Chip Kell set the standard for blocking guards at the University of Tennessee by becoming a two-time first team All-America selection in 1969 and 1970 (unanimous selection in 1970), a two-time Jacobs Trophy winner as the SEC’s best blocker, a three-time All-SEC selection and named Tennessee’s Outstanding Lineman in 1970.
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 moving 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 yards, 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. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 1971, Kell went on to play two years in the Canadian Football League with Edmonton before beginning a long career in coaching and education. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.