VFL Reflection: Running Through the 'T' on Senior Day
Saturday is "Senior Day" at Tennessee, and 14 Vols will run through the "T" for the final time against Mizzou. VFL Insider reached out to a number of former Vols, or VFL's as we all know them. We asked them to reflect on the feelings, emotions, thoughts they had when they ran through the "T" […]
Saturday is "Senior Day" at Tennessee, and 14 Vols will run through the "T" for the final time against Mizzou.
VFL Insider reached out to a number of former Vols, or VFL's as we all know them. We asked them to reflect on the feelings, emotions, thoughts they had when they ran through the "T" the last time.
Enjoy.
#84 Chris Walker, DE 2007-2010
"I Will Give My ALL For Tennessee". Those are the words that I bought into when I signed to be a part of the great tradition of The University of Tennessee. Though my career was not what I expected, I wouldn't change a thing! I ran through The T for the last time saying, "I GAVE My ALL For Tennessee!"
#6 Derrick Furlow, DB 2005-2009
"Running through the T for last time is a feeling that's hard to describe. It's mixed with the excitement of game day along with the emotions of moving away from your best friend. You know it's something you will miss and reflect on for the rest of your life, but in that moment you just strive to soak it all in, not get emotional and enjoy the moment of seeing and hearing the fans erupt once the T opens."
#94 Wes Brown, DE 2005-2009
"For me, Senior Day was a dreaded day that I never wanted to see coming. I never dreamed that I would be as emotional as I was. I cried every single day of that week. 5 years went by in a blink of an eye and knowing that it would be my last one in Neyland Stadium was finally hitting home for me. The brotherhood with my teammates and getting to wear that orange jersey is something I'll forever be thankful for."
#85 Todd Campbell, WR 2007-2010
"When you run through the T for the last time, it's almost like dying. All of your college memories flash before your eyes, and at that point, you know you will never be able to go back to that place in time. It sounds grim. But, it's such a euphoric feeling because you know the roar of the crowd is not only cheering for you to get that last win but cheering you on into the next phase of your life."
#80 Corey Miller, DE 2010-2013
"The last time walking through the T is an experience like no other. For me, it was a build up of adversity from day 1 as an early enrollee, to falling in love with the greatest school and fans in the world. There's a reason Tennessee is home to many former players, and I believe moments like Giving your all for Tennessee, and having it pay off in love and support, is second to none."
#58 Marlon Walls, DL 2009-2013
"We were coming off of a very tough year, and when that day came I spent the whole week reflecting on the tough time it had been for my class on the Hill. I mean, I looked around and there were only 9 or 10 of the 2009 class left, out of a class of 25. After all of the heart breaking losses, the 5 different position coaches in 5 years, (on Senior Day) when my name was called, all of that made me smile. Because, I knew the program would be better then how I found it. We knew we laid a foundation for the next generation, so I was at ease because I knew of the success that would come after 2013.
Also, I remember when my name was called I heard a loud roar from the crowd which showed me two things. 1st of all it showed me that our fans, Vol nation, understood and appreciated the hard work and sacrifice we seniors had put in. They, too, understood there would be better days because of us seniors that had paid the price. 2nd, and most important thing, it taught me was that we, absolutely, hands down have the best fans in the world. That made me remember and reflect on how much I would miss wearing that Power T on the side of my helmet and how special Rocky Top really is!!!! #VFL"
#37 Brian Randolph, DB 2011-2015
"Running through the 'T' has always been a special moment for me, but doing it for the final time was like a dream. I hadn't done it all (senior) year because I was a captain, but on Senior Night we got to come out of the tunnel and also be captains. What I remember most about the first and last time I walked through the 'T' was looking around at all the fans and pretty dancers and feeling blessed to have been able to have such an incredible career."
