Vols Jersey Countdown #29

Aug. 2, 2012

#29

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Inquoris "Inky" Johnson
Defensive Back (2004-06)

Inquoris "Inky" Johnson was a three-year letterwinner for the Vols before suffering a life-threatening injury that ended a promising playing career early. After accumulating 41 tackles and 10 PBUs in 23 games at Rocky Top, he went for a tackle late in a game against Air Force and jammed his shoulder into the body of the Air Force running back Justin Handley. The hit caused nerve damage in Johnson's right shoulder and ended his playing career. Since then, Johnson has earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from UT, detailed his story in his autobiography, Inky: An Amazing Story of Faith and Perseverance and is mentoring underprivileged youth in Knoxville and his hometown of Atlanta. Johnson also speaks to crowds about his faith, his ability to overcome adversity and his ability to accept a change of plans from his NFL dreams.

WHY I WORE THE NUMBER
Inquoris "Inky" Johnson
Defensive Back (2004-06)

"The number 29 is very special to me because it is something that I take alot of pride in for a couple of reasons. When number 29 was on my back and my shoulders it was a testament to God and my family. I also represented The University Of Tennessee every game that I wore it and now I get to see my dear friend Eric Berry wear it in the NFL and honor me every game and practice. Most importantly, my favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11."

WHY I WEAR THE NUMBER
Eric Berry
Safety - Kansas City Chiefs

"I wear (Inky's) number 29 on my back, front and shoulders with pride. Not only as a tribute but also as a thank you. Every time I put that jersey on at a practice or in a game, I am reminded of the things he taught me. He not only fine-tuned my craft, but my character as well. That's why every time I make a big play, I hit each number and salute (Inky)."

FAN FAVORITE 29s
Tweet @Vol_Football to let us know who your favorite player to wear No. 29 with the Vols was.

ALL-TIME 29s

Alvin Rice - 1937
William Foster - 1939
Max Partin - 1941,45-46
Gene Felty - 1947-50
Wayne Watson - 1951-52
Rich Zimmer - 1967
Ed Lozzi - 1968
Bill McGlothlin - 1970
Steve Slack - 1972
Russ Rabenstein - 1973-75
Danny Martin - 1977-80
Vince Clark - 1982-84
Vando Davis - 1986-89
Kenneth Campbell - 1990-92
Brent Kilpatrick - 1994
Heath Smargiasso - 1995-96
Mikki Allen - 1997-99
O.J. Owens - 2001
Inquoris Johnson - 2005-06
Stephen White - 2009
Stephen Raines - 2009-10
Tom Smith - 2011

For the most up-to-date information about Tennessee football, visit UTSports.com/football or follow us on Twitter @Vol_Football.

Tennessee will open the 2012 campaign at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against North Carolina State at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31. To purchase tickets, visit UTTix.com or call the Tennessee ticket office at 1-800-332-VOLS.

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