The 1960s
Johnny Mills (1964-66)
When Tennessee’s offense was changed from the Wing T formation to a more modern offensive scheme, Johnny Mills was one of the main reasons that transition worked. Mills was the first majorly successful wide receiver in modern Vol history, hauling in 76 passes for 1,120 yards and four scores. His mark of 725 yards in 1966 was Tennessee’s single-season record and wouldn’t be broken until Larry Seivers surpassed it in 1975. Mills’ 225 yards in a game against Kentucky in 1966 was a Vol record that wouldn’t be broken for over 30 years. Kelly Washington eventually broke it with his 256 yard performance against LSU in 2001.
Richmond Flowers (1966-68)
Richmond Flowers was once called “the fastest white boy alive,” and he used that speed as both a running back and receiver for the Vols. Flowers ran track for Tennessee and had Olympic aspirations before an injury held him back from qualifying. But Flowers was electric on the football field for the Vols despite that setback, finishing his career with a then-record 101 catches for 1,172 yards and nine touchdowns. Flowers was an All-American in 1967 and was eventually converted to safety in the NFL. Flowers also had 140 carries for 481 yards and seven scores as a running back, and he was used as a kick returner as well.
