Scouting the '63 Vols

by VolBrian on Jun 25, 2009 11:12 AM EDT

As some of you already know, my grandfather had a fairly distinguished pro football career. His last position before he retired was as Defensive Coach and Offensive Line Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1962-1965. I've been posting some of his stuff on different SB Nation blogs, but I do have some Tennessee related stuff here. He always gave a tryout to anybody from Tennessee. Didn't matter the talent level, he would at least give them a shot.

Here are some of his documents related to his scouting of the 1963 Tennessee squad for the Steelers.

After the jump to save space.

These first two are scouting reports on potential pro prospects. His handwriting may be tough to read on the second one, but there is a portion on Steve DeLong in there:

And these last three are the "not for publication" copy of the 1963 roster sent to pro teams:

Hope y'all enjoy a little glimpse at the past!

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Have you given any thought to having these kinds of documents archived?

This is awesome.

by David Hooper on Jun 25, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

How so?

I mean like professionally? Or some specific way?

I have about 10 2-inch binders full of correspondence and his playbooks. I’ve done some work as far as cleaning them up and putting the docs in acid-free sleeves, but that’s about all I know to do besides scanning them in for preservation that way.

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jun 25, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

BTW,

Since they’re running a Single Wing offense, their “blocking back” is what we now know as the quarterback. That’s why you don’t see quarterbacks mentioned on the list.

Oh, and check out the sizes of the players.

by David Hooper on Jun 25, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

Yep

Oh, and check out the sizes of the players.

My grandfather played both ways, offensive and defensive line, at 6’2’ 215 pounds

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jun 25, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Austin Denny (Right End)

Went on to become one of the greatest tight ends in Vol history. He was our neighbor for a dozen years or so when I was growing up and we went to church together – great guy, passed away earlier this year. Always nice to see his name out there.

Will - Rocky Top Talk

by Will Shelton on Jun 25, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs