Two former Tennessee Vols, a Knox County native and an erstwhile Memphis State University coach are among those who have been nominated for induction the College Football Hall of Fame this year.

Paul Naumoff, who was a UT end and linebacker 1964-66, and offensive lineman Chip Kell, a three-year All-SEC player and twice an All-American 1968-70, are among 77 candidates who were players.

Powell native John Cooper, who was coach at Tulsa (1977-84), Arizona State (1985-87) and Ohio State (1988-2000) and Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy of Memphis State (1958-71) are among seven coaches under consideration.

Naumoff was first-team All-America and voted the Vols’ MVP in 1966. He played in the College All-Star Game and in the Senior Bowl in 1967.

Kell played center and offensive guard for the Vols and was first-team All-America in 1969-70 — a unanimous choice in 1970. He was first-team All-Southeastern Conference three years and was voted UT’s outstanding lineman in 1970.

Cooper, who played football at Powell High School and at Iowa State where he was captain and team MVP, coached his teams to at least a share of nine conference championships and trips to 14 bowls, including the Rose Bowl twice. Twenty-one of the players he coached were All-Americans.

Murphy’s teams won more games than any other Memphis football coach and had 11 winning seasons. When he retired, Murphy was the 15th-winningest coach in the nation.

Ballots were mailed to 12,000 National Football Foundation members. This year’s Hall of Fame class will be announced May 16.