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Tennessee football: Johnny Majors all-time depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Carl Pickens #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Pigskin Classic at Anaheim Stadium on August 26, 1990 in Anaheim, California. The Buffs and Vols tied 31-31. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Carl Pickens #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Pigskin Classic at Anaheim Stadium on August 26, 1990 in Anaheim, California. The Buffs and Vols tied 31-31. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 18: Detail view of footballs lined up on the field before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won 31-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 18: Detail view of footballs lined up on the field before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won 31-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Running Back

1. Johnnie Jones, 1981-1984

There were more talented running backs under Johnny Majors while he was Tennessee football’s head coach, but none of them had the consistency Johnny Jones had. Jones’ arrival marked a turning point for the Vols program under Majors, as they began to win at much higher levels, and his play was a huge reason for that, particularly in his final two years on Rocky Top.

Of all the great running backs who came under Majors at UT, only Jones had back to back seasons of over 1,000 yards, rushing for 1,116 and 1,290 yards his junior and senior seasons respectively. He added 11 total touchdowns his senior season and finished his career at the time as Rocky Top’s all-time leading rusher. That level of production earns him the starting spot on this depth chart.

2. Tony Thompson, 1986-1990

From a talent perspective, Tony Thompson is way down the list. We almost had Reggie Cobb on here, but Cobb’s dismissal in 1989 hurt him. Thompson, meanwhile, didn’t get a chance to start until the third game of his fifth-year senior season in 1990. It came, tragically, because of a career-ending injury to Chuck Webb, who would’ve otherwise topped this list.

Nonetheless, in terms of production, Thompson gets the edge. Filling in for Webb, he rushed for 1,261 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging nearly six yards a carry and earning All-SEC honors in the process. With that level of productivity, Thompson earned the right to be the No. 2 back on this list. He and Jones would make a great tandem for Majors, even if Webb and Cobb had more talent.

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