In terms of overall production of guys who started a game for Johnny Majors, Heath Shuler is likely a top two guy, maybe even the top guy on this list. However, we are looking at what they did for Majors specifically. Remember, the vast majority of Shuler’s exploits in his career with Tennessee football were under head coach Phillip Fulmer and offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.
Even in 1992, when Majors was still technically head coach and Shuler completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,712 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for another 286 yards and 11 touchdowns, his best performances were under Fulmer.
It’s a crucial year in the history of the Vols, as it involved the transition from Fulmer to Majors, and Shuler was integral to it. That year, Fulmer replaced Majors in the first three games as Majors recovered from open-heart surgery. He and Shuler led UT to a 3-0 start, beating the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators in the process, and Shuler led the team in rushing and passing.
Majors came back after that and helped the Vols get to 5-0, but they then lost three straight with Shuler as a starter, including to two teams with a losing record and an ineffective offensive performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
A future NFL player and then U.S. Congressman, Shuler helped the team rebound to win its final three games, but that streak ended Majors’ tenure on Rocky Top. When his offensive exploits returned, winning MVP of the Hall-of-Fame bowl against the Boston College Eagles, Fulmer was already full-time head coach.