There are only two guys I believe are worthy of consideration as the kick/punt returner on our all-time Tennessee team. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that they are Derrick Mason and Adam “Pacman” Jones.
Others have returned a lot of kicks and punts in one season or another, including Mel J. Gray, Mike Archie, John Simon, Justin McCareins, Jake Schifino, Jason McAddley, Bobby Wade, Chris Davis and Michael Griffin. If you wish to vote for any of them, the option to add them to our poll is available.
Derrick Mason (1997-2001, 2004) — As a returner, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro for the 2000 season. He was also selected for the 2003 Pro Bowl, but as a receiver, not a returner. My main problem with Mason was that he seemed to dog it in 2004, often fair catching or taking it out of bounds, instead of trying to gain yardage. Mason had one kick return and two punt returns for touchdowns.
Adam Jones (2005-2006) — In just two years, Pacman had four punt returns for touchdowns and at least two more called back because of penalties. It seems like there were more than two called back, but off the top of my head, I only recall the ones against the Raiders and Dolphins. In the last several years, I believe Pac was the most electrifying returner in the league. You were always on the edge of your seat when Pacman was returning the ball.
Which one do you choose for the return specialist on our team?
In our last poll, you selected Rob Bironas as the kicker on our all-time Tennessee team.
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