List of Vanderbilt University athletes
Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, has graduated a number of athletes. This includes graduates, non-graduate former students and current students of Vanderbilt who are notable for their achievements within athletics, sometimes before or after their time at Vanderbilt. Intercollegiate sports teams at Vanderbilt are known as the "Commodores", due to founder Cornelius Vanderbilt's sobriquet.
![](../I/1890Vandy.jpg.webp)
Vanderbilt University currently sponsors teams in six men's and ten women's NCAA sanctioned sports:[1] Men's Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Women's Bowling, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's swimming, Men and Women's tennis, and Women's track and field events.
Well-known American football athletes include former students Jay Cutler, Jamie Duncan, Shelton Quarles, and Will Wolford, former Vanderbilt football coaches Dan McGugin, Wallace Wade, and Red Sanders, and all-time greats such as Lynn Bomar, Josh Cody, Bucky Curtis, Carl Hinkle, Bill Spears, John J. Tigert, and Bill Wade. Former Vanderbilt chemistry professor William Lofland Dudley was known as the "father of Southern football."[2] Vanderbilt's entrants into the NBA include Charles Davis, Festus Ezeli, Shan Foster, John Jenkins, Dan Langhi, Clyde Lee, and Will Perdue. Award-winning baseball stars include Pedro Alvarez, David Price, Scotti Madison, and Mike Minor. Sportswriters Grantland Rice and Fred Russell had both been members of the baseball team.
Olympics
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jeff Turner | 1984 | Power forward | Former professional basketball player with the New Jersey Nets and former U.S. Olympic Team Member (gold medal in men's basketball, 1984). | |
Scott A. Muller | 1994 | K1 Whitewater slalom | Finished 44th in the K-1 event at the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 2002 he won a bronze medal at the Pan American Slalom Kayak Championships. | [3] |
American football
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dick Abernathy | 1929 | End | All-Southern (1928, 1929). All-American (1928) | [4] |
R. G. Acton | 1898 | Guard | Vanderbilt's fifth head coach (1896–1898) who led Vandy to its first conference title. He also played at Harvard. He was a medical doctor, and died of an overdose of morphine in 1900. | [5] |
Alf Adams | 1919 | End | Captain (1917). All-Southern (1917, 1919). Last non-senior captain until 2003. | [6] |
Mackenzi Adams | 2009 | Quarterback | Finished career with solid effort at Tennessee, hitting 19 of 35 passes for 174 yards and a TD, earning team's Offensive Player of the Week honors. | |
Sam Agee | 1937 | Running back | National Football League player. | |
Billy Alford | 2004 | Cornerback | National Football League player. Arena Football League player. | |
Ricky Anderson | 1984 | Punter | Consensus All-American (1984). First-team All-SEC (1984) Also placekicker. | [7] |
Jimmy Armistead | 1928 | Halfback | Captain (1928). Led nation in scoring in 1927 (138 points). Target of Bill Spears. | [8] |
Jim Arnold | 1982 | Punter | National Football League player. Pro Bowl selection. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. SEC Football Legend (2002) | [9] |
Bob Asher | 1969 | Tackle | National Football League player. Super Bowl champion (VI). SEC Football Legend (1995). All-American (1969). Second-team All-SEC (1968). | |
Derrick Atterberry | 1994 | Defensive back | Canadian Football League and Arena Football League player. | |
John F. H. Barbee | 1900 | End | Captain (1900) | |
Brandon Barden | 2011 | Tight end | National Football League player. | |
Ainsley Battles | 1999 | Safety | National Football League player. | |
William E. Beard | 1892 | Quarterback | Said to be the first to dub Vanderbilt the Commodores in the Nashville Banner. First Vandy quarterback to play Tennessee. | [10] |
Eugene Beck | 1934 | Captain (1934) | ||
Alvin "Pep" Bell | 1924 | Quarterback | Backup to Doc Kuhn. Official for 30 years. He officiated in four Sugar Bowl games and eight Blue–Gray Games, and the 1936 U.S. Olympic basketball trials. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. | [11] |
Horace E. Bemis | 1890 | Halfback | Elliott Jones said he was responsible for the majority of the offense in Vanderbilt's first ever football game. | |
Earl Bennett | 2007 | Wide receiver | National Football League player. Thrice All-SEC (2005, 2006, 2007) | |
Grailey Berryhill | 1921 | Running back | Scored six touchdowns in the 76–0 victory over rival Tennessee in 1918. Captain-elect (1921). Tennessee politician. | [12] |
Bob Blake | 1907 | End | All-Southern (1903, 1905, 1906, 1907). 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1869–1919 era. Won 4 Southern championships in his 4 years. He and John Tigert were both Rhodes Scholars. | [13][14] |
Dan Blake | 1906 | Running back | All-Southern (1905, 1906). Brother of Bob. | [15] |
Frank Blake | 190? | Coached Mercer | Brother of Bob, Dan, and Vaughn. | |
Vaughn Blake | 1909 | End | All-Southern (1908). Brother of Bob and Dan. | [16] |
Hord Boensch | 1913 | Quarterback | All-Southern (1913) | |
Lynn Bomar | 1924 | End | Consensus All-American in 1923, the last first team All-American from the south selected by Walter Camp. (1922, 1923). National Football League player. Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1920–1969 era. 1934 All-time Vandy team. First from Vanderbilt to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Member of teams which won three-straight conference titles. He later became warden of Tennessee State Prison and executed several men. | [17] |
Howard Boogher | 1897 | End | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. | [13] |
C. R. "Tex" Bradford | 1923 | Tackle | Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. All-Southern (1922). He was ruled ineligible for '23. | [18] |
Bull Brown | 1929 | Guard | Captain (1929). All-Southern (1928, 1929). All-American (1929). 1934 All-time Vandy team. One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. | [17][19] |
Enoch Brown | 1913 | End | All-Southern (1911, 1912, 1913). 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Innis Brown | 1905 | Guard | All-Southern (1904, 1905). Southern official. | [20] |
J. Ham. Brown | 1903 | Center | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Mack Brown | 1972 | Running back | Former head football coach at University of Texas who won the 2005 National Championship. Transferred to Florida State University. | |
Preston Brown | 1979 | Wide receiver | National Football League player. | |
Tom Brown | 1913 | Tackle | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. | [13] |
Watson Brown | 1972 | Quarterback | He led the winning touchdown drive in 1969 against 13th ranked Alabama in Nashville. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Older brother of Mack Brown. Watson later coached. | [21] |
Marcus Buggs | 2007 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Lucius E. Burch | 1896 | Guard | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. Later a prominent surgeon and Dean of Vanderbilt University Medical School. | [13] |
Barry Burton | 1975 | Tight end | named First Team All-America by Football News. First team All-SEC (1974) | |
Vin Campbell | 1907 | Halfback | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team | [13] |
Neil Cargile | 1927 | Quarterback | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Charlie Carman | 1919 | Guard | National Football League player. | |
Corey Chavous | 1997 | Safety | National Football League player. Pro Bowl (2003). SEC Football Legend (2010) | |
Walter K. Chorn | 1908 | Guard | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Josh Cody | 1919 | Tackle | Third-team All-American (1915, 1919), All-Southern (1915, 1916, 1919). Later football and basketball coach at Vandy. Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1869–1919 era. Football Writers Association of America 1869–1918 Early Era All-America Team. One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. College Football Hall of Fame (1970). Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | [14][17][19] |
Russ Cohen | 1916 | End | Captain of SIAA champion 1915 team. All-Southern (1915). Long time college coach. | [22] |
Leonard Coleman | 1983 | Cornerback | First round pick in 1984. Indianapolis Colts (1984–1987) San Diego Chargers (1988–1989) | |
Zach Coles | 1927 | Guard | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Wilson Collins | 1911 | Halfback | [23] | |
Phil Connell | 1897 | Fullback | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team | [13] |
Ken Cooper | 1948 | Guard | ||
Sam Costen | 1908 | Quarterback | All-Southern (1906) One time coach at The Citadel. | [24] |
Martin Cox | 1978 | Running back | ||
Honus Craig | 1907 | Running back | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. 1934 All-time Vandy team. | [13][17] |
Larry "Kitty" Creson | 1928 | End | All-Southern (1927) | [25] |
Wallace Crutchfield | 1901 | Guard | All-Southern (1899) | |
Zach Curlin | 1913 | Quarterback | Long time Memphis Tigers coach. Made kicks against both Harvard and Michigan. | [2] |
Irby "Rabbit" Curry | 1916 | Quarterback | Known as "Rabbit", described as "the player who has most appealed to the imagination, admiration, and affection of the entire university community through the years." All-Southern (1915, 1916) and third-team All-American. SIAA Champion (1915). A beloved player killed over France in the First World War. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Namesake of Curry Field. | [26] |
Bucky Curtis | 1950 | End | National Football League player. All-American (1950). Led nation with 29.3 yard reception average in 1950. Target of Bill Wade. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [27] |
Jay Cutler | 2005 | Quarterback | currently plays for the Chicago Bears. Pro Bowl Selection (2008). SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2005). First-team All-SEC (2005). | [28] |
Herman Daves | 1918 | Guard | All-Southern. | |
George Deiderich | 1958 | Guard | Consensus All-American (1958). First-team All-SEC (1957, 1958). National and Canadian football league player. | |
Art Demmas | 1956 | Tackle | Captain (1956). College and NFL Official. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | |
Rand Dixon | 1935 | Quarterback | Decorated World War II veteran. | |
Jamie Duncan | 1997 | Linebacker | All-American (1997); National Football League player. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. SEC Football Legend (2009) | [29] |
Jack Dye | 1899 | Running back | All-Southern (1898) | |
John Edgerton | 1902 | Fullback | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. All-Southern (1902). | [13] |
Pat Estes | 1890 | Quarterback | Vanderbilt's first quarterback. | |
Johnny "Red" Floyd | 1920 | Running back | Coached at Middle Tennessee State, namesake of Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium. | [22] |
Ewing Y. Freeland | 1911 | Tackle | All-Southern (1911). TCU Horned Frogs, Millsaps Majors, SMU Mustangs, and Texas Tech Red Raiders head football coach; TCU Horned Frogs men's basketball head coach, Texas Tech Red Raiders baseball head coach, and Te koxas Tech Red Raiders athletic director. | |
Chris Gaines | 1987 | Linebacker | First Team Kodak All-America (1987). Could bench 450 pounds and recorded 37 tackles in a game against Tulane. | |
Curtis Gatewood | 2007 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Willie Geny | 1935 | End | Vandy's first first-team All-SEC player. SEC MVP (1935). Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | |
Justin Geisinger | 2004 | Guard | National Football League player. | |
Frank Godchaux, Sr. | 1899 | Quarterback | [2] | |
Frank Godchaux | 1921 | Running back | first son to follow in his father's footsteps as a Vanderbilt football player. Member of SIAA champion 1921 team. | [30] |
Jonathan Goff | 2007 | Linebacker | 2nd team All-SEC. National Football League player. Super Bowl Champion (XLVI). | [31] |
Bob Goodridge | 1967 | Wide receiver | SEC Player of the Year (1967). National Football League player. | |
Clarence "Pete" Gracey | 1932 | Center | Thrice All-Southern (1930, 1931, 1932). Consensus All-American (1932). | [32] |
Irish Graham | 1905 | Tackle | All-Southern (1904) | |
Tom Graham | 1894 | Tackle | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Bob Gude | 1941 | Center | 2x All-SEC (1940, 1941). All-American (1941). NFL player. | [33] |
Andre Hal | 2013 | Cornerback | currently plays for the Houston Texans. | |
John Hall | 1954 | Defensive tackle | Vandy's first ever Academic All-American. Hall stood at just 5-10 and weighed 175 pounds. He is a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame | [34] |
C. M. Hamilton | 1915 | Guard | All-Southern (1914) | |
Ed Hamilton | 1908 | End | All-Southern (1904, 1905) | [35] |
Lewie Hardage | 1912 | Running back | All-Southern (1908 (with Auburn), 1911, 1912). 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. Backfield coach at Vanderbilt (1922–1931). Head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team. (1932–1934). One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. | [13][19][23] |
Gene Harlow | 1940 | Fullback, Guard | One time coach at Arkansas State. | |
Corey Harris | 1991 | Defensive back | National Football League player. | |
Dennis Harrison | 1977 | Defensive end | Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | |
Charles Hassett | 1897 | Guard | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Louis Hasslock | 1908 | Guard | All-Southern (1908). | [36] |
Jovan Haye | 2004 | Defensive lineman | National Football League player. | |
Casey Hayward | 2011 | Cornerback | currently plays for the Green Bay Packers. | |
Chip Healy | 1968 | Linebacker | First Team All-American by the Central Press and Second Team All-American by The Sporting News. | |
Gink Hendrick | 1920 | End | All-Southern (1920). Leading scorer of 1920 Vandy team. | |
Bill Hendrix | 1927 | Halfback | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Hunter Hillenmeyer | 2002 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Carl Hinkle | 1937 | Center | Southeastern Conference MVP (1937), College Football Hall of Fame (1959). Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | [37] |
Charley Horton | 1955 | Halfback | Third-team All-American (1955). National and Canadian football league player. | |
Jimmy Huggins | 1937 | Quarterback | Was a tiny 5'6" 145 pounds. Led the team over LSU in 1937. | |
Terence Jeffers-Harris | 1942 | Wide receiver | Canadian Football League player. | |
Jack Jenkins | 1942 | Running back | All-SEC. Drafted 1st round, 10th overall in the 1943 NFL Draft. | [38] |
Wesley Johnson | 2013 | Guard | currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers | |
Elliott Jones | 1892 | Running back | Vanderbilt's first captain and head coach. | [36] |
Rushen Jones | 2002 | Defensive back | National Football League player. | |
Antony Jordan | 1997 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Norman Jordan | 1982 | Running back | ||
Jess Keene | 1927 | Center | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Chambers Kellar | 1894 | End | 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
W. J. "Cap" Keller | 1894 | Quarterback | Vanderbilt's second captain and head coach. | |
Everett "Tuck" Kelly | 1924 | Guard | All-Southern (1923). Captain (1924). Member of teams which won three straight conference titles. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. | [18] |
Jack Kershaw | 1935 | ? | attorney and sculptor who represented James Earl Ray. | |
Phil King | 1957 | Running back | Captain (1957). National Football League player. | |
Doc Kuhn | 1923 | Quarterback | Starting quarterback for teams which won three-straight conference titles. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. Walter Camp All-American Honorable Mention in 1922. Porter Cup recipient in 1923. Captain of both football and basketball teams in '23. | [18] |
Frank Kyle | 1905 | Quarterback | First starting quarterback under coach Dan McGugin. 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Kenny Ladler | 2013 | Safety | currently plays for the Buffalo Bills | |
Reshard Langford | 2008 | Safety | National Football League player. | |
Swayne Latham | 1921 | Quarterback | All-Southern (1919) | |
Fatty Lawrence | 1924 | Guard | Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | [18] |
David Lee | 1974 | Quarterback | Starting quarterback and team's most valuable player (1974). Now coach. | |
Amos Leonard | 1931 | |||
Myron Lewis | 2009 | Cornerback | National Football League player. | |
Tex Leyendecker | 1932 | Tackle | All-Southern (1931, 1931). National Football League player. | [39] |
Tom Lipscomb | 1919 | Tackle | [40] | |
Owsley Manier | 1906 | Fullback | 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. 1934 All-time Vandy team. Member of 3 straight southern championships. First Vanderbilt player elected to an All-American team; on Walter Camp's third-team. | [13][17] |
Bill Marinangel | 1996 | Punter | First Team All-America (1996). Ran for 81 yard touchdown against Alabama. | |
Chris Marve | 2011 | Linebacker | Second-team All-SEC (2011) | |
Doug Mathews | 1969 | Running back | ||
Allama Matthews | 1982 | Wide receiver | National Football League player. | |
Jordan Matthews | 2013 | Wide receiver | currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Third-team All-American (2013). Twice All-SEC (2012, 2013). Single-season record with 1,262 yards receiving (2012). Single-season SEC reception record at 112 (2013). SEC record with 263 career receptions and 3,759 career yards. | |
J. B. McAlester | 1899 | First American Indian to play on the Vanderbilt football team. | ||
C. R. "Tot" McCullough | 1923 | End | Known for his large size (6'4"). Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. He was ruled ineligible for '23. | [18] |
Ox McKibbon | 1927 | End | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Fatty McLain | 1908 | Guard | All-Southern (1906, 1908) | [41] |
W. E. "Frog" Metzger | 1911 | Guard | Dan McGugin's first great lineman. All-Southern (1910, 1911). 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1869–1919 era. 1934 All-time Vandy team. | [13][14][17] |
Boo Mitchell | 1988 | Wide receiver | Third Team All-America (1988). | |
D. J. Moore | 2008 | Cornerback | Chicago Bears (2009–present) | |
Hugh Morgan | 1912 | Center | All-Southern (1911, 1912) | [42] |
Ray Morrison | 1911 | Quarterback | Starter for the scoreless tie with Yale at Yale Field. All-Southern (1910, 1911). College Football Hall of Fame as coach. 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1869–1919 era. One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. 1934 All-time Vandy team. He was coach of Vanderbilt after McGugin, as well as during 1918. | [13][14][17][19][23] |
Garland Morrow | 1921 | Guard | men's basketball coach (1929–1931; 1944–1946). Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. | [18] |
Gene Moshier | 1974 | Guard | ||
Lee Nalley | 1949 | Safety | Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team 1920–1969 era. One of the all-time great punt returners. His records were not broken until Wes Welker did so. | [14] |
Bill Neely | 1910 | End | Captain (1910). All-Southern (1910). The 1910 team tied Yale. Older brother of Jess Neely | |
Jess Neely | 1922 | Halfback | One of Vandy's greatest ever captains (1922), and its best passer in '22. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. Long time college coach. Winningest coach in Rice University history. Vanderbilt athletic director (1967–71, 1973). College Football Hall of Fame as coach. | [18] |
Frank K. "Scotty" Neill | 1925 | End, Punter | Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. | [18] |
Doug Nettles | 1974 | Defensive back | National Football League player. | |
Edwin Noel | 1907 | Tackle | All-Southern (1906) | |
Warren Norman | 2012 | Running back | ||
John North | 1947 | End | Captain (1947). National Football League player. | |
Jamie O'Rourke | 1974 | Running back | One time career rushing leader. | [43] |
Don Orr | 1956 | Quarterback | Led Vandy to its first bowl victory in the '55 Gator Bowl, coached by Arthur Guepe. Orr was a long time official. | |
Putty Overall | 1921 | Guard | Long time coach at Tennessee Tech. Member of 1921 SIAA champions. | [44] |
Walter Overton | 1974 | Wide receiver | All-SEC | |
Robert C. Patterson | 1906 | Center | All-Southern (1905). He helped coach Vandy in 1908. | [45] |
Jim Peebles | 1942 | End | National Football League player. | |
Dick Plasman | 1936 | Running back | Captain (1936). Chicago Bears (1937–41, 1944), Chicago Cardinals (1946–47). Last NFL player to go without a helmet. | |
Joe Pritchard | 1906 | Tackle | All-Southern (1905, 1906). 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. One time coach at LSU. | [13] |
Emmett Putnam | 1915 | center | second-team All-Southern (1913) | |
Shelton Quarles | 1993 | Linebacker | National Football League player. Pro Bowl Selection (2002). Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII). SEC Football Legend (2008). | [46] |
Buford "Baby" Ray | 1937 | Tackle | National Football League player. NFL 1940s All-Decade Team Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. | |
Tom Redmond | 1959 | Defensive tackle | National Football League player. | |
Gil Reese | 1925 | Running back | First three-sport captain at Vandy. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. Twice All-Southern. Member of teams which won three-straight conference titles. Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. 1934 All-time Vandy team. | [18] |
Renford Reese | 1989 | Cornerback | ||
Grantland Rice | 1901 | End | Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. He averaged two broken bones a year and played three years (1897–1899), lettering in '99. | [27][47][48] |
Herb Rich | 1949 | Safety | National Football League player. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. SEC Football Legend (2000) | [9] |
John Rich | 1951 | Running back | Came to Vanderbilt on a football scholarship. Successful businessman as founder of Delta Coals, Incorporated. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [34] |
Sean Richardson | 2011 | Safety | Currently plays for the Green Bay Packers. | |
Greer Ricketson | 1937 | Tackle | Scored winning touchdown on "hidden ball" trick play against LSU in 1937. | |
Bob Rives | 1925 | Tackle | All-Southern tackle (1924–1925), Newark Bears (1926). Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. 1934 All-time Vandy team. | [17] |
Clyde Roberts | 1933 | Running back | ||
Jordan Rodgers | 2011 | Quarterback | Brother of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers | |
Ted Ross | 1910 | Guard | All-Southern (1909) | |
Bo Rowland | 1924 | End | One time coach at Henderson State. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. | |
Tom Ryan | 1924 | End | All-Southern (1921). Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
Pat Saindon | 1985 | Offensive lineman | National Football League player. | |
Red Sanders | 1927 | Running back | Long time college coach. Coached Vandy from 1940–1942 and 1946–1948. Won a National Championship with UCLA in 1954. | |
Steven Scheu | 2014 | Tight end | ||
Bill Schwartz | 1930 | End/Center | Second-team All-American (1930) | |
Chuck Scott | 1984 | Wide receiver | All-SEC. National Football League player. Target of Whit Taylor. | |
Jerron Seymour | 2014 | Running back | set single-season Vanderbilt record for touchdowns at 14 in 2013. | |
Ryan Seymour | 2012 | Guard | National Football League player. | |
Alf Sharpe | 1923 | Center | Member of teams which won three-straight conference titles. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. | [18] |
Vernon Sharpe | 1927 | Center | All-Southern. Captain (1927) | [49] |
Horace Sherrell | 1908 | Guard | ||
Ammie Sikes | 1913 | Running back | All-Southern (1911, 1912, 1913) | [23] |
Walter H. Simmons | 1899 | Halfback | ||
Ed Smith | 1979 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Rupert Smith | 1921 | Running back | Leading scorer for SIAA co-champion 1921 team. Played at Middle Tenn. St. with Jess Neely and Putty Overall. | [50] |
Carey Spear | 2013 | Placekicker | currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. School record 81 points in 2012, then another with 99 in 2013. | |
Bill Spears | 1928 | Quarterback | All-Southern (1926, 1927). All-American (1926, 1927). One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. College Football Hall of Fame (1962). | [19][49] |
Zac Stacy | 2012 | Running back | currently plays for the New York Jets. First Commodore to rush for over 1,000 yards back to back years; and first to rush for over 3,000 yards in career. | |
Matt Stewart | 2000 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
Ken Stone | 1972 | Safety | National Football League player. | |
Stein Stone | 1908 | Center | All-Southern (1904, 1905, 1906, 1907). 1912 All-time Vandy 1st team. 1934 All-time Vandy team. One time coach at Clemson. Won 4 Southern championships in his 4 years. His catch against Sewanee in 1907 was ranked by Grantland Rice as the greatest thrill seen in his years watching sports. | [13][17] |
Marion Talley | 1931 | Guard | ||
Ford Taylor | 1893 | |||
Hillsman Taylor | 1905 | Tackle | All-Southern (1905). 1912 All-time Vandy 2nd team. | [13] |
Whit Taylor | 1982 | Quarterback | SEC Football Legend (2003). ArenaBowl 1 Champion (1987). | |
John J. Tigert | 1903 | Running back | All-Southern (1903). College Football Hall of Fame. He and Bob Blake were both Rhodes Scholars. | [51] |
Pat Toomay | 1969 | Defensive end | National Football League player. | |
Eric Vance | 1996 | Defensive back | National Football League player. | |
Bradley Vierling | 2009 | Center | currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers | |
Fred Vinson | 1998 | Cornerback | National Football League player. | |
Pink Wade | 1921 | Guard | Captain (1921), father of Bill Wade. | [52] |
Bill Wade | 1952 | Quarterback | 1st Overall pick of the 1952 NFL Draft. SEC's Most Valuable Player (1951). Twice All-Pro and twice a Pro Bowl selection. NFL champion (1963). Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. SEC Football Legend (1994). | [34] |
Hek Wakefield | 1924 | End | All-Southern, Consensus All-American in 1924. Starter for scoreless tie with Michigan at dedication of Dudley Field. Member of teams which won three-straight conference titles. Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. One of six players McGugin ranked as his best. 1934 All-time Vandy team. | [17][18][19] |
James Walker | 1924 | Tackle | Starter for 1924 defeat of Minnesota, Vandy's first victory over a Northern school. | |
E. M. Waller | 1927 | Quarterback | Football and basketball coach at Middle Tennessee State (1933–1934). Coach when they were first dubbed the "Blue Raiders" | [53] |
Thomas Welch | 2009 | Tackle | currently plays for the New Orleans Saints. | |
Bob Werckle | 1951 | Tackle | Associated Press second-team All-American (1951) | |
Hubert Wiggs | 1919 | Lineman | Player and coach for the Louisville Brecks of the National Football League. | |
Chris Williams | 2007 | Guard | currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. Drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bears. | |
Jimmy Williams | 2000 | Cornerback | currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks | |
Pryor Williams | 1917 | Guard | All-Southern (1915, 1916). National Football League player. | [54] |
Brenard Wilson | 1978 | Safety | National Football League player. | |
Jamie Winborn | 2000 | Linebacker | National Football League player. | |
John Windham | 1985 | Defensive end | National Football League player. College coach. | |
DeMond Winston | 1989 | Linebacker | Captain (1989), National Football League player. | |
Will Wolford | 1985 | Tackle | First round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1986 NFL Draft. He made 3 Pro Bowls. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. SEC Football Legend (2001) | [27] |
Mike Woodard | 1981 | Placekicker | Vandy career record for most points after touchdown (80). | |
Todd Yoder | 1999 | Tight end | National Football League player. | |
Tom Zerfoss | 1919 | End | Later coached freshman football at Vanderbilt, and was an assistant under McGugin. He once played basketball for Kentucky. The Zerfoss Student Health Center at Vanderbilt bears his name. A plaque upon it reads "Named in honor of Thomas Bowman Zerfoss Sr., M.D. ... physician, guide, philosopher and friend to Vanderbilt students for more than 40 years." Zerfoss was Vanderbilt's A. D. from 1940 to 1944. | [55] |
Greg Zolman | 2001 | Quarterback |
Baseball
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pedro Alvarez | 2007 | Third baseman | Corner infielder for the Baltimore Orioles; drafted second overall in the 2008 MLB draft. | |
Bob Blake | 1907 | ? | ||
Lynn Bomar | 1924 | Catcher | ||
Harry Boss | 1939 | Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame | [56] | |
Bull Brown | 1929 | Right fielder | ||
Vin Campbell | 1907 | Outfielder | ||
Curt Casali | 2011 | Catcher | ||
Nick Christiani | 2009 | Pitcher | ||
Wilson Collins | c. 1912 | Outfielder | ||
Joey Cora | 1984 | Second baseman | ||
Rabbit Curry | 1916 | Centerfielder | ||
Rick Duncan | 1976 | Outfielder | ||
Slim Embry | 1923 | Starting pitcher | Captain (1923), Chicago White Sox (1923). | |
Ryan Flaherty | 2008 | Infielder | Infielder for the Baltimore Orioles | |
Ewing Y. Freeland | 1911 | First baseman | ||
Carson Fulmer | 2016 | Pitcher | ||
Frank Godchaux | 1921 | Catcher | ||
Sonny Gray | 2011 | Pitcher | Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds | |
Charles Hawkins | 1954 | Starting pitcher | Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [9] |
Gink Hendrick | 1920 | 1B/Outfielder | New York Yankees (1923–24), Cleveland Indians (1925), Brooklyn Robins (1927–31), Cincinnati Reds (1931–32), St. Louis Cardinals (1932), Chicago Cubs (1933), Philadelphia Phillies (1934). | |
Taylor Hill | 2010 | Relief pitcher | ||
Matt Kata | 1999 | Utility player | Major League Baseball player | |
Doc Kuhn | 1923 | Shortstop | ||
Scotti Madison | 1981 | Third baseman | The first baseball player in school history to be selected as a first team All-American. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [37] |
Tot McCullough | 1923 | 1B/OF/Pitcher | ||
Mike Minor | 2005 | Starting pitcher | ||
Scrappy Moore | 1917 | Third baseman | ||
Jess Neely | 1922 | Outfielder | ||
Scotty Neill | 1925 | Infielder | ||
Josh Paul | 1996 | Catcher | Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays (2006–current) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2004–2005), Chicago White Sox (1999–2003) | |
Jeff Peeples | 1973 | Starting pitcher | Vanderbilt all-time leader in career wins (29) and earned run average (1.68). Led conference in ERA for two consecutive years (1971, 1972). Led conference in victories (12) and strikeouts (113) in 1973. Vanderbilt's first All-American in baseball (Second Team, 1973) Three-time First Team All-SEC pitcher (1971, 1972, 1973). Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [27] |
David Price | 2007 | Starting pitcher | first overall draft pick in 2007 Major League Baseball draft by Tampa Bay Devil Rays. | |
Adam Ravenelle | 2014 | Pitcher | ||
Andy Reese | 1926 | Utility | ||
Gil Reese | 1925 | Second baseman | First three-sport captain. | |
Grantland Rice | 1901 | Shortstop | Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. He was captain of the 1901 team. | [27][48] |
John Rich | 1951 | Third baseman | Earned three varsity letters in baseball, leading the 1949 team in hitting. Successful businessman as founder of Delta Coals, Inc. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [34] |
Boots Richardson | 1921 | Starting pitcher | ||
Fred Russell | 1927 | Second baseman | Chairman of the Honors Court of the College Football Hall of Fame for 29 years. Protégé of Grantland Rice. | [48] |
Scott Sanderson | 1977 | Starting pitcher | ||
Jeremy Sowers | 2004 | Pitcher | Major League Baseball player. Selected out of high school with the 20th overall pick in the MLB draft but instead decided to go to Vanderbilt. Preseason All-America (2004). Two-time All-SEC. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame | [29] |
Dansby Swanson | 2016 | Shortstop | Atlanta Braves player; first overall draft pick in 2015 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. | |
Julian Thomas | 1921 | First baseman | ||
Drew VerHagen | 2012 | Pitcher |
- Antoan Richardson (born 1983), Bahamian Major League Baseball outfielder and coach
Basketball
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alf Adams | 1919 | Guard | Member of SIAA champion squad (1920) | |
Billy Joe Adcock | 1950 | Forward | First basketball scholarship and first basketball All-American. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. | [29] |
Wade Baldwin IV | 2018 | Point guard | NBA player with the Memphis Grizzlies. Left Vanderbilt in 2016 after his sophomore season. | |
Alvin "Pep" Bell | 1924 | Forward | All-Southern basketball player. Officiated at the 1936 U.S. Olympic basketball trials. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. | |
Bob Blake | 1907 | |||
Lynn Bomar | 1924 | Forward | ||
Derrick Byars | 2007 | Small forward | SEC Player of the Year (2007), professional with several European teams | |
Josh Cody | 1919 | Forward | ||
Phil Cox | 1985 | Guard | ||
Zach Curlin | 1913 | Long time Memphis Tigers coach. | ||
Charles Davis | 1981 | Small forward | Finished eighth on all-time Vanderbilt scoring list with 1,675 points. First-Team All-SEC in 1979 and Third-Team All-SEC in 1978. Led the Commodores in rebounding all four years. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [9] |
Bruce Elder | 1993 | Forward | ||
Slim Embry | 1923 | Center | ||
Festus Ezeli | 2012 | Center | NBA player for the Golden State Warriors. | |
Butch Feher | 1976 | Shooting guard | ||
Johnny "Red" Floyd | 1920 | Guard | Coached at Middle Tennessee State; namesake of Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium. | |
Jeff Fosnes | 1976 | Forward | First Academic All-American, and only two-time Academic All-American, in Vanderbilt basketball history. Fourth-round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors (1976). | |
Shan Foster | 2008 | Shooting guard | Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [27] |
Matt Freije | 2004 | Power forward | Wooden Award finalist (2003–04); Atlanta Hawks (2006), New Orleans Hornets (2004–05), originally a second-round draft pick of the Miami Heat (2004) | |
Barry Goheen | 1989 | Guard | ||
Damian Jones | 2017 | Center | NBA player with the Golden State Warriors. Left Vanderbilt in 2016 after his junior season. | |
John Jenkins | 2012 | Shooting guard | first-team All-SEC (2011, 2012), member of the USA national team at the 2011 Summer Universiade, NBA player with the Atlanta Hawks | |
Frank Kornet | 1989 | Power forward | ||
Doc Kuhn | 1923 | Guard | ||
Dan Langhi | 2000 | Small forward | Houston Rockets (2000–02), Phoenix Suns (2002–03), Golden State Warriors (2003), Milwaukee Bucks (2003) | |
Clyde Lee | 1966 | Power forward | He averaged the most points per game in school history and the balconies on the south end of Memorial Gymnasium are commonly referred to as the "balconies that Clyde built." Jersey number retired. SEC Player of the Year (1965–66), All-American (1966); third overall pick of the San Francisco/Golden State Warriors (1966–74); also played for the Atlanta Hawks (1975) and Philadelphia 76ers (1975–76). Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [34] |
Billy McCaffrey | 1993 | Guard | Two-time All-American. Led Vanderbilt to highest national ranking of number 5. Holds record for most assists in a game at 14. SEC player of the year in 1993. | |
Ronnie McMahan | 1995 | Swingman | ||
Garland Morrow | 1922 | Forward | men's basketball coach (1929–1931; 1944–1946) | |
Will Perdue | 1988 | Center | 1988 SEC Player of the Year. 1988 AP All-American Third Team. Finished career with Vanderbilt record .606 field goal percentage. Four-time NBA champion; Portland Trail Blazers (2000–01), San Antonio Spurs (1995–99), first-round draft pick (1988, 11th overall) of the Chicago Bulls (1988–95). Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [37] |
Gil Reese | 1925 | Guard/Forward | First three-sport captain. | |
Stein Stone | 1908 | |||
Jeffery Taylor | 2012 | Small forward | Three NBA seasons; currently playing in Spain with Real Madrid. | |
Jeff Turner | 1984 | Power forward | ||
Jan van Breda Kolff | 1974 | Small forward | ||
Perry Wallace | 1970 | Power forward | first African American basketball player in the Southeastern Conference; law professor at American University. Jersey number retired. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [34] |
Bo Wyenandt | 1967 | Forward | Second Team All-SEC | |
Tom Zerfoss | 1919 | Forward/Center | He also played basketball at Kentucky. He was Vanderbilt's AD from 1940 to 1944. |
Golf
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Peggy Brady | 1972 | - | In 1970 she received a surprise invitation from Athletic Director Jess Neely to represent Vanderbilt at the National Intercollegiate in Athens, Ga., where she placed third. (She was a one-person team) Named All-American by Women's Golf magazine. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame | [34] |
Jon Curran | 2008 | |||
Luke List | 2007 | |||
Brandt Snedeker | 2003 | Vanderbilt's most decorated golfer. Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-American (2003). Won the 2003 United States Pub Links Championship. All-Conference all four years he played at Vanderbilt. Reached the No. 1 individual ranking in the national Golfweek/Sagarin Poll in November 2002. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [9] |
Soccer
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joe Germanese | 2007 | |||
Tyler Griffin | 2006 | Goalkeeper | She was 2005 SEC Defensive player of the year. Had 15 shutouts in 2005. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame | [37] |
John Krause | 2005 | |||
Tony Kuhn | 1997 | |||
Kenny Schoeni | 2006 | |||
Jerry Sularz | 1967 |
Tennis
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joe C. Davis, Jr. | 1942 | |||
Julie Ditty | 2003 | 31 wins in 1999 is best single-season mark for a Commodore. Led Vanderbilt to first NCAA team championship final in school history in 2001. 114 singles wins is second-best in Vanderbilt history. ITA All-American 1999–2001. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [9] | |
Chris Groer | 1996 | All-American (1996). Holds best Vanderbilt doubles winning percentage with partner Krunch Kloberdanz. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [27] | |
Peter Lamb | 1980 | First tennis player to be offered a full athletic scholarship to Vanderbilt. Three-time All-SEC honors, 1978–1980. He was a native of South Africa. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame | [37] | |
Ann Hutcheson-Price | 1971 | Three-time Tennessee State Collegiate singles champion. Made round of 16 at National Women's Tennis Tournament in 1970 and 1971. She graduated with an M. D. Vandy Athletics Hall of Fame. | [27] | |
Bobby Reynolds | 2003 | |||
Paul Thurmond | 1996 |
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