Stan Mitchell, Tennessee's leading rusher in 1964 and a member of UT's career top 10 in rushing yards when he graduated one year later, died Tuesday in his hometown of Sparta after an extended illness. He was 67.
Mr. Mitchell was a three-year starter at fullback for the Vols and always known for his size, strength and powerful running style. Born Aug. 17, 1944, he had arrived in Knoxville as an All-MidState quarterback and was a consistent performer at UT, first for coach Jim McDonald in 1963 and then for Doug Dickey over his final two seasons.
It was in 1965 that Dickey coached Mr. Mitchell and the Vols to an 8-1-2 record and No. 10 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. The AP ranking and third-place conference finish were Tennessee's best in both categories since the 1956 SEC championship squad.
Mr. Mitchell capped his senior season by scoring the final touchdown in UT's 27-6 win over Tulsa at the Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston. For his career, Mr. Mitchell finished with 1,266 rushing yards and wasn't dislodged from Tennessee's all-time top 10 ranking until the early 1970s.
Mr. Mitchell was drafted by and played five seasons for the Miami Dolphins during both their AFL and NFL days. His best seasons were in 1967 when he played in 14 games and gained 269 rushing yards, and his final season of 1970 when he again appeared in all 14 games.
Upon retirement, Mr. Mitchell returned to his home state and became a successful businessman. His younger brother, Steve, also lettered three years at defensive end for the Vols from 1971-73.
Hunter Funeral Home in Sparta is handling the funeral arrangements.
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Comments » 9
Noogaorange writes:
One of the best! Rest in peace and thanks for the memories. GBO
jcherrie#219531 writes:
RIP - too soon to go
Ah the days when a fullback was the leading rusher.
creekroad writes:
One of my Heros when I was growing up......along with his high school coach, Dee Harris, he taught me how to water ski....great man and great Vol....will be greatly missed
TommyJack writes:
Great memories of this guy. RIP
GerryOP writes:
What TJ said.
tovolny writes:
This guy was tough, smart, and a good guy. He will be missed. We could use more Stans in this world.
OwensboroVol writes:
A tough, smart, and I think great player for the Vols. A true Vol for Life. He entered Tennessee at a bad time as our Football fortunes had dropped very low. I was a Student during this time and I remember the excitement we all had from the improvements Doug Dickey was bringing to the Vols during the 8-1-2 year. An announcer at the Bowl game remarked that We had managed to beat just about anyone who was anyone that season. God rest your soul Stan Mitchell. You gave everything you had and left everything on the field when you played. Something today's kids could stand to learn.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
Hey creekroad, I live in Sparta also and, sad to say, I didn't even know Stan had passed until I read it on here. Stan was a couple years older than I am, but I remember him during his high school years and also as a Vol. A good man from a good family. He will be missed.
wildmed writes:
One of the greats of the modern era, he helped Dickey restore the Vols to prominence. RIP, big guy.
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