List of 5 one-time Vols and 3 local players in NFL; 2019 recaps

Miami Dolphins WR Preston Williams vs. Dallas Cowboys / Credit: Miami Dolphins Media Site

List of 5 one-time Vols and 3 local players in NFL; 2019 recaps

Posted on March 24, 2020
Miami Dolphins WR Preston Williams vs. Dallas Cowboys / Credit: Miami Dolphins Media Site

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

2020 free agency in the NFL is underway.

Here’s an updated list of players in the National Football League that started at the University of Tennessee but transferred and finished playing elsewhere or are from East Tennessee, but did not play at the University of Tennessee.

For perspective, you’ll see a recap of their 2019 seasons, along with free agents, notes and more.

In a separate blog post on 991TheSportsAnimal.com, you’ll find the current list of 32 VFLs in the NFL that played, and ended their careers, at the University of Tennessee.

Look for updates here on my blog “Vince’s View.” Bookmark my blog page and check back often.

One-Time Vols That Transferred To Other Schools On NFL Rosters (5) as of 3/24/20
TE – Lee Smith TE (85) Buffalo Bills (Powell HS/U. of Tennessee/Marshall)
2019: 17 GP, 5 starts, 5 rec 39 yds 1 TD

QB – Nathan Peterman (3) Las Vegas Raiders (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)
2019: DNP; Spent the season on injured reserve with an elbow injury

WR – Preston Williams (18) Miami Dolphins (U. of Tennessee/Colorado St)
2019: The rookie was impressive in the first half of the season; 8 GP, 7 starts; 32 catches, 428 yds (13.4 yds per) and 3 TD; Missed the 2nd half of the season due to a knee injury

TE – Daniel Helm (43) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Duke)
2019: DNP; Spent season on the practice squad

WR – Jalen Hurd (14) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Baylor)
2019: DNP: Spent the season on injured reserve with a back injury

Knoxville Area Players That Didn’t Play At UT on NFL Rosters (3)
P – Chris Jones (6) Dallas Cowboys (Carson-Newman)
2019: Played in 16 games; 50 punts for 41.6 yds per punt which was the lowest average among regular NFL punters

WR – Randall Cobb (–) Houston Texans (Alcoa HS/Kentucky)
2019: 15 GP, 6 starts with the Cowboys; 55 catches for 828 yds (18.1 yds per) and 3 TD

S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame)
2019: 18 GP, all starts; 103 tackles, 6 PD, 4 QBH, 3 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FR, 2 FF; Named to his 5th Pro Bowl

Notes and Numbers for One-Time Vols & Knoxville Area Players (as of 3/24/20)
*There are 5 players that were once at U. of Tennessee but then transferred
*There are 3 players that didn’t attend UT, but have Knoxville/East TN ties

Free Agents To Watch Among One-Time Vols and Local Players
DE – Dewayne Hendrix (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)

Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net

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