Tennessee football’s top 10 injury replacements in school history

Arguably the most under-appreciated player in Tennessee football history, Chris White arrived on Rocky Top in 1981 and took a redshirt. He spent the next three years riding the bench for a team loaded with NFL talent that never managed to win 10 games, win a title or finish in the top 25

More from All for Tennessee

• How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
• Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
• Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
• Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
• Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay

When 1985 arrived, as a fifth-year senior, White was still expected to be a benchwarmer. However, Terry McDaniel had to move to cornerback due to injuries there, and safety Charles Davis, who hurt his shoulder in spring practice, then turned his ankle just ahead of UT’s opener against the No. 10 ranked UCLA Bruins.

As a result, White got the start. All he did in that opener was come away with three interceptions in helping the unranked Vols pull off a 26-26 tie, which should have been a win since they blew a 26-10 lead. However, White never relinquished his job.

Throughout the year, he developed even beyond what he did in that opener, and he finished the season with nine interceptions and a shocking All-American campaign. In addition to that, he obviously helped the Vols go 9-1-2 and win their first SEC Championship in 16 years while securing their first postseason ranking since 1974 and first top five finish since 1970.

White had a 68-yard interception return to set up Tennessee football’s final touchdown in their 35-7 Sugar Bowl thrashing of the Miami Hurricanes to close out the season. It was the perfect exclamation point on the career of a guy who waited his turn and fully took advantage of his opportunity. He’s the greatest replacement player of all time on Rocky Top.