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Chip Kell
was a versatile performer who played both center and guard
for the Volunteers. Not only did the multi-dimensional Kell
play two positions, but he also became a SEC shot put champion.
This two-sport athlete developed into a powerful blocker with
the speed and strength to explode off the ball.
Born in
Atlanta, Kell came to Tennessee after playing high school
ball in Decatur, GA, at Avondale High School. As a sophomore
at UT he played center on a team that went 8-2-1. The 17-17
tie with Georgia was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect
home record during Kell's three years at UT. Kell manned the
line that allowed Curt Watson to pace the Vols three straight
years, including an 807-yard season in the 1969 SEC title
year.
His junior
season found Chip moved to guard where he won the first of
two consecutive Jacobs Memorial Awards as the top blocker
in the Southeast Conference and was also named a consensus
All-America. The 1969 Vols captured the SEC crown and finished
15th nationally. He was the leader of an offense that set
school records for productivity and was undefeated at Shields-Watkins
Field.
In 1970,
Kell's blocking helped the Vols run for 2,365 yards, the most
since 1951. Kell's protection also allowed the Vols to pass
for 1,996 years, the most in school history at that time.
The Vols had eight 100-yard rushing games during Kell's junior
and senior seasons. As a senior, Kell was a finalist for the
Lombardi Award and upped his All-America status to that of
a unanimous selection. UT went 11-1, defeated Air Force in
the Sugar Bowl and placed fourth nationally.
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