SH as you know the Vols have one of the most fervent football fan bases around. A Saturday game in Knoxville is quite a festive ordeal. It has always been a team that fascinates me but it is a shame they are also one of the most caste through the years. Three wide receivers stick out and one I barely remember but his name sticks out. I am almost certain you are familiar with each player.
In the early 90's was Craig Faulkner a smooth route runner that a lot of people liked including me of course. He tallied over 30 catches his first two full seasons and in his senior year he had a 40-680 stat line. Records show he went to the Combine but ran a sluggish 40 and was never drafted.
Most recent was Zach Rogers a speedster who played early but never really caught more than 12 passes until his senior year in 2011 he had a nice 32-491-7 stat line. Exciting and quick I thought he could make it in the NFL but was not invited to the combine but ran the fastest 40 on UT's pro day.
Last but not least was Richmond Flowers. I was too young to remember but I do recall his name back then and I have been fascinated with him ever since. Before whites were considered inferior Flowers was arguably the greatest young athlete on the planet. He was a sprinter and hurdler and his sprinting speed was world class breath taking. In fact he was the favorite to WIN the 120 M Hurdles at the 1968 Olympics until he tore a hamstring.
His career at Tennessee wasn't what you would call legendary but he made a name for himself as a half back and WR. 1968 was his last season. Where are the Richmond Flowers type white athletes today on the college gridirons? He wasn't just fast. He WAS the fastest. And the best athlete in college football for three years. See below his SI cover.
https://deanscards.azureedge.net/itemimages/jwfzmPU0gg
And see below a recap of his accomplishments. Notice the opening statement about sticking out as the only white athlete competing.
http://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_flowers_richmond.html