Ranking all Tennesse football QBs to start for Johnny Majors

Honestly, you wonder what would have happened with Tennessee football had Sterling Henton remained the starter with the Vols. Despite eventually losing his starting job, he had as much to do with the program reaching national prominence under Johnny Majors as anybody, and lack of games is the only reason he’s not higher on here.

Remember, Henton began the 1989 season. It was his first year starting, and he was trying to improve a team that went 5-6 the year before but did win its final five games. Relying on an elite rushing attack and a great offensive line, new offensive coordinator Phillip Fulmer didn’t ask Henton to do too much. He did take advantage of the junior’s dual-threat abilities, though.

Henton led the Vols to a close win over the Colorado State Rams to open the season, and then he beat the No. 6 ranked UCLA Bruins on the road, the eventual ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils and the No. 4 ranked Auburn Tigers. UT got to 5-0 under him with a 17-14 win over the Georgia Bulldogs. At that point, they were ranked No. 6 in the nation, and things looked great.

However, against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Henton lost his job. UT had to focus more on a pass-heavy offense after Reggie Cobb’s dismissal. They lost that game but won out, winning the SEC. Henton never started again. He finished his career completing 55.2 percent of his passes for 1,238 yards, rushing for another 187 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns with four interceptions.