Tennessee Football All-Time Team: Historical Vols Depth Chart
Oct 11, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jordan Williams (54) helps direct the band in celebration after defeating the Chattanooga Mocs 45-10 at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver No. 1
1. Peerless Price
He is only 5’11” and nowhere near the top of any Tennessee football statistical receiving category, but Peerless Price is the greatest per-touch player in Tennessee Vols history. Yes, you heard that right.
Despite his small frame, Price was a true deep-threat and took advantage of the strong but not as accurate arm of Tee Martin in 1998. As a great athlete and smart player, Martin’s strong arm was a better fit for him than Manning’s pinpoint accuracy, and it paid off.
Price made a living off of changing games. Every game that Tennessee ever trailed but eventually won in 1997 and 1998 included a touchdown reception from Price. He had a huge touchdown in the SEC title game in 1997 to give the Vols an early lead and caught a 50-yard pass in 1998 for another TD in the SEC title game to put them back in front in the fourth.
Add in the two touchdowns in the 34-33 victory over Syracuse, the touchdown against Florida in the 20-17 overtime win, the kick return for a touchdown to get breathing room against Alabama, the touchdown to start the Vols’ comeback against Arkansas to win 28-24 after being down 21-3, and the Fiesta Bowl touchdown, and it’s clear he’s the greatest game-changer in Tennessee history.
For that, he should be the No. 1 receiver.
2. Carl Pickens
Carl Pickens, crazy enough, was a defensive back when he first came to Knoxville. But he was so great that he switched over to the offensive side of the ball in 1990, and he is still revered as one of the greatest receivers in Tennessee history.
Pickens had 109 receptions for 1,875 yards and 13 touchdowns while also returning 35 kick and 13 punts with one touchdown each for his career. He was a complete player and enjoyed a solid NFL career. Pickens played a huge role of helping the Vols to back to back SEC Championships, particularly as a receiver in 1990.
Next: Wide Receiver #2