University of Tennessee Athletics
One More Time For Randolph, Vols vs. VU
November 23, 2015 | Football
By Brian Rice
UTSports.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Saturday will be the final game in Neyland Stadium for 19 members of the Tennessee football family as the Vols celebrate Senior Day against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The group is one that has seen a great deal and leaves with memories of overcoming struggles, dramatic victories and, thanks to the current four-game winning streak, back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2009-10.
“It’s a big day Saturday as we get to recognize 19 senior members of our football family,” head coach Butch Jones said. “They have meant so much to our program and they’ve been through a lot together.”
For a class that came to Tennessee to bring the Vols “back” to where the program has traditionally been, four straight and back-to-back bowls represent progress, but not a destination. They have set a foundation for more wins to come.
“It feels great,” said Brian Randolph, one of those seniors that will be honored Saturday. “I don't think I've ever had four-game win streak here. To be able to do that makes me feel great and knowing that we are leaving Tennessee in a better place.”
Randolph will leave Tennessee after his fifth season with a pair of degrees, having finished his undergraduate degree last December. He has started 45 games over five seasons, three of those coming in an injury-shortened 2012 for which he was awarded a medical redshirt after an injury against Florida.
Randolph has made an impact on the field from day one. He made 55 tackles as a freshman, appearing in all 12 games. From there, his force on the field has continued to grow. He made the 300th tackle of his career in the Vols’ win over Missouri on Saturday and has seven career interceptions.
He has made an impact off the field as well, both in the community and on his teammates. His demeanor and his long hair have made him a favorite on visits in the community. His leadership and work ethic have had the same impact in the locker room.
"Just the effect you can have on some people,” Randolph said of his favorite part about being a Vol. “It is starting to sink in. [Teammates] keep reminding me that this is the last Monday, last road game, stuff like that. Todd Kelly Jr. came up to me and said, 'This is our last plane ride,' besides the bowl game, of course. Little things like that make you think about it. I try not to get too involved in the clutter and focus on beating Vanderbilt.”
The Commodores and their stout defense will prove a stiff challenge for the Tennessee offense.
“They lead the SEC in a lot of defensive categories so we have to come ready to play,” quarterback Joshua Dobbs said. “Every week in the SEC you’re going to play a good defense with good athletes, so you have to be ready to go.”
The offense brings its game, Randolph leads his defense in Neyland Stadium one more time. It has the makings of another day of special memories, something Randolph has plenty of. But it is a day in 2013 that he remembers most fondly, a day where the progress really began in earnest.
“It was the South Carolina game,” he said of his favorite memory. “That was the first time for myself beating a ranked team, an SEC team, at home. I feel like that was turning point of my career when we got that first crucial win. After Palardy made that kick, that is probably the best time I can remember at Neyland Stadium.”
