Tennessee Football All-Time Team: Historical Vols Depth Chart

Aug 31, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cheerleaders entertain fans during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Blindside Offensive Tackle

1. Chad Clifton 

One of the great travesties in Tennessee football history was that Chad Clifton never reached All-American status during his time in Knoxville. But make no mistake, as a blocker on the 1998 national championship team, he is the greatest tackle in Tennessee history.

Clifton paved the way for the careers of Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry during his time there, and he made sure to keep Tee Martin protected, making life easier on him as a passer.

The talents of Chad Clifton were on full display for a long and successful NFL career, as a he was a 12-year player for the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl and making two Pro Bowls, solidifying himself as a player.

If I’m starting a Tennessee football team tomorrow, Clifton is my first choice on the offensive line over anybody else.

2. Arron Sears

Arron Sears was a great player for the Vols and honestly should have started earlier than he did but was held back because of the namesake of Michael Munoz. But Sears was a superstar offensive lineman every time he touched the field.

In 2006, he made sure to keep Erik Ainge upright as his blindside tackle. Him on that side combined with Robert Meachem as a go-to option allowed for Ainge to put together the most efficient passing season in Tennessee history.

After an All-American college career, he was a budding superstar in the NFL before a serious neurological issue cut short his career. But that does not take away how great he was at Tennessee.

Next: Right Tackle