University of Tennessee Athletics
Former UT Footballer Coggins Dies
August 29, 2011 | Football
Roger Coggins, who came from nowhere to first string as a blocking back for Tennessee football teams in the late 1940s, died Saturday at his Knoxville home. He was 86.
Coggins started the last five games of UT's 1948 season thanks to his spirit and determination. Known as a sure-fire tackler in addition to his blocking duties, the 5-7, 175-pounder gave all he had for his size on every play. Coggins lettered in 1948 and 1949, the latter season a 7-2-1 campaign that set the stage for UT's national championship season one year later.
Coggins graduated from UT in 1950 with an education degree and began a high school teaching and coaching career. Coggins coached football, basketball baseball, tennis and soccer in Tennessee and his home state of Virginia for 37 years.
A native of Portsmouth, Va., Coggins retired to Knoxville to be near his alma mater. He then regularly attended UT sporting events until his health failed and was a member of the UT Letterman's and Knoxville Quarterback clubs.
See the entire obituary here.
