University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Jersey Countdown #52
July 10, 2012 | Football
July 10, 2012
PLAYER SPOTLIGHTJackie Walker
Linebacker (1969-71)
Jackie Walker refined the role of linebacker at Tennessee, turning it into a hard-hitting, yet sleek, position with his small body and skillful tactics. Walker was a two-time All-American for the Vols his junior and senior years. In 1970, UT's daunting defense collected 36 interceptions for a seemingly untouchable school record. Walker led the Vols with 82 tackles and 42 assists. He finished his career with 11 interceptions, more than anyone who wasn't a defensive back during his time. He returned those picks for 281 yards and five touchdowns. The 281 yards ranked fourth at the time on Tennessee's all-time chart behind three defensive backs - all his teammates.
WHY I WORE THE NUMBERJack Jolley
Center (1979-80)
I feel very fortunate to tell folks that I played for the Vols, but not too many folks can say they had three different numbers, including a college football Hall of Famer. This story still gives me goose bumps sharing the sequence of jersey numbers while playing for the VOLS." Tweet @Vol_Football to let us know who your favorite player to wear No. 52 with the Vols was.
