing for 152 yards and led the patch work Redskins to a 13-7 upset victory over a Cowboys team that still had a number of NFL players on their roster.
The 2000 film The Replacements is based on the 1987 NFL players strike with main character, fictional quarterback Shane Falco loosely based on Robinson.
Robinson's NFL run was short-lived. He was cut after the strike ended.
At Tennessee, Robinson totaled 3,332 passing yards and 23 touchdowns over three and a half seasons. Both marks rank 19th and 18th in program history, respectively.
Tony Robinson, who was one of the most electrifying players in Tennessee program history and an All-SEC quarterback during his nearly two seasons as the Vols’ starter wore #10.
Robinson was a prep standout at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida in the early 1980s but was overlooked by nearby Florida Stateduring his recruitment.
Tennessee head coach Johnny Majors, initially wary of adding to an already crowded quarterbacks room, offered Robinson and he ultimately signed with the Vols’ in 1982.
That recruiting class included wide receiver Tim McGee, offensive lineman Bruce Wilkerson and defensive back Charles Davis, all of which were key to Tennessee’s success later in their careers.
For Robinson, his own contributions looked bleak early on. He served as the backup to Alan Cockrell in his first two seasons and seemed destined to play that role again in 1984.
Robinson’s fortunes changed after Cockrell opted to enter the MLB Draft and forgo his senior season.
Robinson made the most of the opportunity that season. He had a breakout game in the Vols’ 43-30 loss at Florida, completing a school-record 29 passes for more than 370 yards and two touchdown pass of 48-plus yards.
One week later, Robinson led Tennessee to one of the most exciting wins of the Majors era against rival Alabama at Neyland Stadium.
Robinson connected with McGee on a 17-yard touchdown pass to pull the Vols within a score in the fourth quarter.
Helped by a punt return from Andre Creamer, Tennessee paid off good field position with a Johnnie Jones touchdown run that trimmed the Crimson Tide lead to one with two minutes left.
Majors opted to go for the lead instead of a game-tying extra point and Robinson delivered by diving into the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt that proved to be the difference in a 28-26 victory.
Robinson was set up for an even better season in 1985. He passed for another record 387 yards and two scores in the Vols' season-opening tie withUCLA before heading into Tennessee's clash with eventual Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and No. 1 Auburn the following week.
Robinson was masterful, weaving through the Tigers' defense for a 39-yard run and tossing a 37-yard touchdown to McGee in the first quarter. By the second quarter, the rout was on after Robinson hit Vince Carter for his second passing touchdown.
By the end of a convincing 38-20 win, Robinson had passed for 259 yards and four touchdowns and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.
Robinson's own Heisman campaign was underway, but it came to a screeching halt weeks later against Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham. In a game Tennessee won, Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Backup Daryl Dickey took over and managed to help the Vols win their first SEC title 16 years. Tennessee ended the season with a 35-7 thumping of Miami in the Sugar Bowl.
Robinson played professionally for the Richmond Ravens in the now defunct Continental Interstate Football League, but got his shot at the NFL in 1987.
With league players on strike, Robinson, based on the recommendation of his Ravens' coach to Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, was given an opportunity to play for the franchise as it scrambled to fill out rosters with replacement players for the season.
Robinson was initially a backup, but an injury put him on the field in a Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys. He finished 11-of-18 passing for 152 yards and led the patch work Redskins to a 13-7 upset victory over a Cowboys team that still had a number of NFL players on their roster.
The 2000 film The Replacements is based on the 1987 NFL players strike with main character, fictional quarterback Shane Falco loosely based on Robinson.
Robinson's NFL run was short-lived. He was cut after the strike ended.
At Tennessee, Robinson totaled 3,332 passing yards and 23 touchdowns over three and a half seasons. Both marks rank 19th and 18th in program history, respectively.
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