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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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Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images
Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images /

Center

1. Lee North, 1978-1981

Center was not as loaded as guard and tackle when it came to Tennessee football’s offensive line during Johnny Majors’ tenure, but the Vols still produced lots of talent here. Lee North was one of Majors’ first recruits and took over when he arrived, blocking for Jimmy Streater and helping him to become an electrifying quarterback. North helped lay the foundation for Majors’ program.

North was a two-time All-SEC blocker in 1980 and 1981, another player who took his game to another level when Phillip Fulmer arrived. Like a lot of the elite guards he actually never saw any action in the NFL. However, his college production is more than enough for us to make him the starting center on this roster. He more than proved what he is capable of while playing for Majors.

2. Robert Shaw, 1975-1978

We considered Glenn Streno, who played from 1980 to 1983, and Raleigh McKenzie again since McKenzie did play center one year. However, we settled on Robert Shaw, who was actually the starting center before Lee North took over. Shaw started for Streater in 1977 and 1978 and earned All-SEC honors Majors’ first year on the job, in 1977.

In fact, when you look at Shaw’s production, the only reason he’s not above North is the fact that he didn’t play his full career under Majors. However, he was a very productive early player, helping Rocky Top arrive under Majors. Shaw also actually did see an NFL career, playing with the Dallas Cowboys for three years. So he clearly has the talent to be in this rotation.

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