John Michels
1952
Guard
Philadelphia, Pa.

John Michels was the "best blocking guard in the United States," Gen. Robert R. Neyland once said, and he was definitely one of the best blockers in Tennessee history.

Michels helped guide the 1951 Vols to their first consensus national championship with a 10-0 regular season mark. Tennessee rushed for 3,068 yards, scored 40 touchdowns on the ground and rushed for 306.8 yards per game - all school records.

He was an All-SEC selection in 1951 and received both all-conference and All-America accolades in 1952. During Michels' senior season, he was awarded the Jacobs Trophy given to the SEC's best blocker. In his three years, Tennessee compiled a 29-4-1 record.

Michels was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

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