Taylor, a defensive lineman, committed to Tennessee football last February out of Waverly, Virginia. He was rated a four-star recruit after earning second team all-state honors as a senior defensive end at Hopewell High School in 2014. He recorded 60 tackles, including 19.0 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during his senior campaign, not to mention two blocked field goals, three forced fumbles, and six passes defended. Taylor turns 18 years old today.Â
A Knoxville native, Smith played only three games in 2014 before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery. He notched 10 catches for 135 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown reception at No. 4 Oklahoma in mid-September. Born this day in 1994, Smith is 21 years old today.
Chavanne wrapped up a stellar four-year playing career with Tennessee softball in 2013. A four-time All-American, Chavanne racked up 355 hits, 13 home runs, and 107 RBIs over three seasons on Rocky Top. She also notched 143 career stolen bases on 156 attempts. The Thousand Oaks, California, native closed her career as UT's all-time leader in batting average (.442), runs (244), stolen bases (143), and on-base percentage (.508).
Finally, today is the 39th birthday of Tennessee's most iconic figure in the legendary Peyton Manning. He finished his illustrious career in the Orange and White holding 42 NCAA, SEC, and Tennessee records while having won the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Player of the Year honors after his senior season. Since then, he has become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history and a face of the league.
Happy birthday, Darrell, Josh, Raven, and Peyton!
