With all due respect to past greats, including quarterback Tee Martin from the 1998 national championship team, Peyton Manning was arguably the best quarterback to play at Tennessee.

Like the baseball player who can catch, hit, and run, (OK, Peyton couldn't really run although I do remember a certain bootleg which helped beat Alabama) Manning embodied all the characteristics of a sensational quarterback.

Manning possessed - and still does - the uncanny ability to get the job done with his arm and his mind. That isn't such a big surprise given his football lineage. Manning was able to learn his skill at an early age from his dad, NFL great Archie Manning. However, as most parents know, children have to want to do it themselves, and Peyton certainly did. His aggressive approach to football was evident since he stepped on the UT campus.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer used to refer to his star pupil as a machine processing information and ready to access that information when needed. No. 16 did just that setting numerous records including those for career attempts, completions, and passing yardage.

The SEC's all-time leading passer was also a terrific leader. Wise beyond his years, Manning never passed up the opportunity to encourage his teammates. I can remember one such instance in Florida when as a sophomore, Manning counseled senior captain Bubba Miller who was dejected following a Tennessee turnover. Whether the plays were signaled in to him or changed at the line, and I have no doubt Manning could have called an entire game on his own. You always felt the Vols' offense was in good hands.

Manning changed the face of Big Orange football, ushering in a new era of offensive productivity. His coming to Tennessee has certainly influenced the decision making of other top athletes to do the same. And while a national title was not his to have, his success helped lay the foundation for what was to come and what still may come for the Orange and White.

For that, No. 16 will never be forgotten.

Rick Russo is sports director for WVLT Volunteer TV Sports Overtime. Read his blog on govolsxtra.com.