Memory Vol-T: Hutton relished his time in orange
It was just over 25 years ago. A quarter of a century is a long time to reflect on but not for former Vol punter Tom Hutton. The Memphis native cherished his time at Tennessee along with the bonds and friendships that stand the test of time.
"In looking back, it's unbelievable to see the amount of talent we had back then," Hutton said. "The talent stands out from back when I played, but this team has such nice facilities. I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to come to Tennessee."
The big left footer chose the Vols over Memphis, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt. He chose to walk-on instead of accepting scholarships to other schools after hearing the pitch by then coach Johnny Majors.
"Coach Majors was recruiting me hard and I really believed in him," "I loved my visit there and I decided to walk-on instead of getting scholarships at West Virginia and Pitt. I didn't want to go up North. I entered school with Heath Shuler and several other talented guys. It was a great experience. I'm very thankful to have been a member of the Big Orange."
Hutton arrived on campus in the summer of 1991. He came in with low expectations coming out of Memphis University School. He knew there was talent ahead of him on the roster, but learned quickly that he was good enough to kick in the SEC.
"Joey Chapman had just finished being SEC punter of the year the year before," Hutton said. "He had a tough spring but I didn't think I was going to play until I was a junior at best. I really had good summer camp and coach Majors opened it up. I didn't know I was going to be starting at Louisville in my first game. He had told my parents and they knew before I did. He told me as we went into the dressing room before the game.
"I'll never forget the first time I saw my name on the back of the jersey at Louisville that night. It was so surreal. I think he intentionally did that so I wouldn't have time to think. He would stand behind me in practice and I'd rather play in front of 100,000 than mess up with him."
Hutton stepped onto the field that night in Louisville along with fellow freshmen Aaron Hayden and James "Little Man" Stewart. He performed like a champ with his first kick traveling deep into the dark Kentucky night. It was 47 yards and pure. It burnt up on re-entry and landed on the 1 foot line.
He would return home for his first home game and the memorable career was off and running.
"My first game in Neyland Stadium was against UCLA and it was like 114 degrees on the turf," Hutton said. "I was on cloud nine that I was even playing. I averaged over 50 yards a kick and had two or three over 60 yards. I was on fire and looking back my freshman year was one of my best years. I think mainly because I told myself I could do better no matter what kind of game I had. I was focused on keeping my job because in the back of my mind I knew Joey was right behind me and if I screwed up they would put (Joey) back in. I'm sure it was a tough situation for him but he was so gracious to both John (Becksvoort) and I."
The indelible moments came fast and furious for Hutton. The Vols were involved in so many big time games in his first couple of seasons.
"My favorite games to play in were the "miracle at South Bend" my freshman year," Hutton said. "The game in the rain against Florida my sophomore year also stands out. I had to punt right when the rain storm hit and I couldn't see the return man. That's how hard it was raining and I just remember I wanted to catch the ball and get it away. Then there was the Georgia game my junior year when I recovered a fumble from Andre Hastings."
By the mid-point of his freshman campaign, Hutton was joined by classmate, John Becksvoort who overtook Chapman for the kicking duties. The combo went on to All-SEC honors and formed quite a formidable duo on special teams.
"As the years went on, the both of us felt it was our duty to keep the tradition going," Hutton offered. "We pushed each other in practice. We supported each other. I'm lucky and blessed to be considered part of one the best punter kicking combinations in Tennessee history."
After running through the T for the final time, Hutton went on to five years in the NFL. He punted four years for the Philadelphia Eagles and one year for Miami Dolphins. That final season was also the last season in Miami for legendary quarterback Dan Marino. Earning that job also had a Tennessee twist.
"I came into Miami the 2nd week of the season," Hutton said. "Their punter had torn his ACL and I was competing against two younger guys. Coach Johnson had a great relationship with coach Majors. Jimmy called Johnny to get more background on me. They had coached together and he really did his homework, so Johnny helped me get that job that season."
Hutton is back in Memphis where he works in commercial real-estate. He made it up to a Tennessee game last season and hopes to make that a more permanent journey.
"My daughters are 15 and 12 and they didn't appreciate what I did as a player when they were younger so I lost touch," Hutton said. "As they have gotten older they have really gotten into it now they are talking about going to Tennessee for college. It's exciting to see them getting into it more and more."