The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 24

0 THI NASHVILLI TENNESSEAN. Sunday Morning, Up. It, 1949 S-B Soph-Loaded UT Vols Set To Return As SEC Power Ifcf 1 Eft, fWle i tew ar fej 'Tx 'It. W. C.

CaODitr. Paul Gflarlna. Kn Donahue. Dick Erntbror. Jam Francis Stupar, Dave Markloff, Charles Flora, Jack Stroud, Jim row, Alan Fielden, Charles Baker, Norman Meseroll, Roger Cog gins, Bud Sherrod, Bernie Sizemore, Hank Lauricella, Ray Elkas, Jim Umberger, Ron Bergmeier, Vernon Lyons, Roy Smith, Bill Pear-man, Andy Myer.

Third row, Manager Joe Bender, Ted Daffer, Front row (left to right), Fred Mason, Gil Kyker, Ken Pruitt, Jimmy Hahn, Charles Meyer, Don Bordinger, Co-Captain Hal Little-ford, Co-Captain Ralph Chancey, Jimmy Cameron, Bert Rechichar, Harold Payne, Phil Secrist, Dennis Babb, Harold Johnson. Second Miner, John Gruble, Charles Cummins, Jim Sivert, jonn uraay, Bob Davis, Gene Felty, Ralph Huneycutt, Jerry Morris, Frank Boring, Vince Kaseta. Fourth row, Andy Kozar, Jim Vugrin, Bud Sherrill, Yost, Jim Haslam, Gordon Polofsky, Bill Jasper, Jim Hill, Gene Burgin, Tom Brixey. department he is a hard, fast (super-smooth triple-threat prospect and shifty running back as ajon whom much depends this sea- quick on reactions excellent on defense and a capable block-185 er will aid guard slot consider- Son of a former Vol standout recently married. VINCE ASETA 20, 5 feet, pass receiver, he is tops on the son a riasny, smity runner rangy and a stellar defensive man another excellent prospect who is lacking only in experience aside from his defensive ability, he is a good blocker and has fine pass-snatching talent he is a former ably should see his share squad probably the best kick-off and extra-point man the Vols who stands out on punt returns a passing wizard and an over-par KNOXVILLE Two years ago Tennessee's football fortunes began to wane.

The 1947 season was conspicuous for the lack of success enjoyed by fabled Bob Neyland, legend of the Volunteer gridiron, after taking a crew of war veterans end green freshmen to the Orange kicker All this boys needs is experience and polish and he could Knox Central standout. played have had in a decade but where this boy really shines is on defense, he is a rocking sure taekler and covers passes like a vet was much on frosh team last year bowl 46. could develop Into a fine all-round Sophomore from Brocton, Mass. Fine offensive end needs polish on defense won "outstanding player award" for New Kngland States in 1945 being groomed for possibly number one offensive end duties this year an undertaker's assistant during summer. HORACE "BUD" SHERROD 21, 6 feet 1, 185 Junior from Knox-ville.

Routh's most underrated end service. RAY ELKAS 21, 5 feet 6, 180 Junior from Pawtueket, R. I. Tennessee's "Mr. Five-By-Five" number one left guard last season he is not the sensational type performer, but very dependable and consistent he is all business wher on the field either in prac take over the reins as number one tailback ticketed for plenty of action in any event outstanding prospect.

standout of spring drills. end The record that year was five victories and five losses and among JIM MINER 22, 6 feet 3, 195 the losses were all of the big ones. PHIL SECRIST 20, 5 feet 10, 170 Sophomore from Walland, Tenn. Former All-Service back with HAL LITTLEFORD 23, 5 feet 10 Senior from Mentor, Ohio A rT't rTnrti 1, I 1 three-year letterman good pass receiver and a rugged defensive All-wise alumni began to wonder whether or not the master of prewar years the man who went to Cherry Point Marines one of inches, 165 Senior and co-captain from Bristol, Tenn was regular tailback and main spark of Vols tice or game a key man in the smoothest ball-carriers on the in 1948 best defensive end line man big, lanky, fast and able who is hard to move on strong and smart, he defense offensive attack last season he is an excellent blocker was a stickout on several occasions last season not the sensational type, but very dependable good all- Tennessee's best running back probably the best punter in the South finished second in the nation in punt returnB by returning round end who will help strengthen flank slot plenty this season. 36 punts for 448 yards for a 12.4 FRANCIS STUPAR 19, 6 feet 1, per yard return average very should prove to be one of the; Routt's better guards can be1 depended upon for good play.

VLRNON LYONS 18, 6 feet, 180 Sophomore from Norfolk, Va. Former AJI-Rtate guard on the notet' Granby high school teams, from 1944-47 very strong and capable lacks needed experience, but came through in grand style in the spring will see much defensive action broad jump 195 Sophomore from Munhall, Pa, fast and elusive likely to go all the way once in the open became the squad's best passer last Was an outstanding periormer on last season Irosn team i -X ii W--in Liu season and completed 36 of 81 for excellent offensive prospect is far above par both as a pass receiver and as a blocker very fast and is as rugged as they come was a three-sport star in high school, but football was his main dish he is possibly the best of and shot man on track team. RO" SMITH 21, 6 feet 3, 195-Junio" from Knoxville. Better known as "Looney" play was spotty last season but improved as year progressed will play defensive this season big, strong and rough a real "holler" guy fensive, flankman on the squad three major post-season games in three years was losing his touch. A year later, 1948, the four wins, four losses and two ties lent credence to their doubts.

Some of the boys were even shopping for a replacement before news of the General's freshman crop leaked out. Frosh Were Ready A better-than-average defensive team, even in defeat, those freshmen were rumored to contain just the offensive spark needed to put Neyland and the Vols back on the victory trail. The spring intra-squad game In '49 became history and even the most pessimistic of the doubters was back on the General's bandwagon. A pair of tailbacks, Harold Payne and Hank Lauricella, ran, passed and kicked the fans into a frenzy. Lined up in support of tried and true Hal Littleford, these kids appeared to have everything needed to cure any and all of the Vols' tailbacking ills.

And that wasn't all. At wingback, a spot vacated not-too-long-ago by Ail-American Bob Foxx, appeared a boy who seemed to be able to make the Tennessee reverse, once the terror of the Southeastern conference, click for yardage again. Bert Rechichar was his name, and on the basis of his spring training showing and his performances in fall drills Je. was just what the really came to the front during the 327 yards will be first-string tailback won All-Conference honors last season should be sure bet to repeat conference honors and could be All-America A smooth and polished back who plays at his best under pressure Education major. HAROLD PAYNE 19, 6 feet, 175 Sophomore from Pensacola, Fla.

The ball-toting phenomenon of spring practice this former All-Stater may be the make-or-break man of the Vols attack in '49 he is a hard-crushing runner with a very deceptive change ot spring. who helps give squad needed zip Blocking Backs JV 1 J- ROGER COGGINS 23, 5 feet 7, 175 Senior from Portsmouth, Vo. came from nowhere to first- should have a good season which would help this position. JIM VUGRIN 2.1, 6 feet, 190 Senior from Lansford, Pa. A three-letterman one of the most powerful men on the squad he is a great blocker on offense and a rnilffh ilafanviira string last season was No.

1 blocking back for laat five games this boy really gives all he has all the way he is as rugged made All-Service team in 1945 us thev make 'em for his size pace was the surprise package" of spring drills and his outstanding ball-carrying ability mads more than one head turn better-than-average passer and kicker excellent defensive safety man tops as a punt returner is lacking only in experience this boy may become the num- and received SEC honors last sea- a hard sure-fire tackier, he is a fine aJii nun uccu a. aiiiliuuiil ill uie Interference lender nis spirit 7nl Una tUa. nnof l.An line for the three and determination plus ability will past seasons tVr -fr 1 speed is his asset which makes carry him through. him a top interference leader Harold Payne JIMMY HAHN 19. 5 feet 11.

180 Sophomore from Newport News ft iter one ground-gainer before tne season's end he is hieh-snirited aggressive he is a rough-tough, squad put this grid-wise veteran on your list as an All-America candidate ii Vugrin plays to his ability he can't be denied. very good blocker a key man on the Vols )W jand very determined if his fine build tor aifor sure type guard Va. will eventually earn im nickname "Cannonball" is a doctor ordered. Fullback Fin The fullback spot, too, looked to be in better Shape than at any guard prepper at Fork Union Hank Lauricella outstanding play continues, he could become regular tailback a man rough, rugged "rocker-socker" from wav back he is an outstanding, offensive operation hiS'season JIM HASLAM 19. 6 feet 3, 200 Sophomore from St.

Petersburg, (Va.) Military Academy very Centers time since the war. Newcomers squad elusive runner who is; to watch. progressive in Spring drills action thisiFla. former All-Star Florida Gordon Polofsky, Bernie Sizemore, likely to see varsity hard-tackling defensive back, but really shines as a blocker leading the ball-carrier was regular on good on wide sweeps ex-! ellent pass receiver steady on LinS4iYr frosh team last year and really and Dick Ernsberger with veteran Ralph Chancey, plagued with injuries for two years, were in the saddle and the picture was becom defense scrappy prospect whoil UllS-IUViV) will see action this season re- year nicknamed "Hacksaw." JIM UMBERGER 20, 6 feet, 390 Sophomore from Wythevllle, Va. one of the best line prospects high school player started as an end but was shifted to tackle has plenty of speael and is hard to move charges hard and is a good blocker this boy BOB DAVIS 19, 6 feet 1, 185 Sophomore from Bluefield, W.

Va. Former All-West Virginia Conference high school player came showed his ability drills last Spring 'i v- a i could be the No. 1 man at mis to come out of Western Virginia in along very fast in spring drills ft i VeaiS I1UL (UiLSltllluniti, UU'lJa uuc lU oC Jfc oluuii cently married. I na'P" Z4, 6 reet, lao i niim cucDDin on a Senior and co-captain from Cleve- fee'i ZA Va. Shifted from end to wlng-l' hlS the, Vng back last season and became best rocky, a three-year letterman on season's end excen- has been Injured much during position is ticketed tor plenty of action in any case rated as a great prospect.

7 "wi00-' dependable-type player good given plenty of action for experience Gordon Polofsky squad and probably in SEC also plays excellent on offense, be ihia boy may be a standout' blocker and a sound defensive man JIMMY HILL-20. 5 feet 11, 175- basketball and track man in al I I another boy who fired up he an 'deal picture of the see tional pass receiver scored three ing a good pass receiver A-ll-State high school player number one defensive end good bet for All-SEC honors two-year NORMAN MESEROLL 21, 6 feet 2, 210 Senior from New Brunswick, N. J. All-Conference and AP third team All-America ing more rosy. in addition, unbelieving spectators witnessed alterations in the old single wing.

The blocking back was no longer in his old slot. Fullbacks were passing the ball and wingbacks were taking pitchouts in the best formation tradition. The system was altered, the personnel was different and above all, 1949 began shaping up as a winning year. Who will be the cogs in this machine? Here Is a position by position, man by man picture of the new Volunteers. Right Tackles Junior from Maryville came to Tennessee as a tailback shifted to blocking back last year and it has paid dividends was an all-sports star in prep school he is a speed merchant can also play the wingback spot stood out on defense last year, but is ticketed for more offensive duties this sea letterman.

TD's via this route last season hurdle man and high jumper on track team a smooth runner with knack of cutting up field at the right time good on defense scheduled for heavy duties again KEN DONAHUE 22, 6 feet 2, selection last, season 5ig jNorm JOE YOST-21, 5 feet 11, 185 200 Junior from Knoxville raw- 13 nave nis greatest season boned and rough this boy has wun lnB vols a mree-year iet- Sophomore from Tazewell, Va. Played guard as a frosh shifted his career, but had his greatest vear last season a natural leader and a real "holler" guy thrives on rough work as a linebacker, but is at his best smacking the line on offense a key man who has been very underrated in the past is the best all-around team player on the squad and is always ready for action very polished a key figure in the Vols attack regular for past two seasons married a great competitor. Oick Ernsberger 18, 5 feet 11, in '49. really found himself during the past to end during spring an All- son. Tailbacks CHARLES MEYER 19, 5 feet 11, State full back in high school very rugged looked very good on defense in spring practice.

year figures very strongiy on offense and much depends on Tock "etenae- he prac-plav likes it best when the il'y immovable his speed going is roup-h probably co-ordination make him stand-most improved lineman on the lfu his Led Ends 175 Sophomore from Cincinnati, ence he will push vets for number one spot GENE FELTY 22, 6 feet 2, 195-Junior from Bristol. Came to Tennessee as a tackle, but was shifted to center last season played excellent pivot until leg injury in Duke game never fully recovered, but came back in spring and seems to have regained old form will see service on defense only married member of center position RALPH HUNEYCUTT 23, 6 feet 3, 195 Senior from Appalachia, Va. Two year letterman and regular offensive center fine blocker and best ball-snapper on the squad slightly hampered last season due to broken leg received in previous W. C. COOPER 20, 5 feet, 170 Ohio another hard-hitting young Junior from Knoxville.

This former ster with load3 of ability, but short Left Tackles jicimuitiin. iuuiu nil in n. ini- st ring tackle slot on the '49 All- Knox High All-Southern flash could of experience under fire rated as! be called the squads most depend 175 Sophomore from Mansfield, O. Small but very rugged rated as able back he is a standout as a passer, runner and kicker first showed signs of being a top- DENNIS BABB 20. 5 feet 11, 178 Sophomore from Knoxville small hut.

very rugged and capable hard worker with much determination needs experience should prove helpful this sea-ion. CHARLES CUMMINS 22, 6' 2. 185, senior from Hartsville. Was outstanding pass receiver in spring drills better on offense than defense will see plenty of action when the Vols have the ball. grade tailback last season with his very impressive play very cool under fire his spring play spring practice leg completely indicated he is set on being regular tailback will see heavy duty fine prospective all-around fullback stood out in spring as a line-backer short of experience scheduled for much defensive action this year a hard worker with lots of ability and determination was an outstanding prep school athlete winning most valuable player award his senior year a considerable aid to this spot.

Fred Fogarty 19, 6 feet, 185 one of the better backs to come out of Cincinnati prep schools in recent years a good blocker, but better bet on defense saw plenty of action with frosh last season and looked very capable in the Spring. KEN PRUETT 20, 5 feet 9, 175 Junior from Knoxville shifted from wingback because of his blocking ability built low and is very rugged likes it rough and is a hard sure tackier former Knox Rule standout his experience should aid this spot considerably is smart and a cool competitor. JIM SIVERT 23. 5 feet 10, 185 rtiut-i i.iui nuit: ucl in 1 tr- peat conference honors married and has year-old son BILL PEAR MAN 20. 6 feet 1, 200 -Sophomore from Charlotte, N.

This former all-stater from North Carolina is rough, tough and ready for action played as a freshman in '47, but was ineligible last year has plenty of saavy with added year's experience excellent blocker scheduled to see plent of duty if his play in spring was any indication, he will greatly aid tackle spot he is another boy to watch nicknamed "Pug." both on offense and defense healed now and strengthened, which should aid him in having his best year BILL JASPER 21, 6 feet. 195 could be the key man to make the offensive attack click definitely a man to watch extra good Sophomore from Somerest, Ky. Big, i triple-threat man. FRANK BORING -20, 6 feet 2-Sophomore. from Alcoa Powerful, but inexperienced youngster on whom much may depend this season looked very capable as a freshman last season fast for a big boy played tackle and fullback in high school rates high in tackle department.

TOM BRIXEY 23, 6 feet 2, 200 Senior from Tullahoma. Two-year letterman Vols punt-covering specialist wry fast and has knack of being down field when punt arrives rugged, hard tackier much depends on him this RUSS DOBELSTEI 21. 5 feet 11, 200 Senior from Bridgeport, Conn. Lettered at Tennessee in '45, and '48 member of 1944 Rose Bowl team was nt U. S.

military academy for eight months. PAUL GEARING 22. 6 feet 2, 215 Senior from Monongahela, Pa. A big, strong, and bruising tackle plays offensive and defensive Sophomore from Neffs, Ohio, HANK LAURICELLA 19, 5 feet 10 inches, 165 Sophomore from New Orleans, La. Former All-State man from Holy Cross prep in New strong, rugged and still growing this boy is on track to stardom potentially Tennessee's best defensive center in years was outstanding frosh line-backer last season and really came into his own in the spring he loves it rough Senior from Gate City, Va.

this veteran of all positions was shifted Right Ends to this position in trie Spring, and he Orleans led freshmen team offensive attack last season standout at Knox Central high saw much action with frosh last season looked vastly improved in spring drills equally effective on offense and defense will see his share of action despite keen competition majoring in Education. John O'Grady 20, 5 feet 11, 185 Sopohomore from Neffs, Ohio. and is at his best under pressure ALAN FIELDEN 23, 6 feet. 190 witn gained experience he will be grade in the line-backing department good bet for first year honors very good on pass defense Senior from Knoxville. Three-year letterman played blocking back during '46 and '47 seasons, but was shifted to end last year this move really paid off as he be Shifted from center to this spot fits in it as he would a "custom-made suit" he has been a hard-luck guy for the past three seasons and may make his career a big one with his play this season he is a great defensive man, but his play of late indicates that he was made for a blocker scheduled for heavy duty, possibly the No.

1 blocking back married and has a recent addition to his family. because of speed was injured much last season and is as yet untried looked very good as a came the number one right end and was a standout on defense he Right Guards tackle equally well a hard I worker a two-year letterman I is no drawback on offense great VV could be mainstay in line CHARLES BAKER 22, 5 feet 11, very popular with teammates .185 Senior from Knoxville. Two-expected to have a good year. year letterman very fast team player is a terrific tackier and a fine blocker will again serve as top right end defensive 1 I 5 -A Vl, 1 I Wingbacks man. 1 i jwr quick on trie trigger wnen cnarging line-backer during frosh year is rough and strong may be very helpful needs experience.

Gordon Polofsky 18, 6 feet, 1 195 Sophomore from Cranston, R. I. This former two-time All-State fullback may become the wheelhorse of the backfield he is big, strong, fast and something has to give when he hits the line besides being probably the best CHARLES FLORA-21, 6 feet i. t-Aceiieni. UlUUftt'i siaiuis ouu lessee's "rock" on the left side of interference leader rnme 185 Junior from Danville, Va.

RONALD BERGMEIER 21, 6 feet 1. 180 Senior from St. Louis, 7 I former all-state in both football and basketball near top in pass I receiving department scheduled he line two-year letterman i to Tennessee as a back, but his S-. played more than any other been playing guard for the past two i Vol last season was very un- seHsons regular last year lerratC-d SUre-fire bet for All- will mnrh artinn nn nffonso thlo' for offensive duties really be-j Conference and possibly national season has plenty of zip and offensive fullback prospect since pre-war days, he is even greater on defense his line-backing honors played for Fort Ben to develop toward end of last! season his play in spring was very encouraging could be a ability is uncanny stood out in top offensive man. JOHN GRUBLE 20, 6 feet 3, 195 -Junior from Mount Airy, N.

C. A ning national champs in 1946 rates with best defensive tackles the Vols have had In years if he repeats his '48 performances the left side of the line will be very capable recently married watch this boy. spirit at times he is very flashy his experience and ability will help give the Vols a fine set of offensive guards. TED DAFFER 20, 5 feet 11, 180 Sophomore from Norfolk, Va. One of the finest guard prospects at Tennessee in many years was standout freshman lineman last season very fast charge spring drills ticketed for heavy duty in '49 he is definitely a man to watch will probably be number one defensive fullback may be the best of the up-coming freshmen lot.

7 -M, -4J (, two-year letterman was named on All-SEC first freshman team in 1947 good end both offensively and defensively was slowed down last season due to leg operation now ready for action. Mo. A fine reverse runner and pass receiver made several long gains last Beason was No. 1 pass-receiving back very speedy and likely to go all the way once past the line of scrimmage dash man on track team. DAVE MARKLOFF 19, 6 feet 1, 190 Sophomore from Philadelphia, Pa.

One of the big question marks among the Vols' untried backs has potentialities of becoming an outstanding back, but needs developing and experience big, strong and very fast, he is shifty and an excellent pass receiver was voted best school athlete in Philadelphia in 1948 with action under his belt this boy could be a "prize package" in any league a fine prospect. BERT RECHICHAR 19, 6 feet 1, 190 Sophomore from Belle Vernon, Pa. A dream for the wingback Bernie Sizemore 20, 5 feet 9, 180 Sophomore from Princeton, W. Left Guards he's a tough and convincing tackier Va. The fastest man on the squad ANDY KOZAR 19, 6 feet, 195- an outstanding offensive pros- DON BORDINGER 21.

5 feet 11, nas KnacK ior ionowing pinyn, while knifing through Sophomore from St. Michael, Pa. nect once past the line of scrim ft i 180 Sophomore from Williamsport, I. I i 1 I I 1 i 4 Rugged built lad with a fine ambi mage he is usually goal line bound Pa. A fine young guard prospect line was All-state tor two years played with All-Navy All-Southern in 194, he will champs in 1947 fast and very.be a key man in the Vol '49 defen- tion to play football rated as an outstanding prospect is lacking in experience looked improved on defense this spring with aggressive short of experience sive sei-up mis ooy nas u.e but should be helpful on defense.

anility, i ft size, speed and strength to of the South's best guards ison watch him, he could season added experience and know-how he this boy could be the vols of-ensive surprise of '49 despite he is powerful and hard to bring down very adequate on defense he is a very capable ballhandler, but needs action under fire another man to watch very scrappy rated as an outstanding prospect. GENE BURG IN 21. 5 feet 10, be one 1 could be very helpful at the flank this position very determined. be great. 180 Sophomore from Knoxville.

Prepped at Young high school wher. he made All-State and All-Southern charges fast and is spot this boy would bring a smile to any coach he shows signs of being outstanding in every HAZEN KREIS 20, 6 feet 2, 195 -Sophomore from Knoxville. Fast, FRED MASON 20, 5 feet 11, Sophomore from Harlan, Ky. Very) Frank Boring Bert Rechichar Bermo Sizemore i')ni 'i A A i.V.