Top 10 Tennessee Vols Football Players During the Adidas Era
Grant’s most memorable play, though comes in his sophomore year. Against the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 17, Florida had the ball near midfield. Grant took advantage of a slightly under-thrown pass and made a one-handed grab, playing a major role in sending the game to overtime.
That year overall, he had five interceptions, making for 14 total during his sophomore and junior years. Grant went on to have a productive NFL career, but what he did in college as a playmaker should never be forgotten in Knoxville.
There is a very good chance the Vols don’t win the title without Grant back at safety playing center field.
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7
Deon Grant
Safety, 1997-1999
Often times Deon Grant is somebody you forget about among the great Tennessee legends, particularly on the 1998 national championship team. But he should not be.
As a free safety, Grant was a superstar for the Vols in 1998 and 1999. The first thing to mention about him is his dominant year in 1999, in which he picked up nine interceptions, tying for the lead in the NCAA, for an incredible 167 yards. This includes a three-interception game against the Auburn Tigers, when he had a pick-six on the first play of the game.
Grant’s most memorable play, though comes in his sophomore year. Against the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 17, Florida had the ball near midfield. Grant took advantage of a slightly under-thrown pass and made a one-handed grab, playing a major role in sending the game to overtime.
That year overall, he had five interceptions, making for 14 total during his sophomore and junior years. Grant went on to have a productive NFL career, but what he did in college as a playmaker should never be forgotten in Knoxville.
There is a very good chance the Vols don’t win the title without Grant back at safety playing center field.
Next: #6: Eric Berry