Greatest college football player born in each state
One of the greatest defensive ends in football history, Chattanooga, Tennessee native Reggie White starred at the University of Tennessee before embarking on a legendary professional career, and was elected to both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Known most as devastating pass rusher, White only recorded two sacks for the Vols as a freshman, but contributed 51 tackles, recovered two fumbles and blocked a punt. In 1981, White led Tennessee with eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss and blocked three extra point attempts. Hampered by injuries as a junior, White still managed to record seven sacks, which led the squad.
As a senior, White had the best season of his collegiate career and was named SEC Player of the Year and a consensus All-American by recording 100 total tackles and setting a school record with 15 sacks and nine attritional TFLs as well as an interception. White was also a finalist for the Lombardi Trophy and set a school record with four sacks in a game against The Citadel, which stood for more than 20 years.
After college, White played two seasons in the USFL before moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985. In 16 NFL seasons, the “Minister of Defense” recorded 198 sacks.
Other Notable College Football Players Born in Tennessee:
- Doug Atkins, DL, Tennessee
- John Henderson, DL, Tennessee
- Claude Humphrey, DL, Tennessee State
- Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama
- Ed “Too Tall” Jones, DL, Tennessee State
- Lynn Swan, WR, USC
- Bill Wade, QB, Vanderbilt
- Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
Next: Texas