KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has a proud football program rich in history and tradition, and over the years, many great players have played on Rocky Top.
Vols Wire looks at which players wore each jersey number for the Volunteers.
No. 56
The number dates back to 1937 in the Tennessee football program and it was first worn by George “Bob” Woodruff. Woodruff, a tackle for the Big Orange, sported the number during the 1937 and 1938 campaigns.
It was later worn by Jim Haslam, who played on the line at UT between 1949-52.
Haslam remains active at Tennessee and founded the Pilot Flying J Corporation.
His son, Jimmy, owns the Cleveland Browns. He previously owned the Southern League’s Tennessee Smokies, the Class AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and once had stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He sold the Smokies to Randy Boyd, who is now president at Tennessee and recently ran for governor to replace Jim’s other son, Bill.
Prior to being Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam was the mayor of Knoxville.
All-time players to wear No. 56 at Tennessee.
George “Bob” Woodruff (1937-38)
Earl Brown (1939-40)
Charles Wildman (1944-47)
Jim Haslam (1949-52)
Bill Lanter (1954-57)
Buddy King (1958)
Duke Volmer (1961)
Taft Hefner (1962)
Reggie Jellicrose (1964-65)
Wayne Smith (1967-69)
Greg Pennekamp (1970)
Brian Woods (1972-73)
Mike Rotella (1974)
Robert Shaw (1975-78)
Tim Rumsey (1980-82)
Duan Henry (1984)
David Dodd (1985-87)
Chad Goodin (1988-89)
Chuck Smith (1990-91)
Chester Ford (1993)
Aylan Martin (1996-97)
Thomas Stallworth (1998)
Bernard Jackson (199-2001)
Jon Poe (2003-05)
J.R. Carr (2009)
Nick Reveiz (2008-10)
Curt Maggitt (2011-15)
Matthew Butler (2017)
Riley Locklear (2017-19)
Ethan Rinke (2019)
*Source: 2019 Tennessee Football Media Guide