University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Begin Dallas Workouts After Learning of White's Death
December 26, 2004 | Football
Dec. 26, 2004
IRVING, Texas - Tennessee began its bowl-site practice schedule here Sunday on a sad note, learning of former Vol Reggie White's death just before taking the field. The Vols worked for two hours at Irving Schools Stadium.
Head coach Phillip Fulmer addressed White's passing, calling it a tragedy not only for UT fans but also for the nation.
"Reggie was one of those guys who represented all that was good about football and athletics," Fulmer said. "He was a man of great principle who obviously carried his faith out front. I don't know if there's any one person, in my time as a football coach, whom I've had more admiration for and respect for.
"Even though he was sometimes outspoken, even to the point of being controversial, he always said and did what he believed was the right thing."
During his 1980-83 career, White collected a school-record 32 sacks in establishing himself as the most prolific pass rusher in Tennessee history. Known as the "Minister of Defense," White went on to a 17-year pro football tenure, retiring as the NFL's all-time sack leader with 198.
He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
"His senior year, I have never seen an individual dominate an entire season like he did," said Fulmer, who as a Vols assistant coach watched White record 15 sacks en route to SEC Player of the Year honors. "He then dominated the NFL like he did his senior year in college."
Fulmer also commented on the Christmas announcement that LSU coach Nick Saban was leaving for the Miami Dolphins.
"I certainly wish him well," Fulmer said. "He did a fabulous job while he was at LSU and leaves some big shoes to fill. He was good for our league the short time he was here."
Saban's departure means that in 2005, of Tennessee's 11 opponents, five will feature coaches in their debut seasons at those schools. The Vols will face new coaches at Florida, LSU, Mississippi, South Carolina and Notre Dame.
Two Vols missed most of Sunday's practice because of travel difficulties and two more were out with illness.
Freshmen Xavier Mitchell and Chris Brown were delayed arriving in Dallas because of icy weather in New Orleans. Quarterback Brent Schaeffer missed Sunday's workout with an illness, while Fulmer announced Tennessee likely would be without the services this week of senior defensive end Karlton Neal.
The Chicago native has been battling the flu since before leaving Knoxville for the holiday break and spent one night in the hospital while at home. His status will be updated later in the week.
After practice, the team attended Dallas' home NFL game against Washington at Texas Stadium. The Vols will stage the remainder of their bowl preparations at the Cowboys' stadium. Monday's practice will be at 12:30 p.m. CT, followed by a 3 p.m. Media Day for the Cotton Bowl.
Tennessee meets Texas A&M Saturday in the SBC Cotton Bowl. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. Central time.
