KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has a proud football program rich in tradition and history, and over the years many great players have played on Rocky Top.
Vols Wire looks at what players wore each jersey number for the Volunteers.
No. 49
The number is retired by the Tennessee football program in honor of Rudy Klarer.
Klarer, who played in Knoxville in 1941 and 1942, was the first player to sport the number for the Vols.
Klarer, Bill Nowling, Willis Tucker and Clyde Fuson have all had their numbers taken out of circulation because all four were killed in action in World War II.
Nowling (No. 32), Klarer (No. 49), Tucker (No. 61) and Fuson (No. 62) all had their numbers retired in a ceremony prior to Tennessee’s game against Air Force in 2006.
All-time players to wear No. 49 at Tennessee:
Rudy Klarer (1941-42)
Gene Huff (1944)
Carroll Young (1956)
Jim Lowe (1958)
Glenn Glass (1959-61)
Larry Watson (1962)
Art Galiffa (1963)
Bob Mauriello (1968)
Johnny Thompson (1970, 1972)
John Tharpe (1973-74)
Danny Emery (1975)
Rick Berkhan (1976-77)
Steve Castleman (1978)
Dale Schneitman (1979)
Jake Tillman (1981)
Kelly Ziegler (1984-87)
*Source: 2019 Tennessee Football Media Guide