Tennessee Vols; Luke Stocker wants to become latest tight end to reach NFL

Written by  John Glennon

FRANKLIN — If pedigree counts for anything, then NFL scouts should be rubbing their hands together in anticipation at the sight of University of Tennessee tight end Luke Stocker.
After all, three of his Volunteer predecessors at the same position — Buffalo's David Martin, Dallas' Jason Witten and Kansas City's Brad Cottam — are holding down NFL roster spots, with Witten having recently earned his seventh straight trip to the Pro Bowl.
Stocker hopes to take some steps toward the next level himself in the coming weeks as he's currently preparing for Saturday's Senior Bowl and next month's NFL Combine.
"I know (next) week at the Senior Bowl is a huge opportunity for myself to play against the best of the best, in front of a bunch of NFL scouts from every team around," said Stocker, a projected early- to middle-round selection who's working out at the D1 Sports Training facility.

Four Vols prepare for football all-star games

Chris Walker

KNOXVILLE (UTSports.com) -- The season’s first two collegiate all-star games involving Tennessee representatives take place this weekend in Orlando, Fla., and Tempe, Ariz.

Defensive end Chris Walker is one of nine SEC players at the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is 4 p.m. Eastern time (NFL Network) for the nation’s longest-running college postseason all-star game. Coaches for the game, benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, are Dan Reeves and Wade Phillips.

Sunday, punter Chad Cunningham is one of nine more SEC players participating in the inaugural Eastham Energy College All-Star Game in Tempe. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Mountain time (Fox Sports Net).

Walker finished his Vols career with 18 consecutive starts, second-most on the team. The Memphis native was one of 10 UT players to start every game this season and one of just four to see action in every quarter of play. He led the Vols with six quarterback hurries and tied for second on the defensive line with 45 tackles.

Tennessee's Luke Stocker joining two other SEC tight ends at Senior Bowl

Tennessee tight end Luke Stocker talks
to reporters at SEC Media Days in July.
(Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

Published: Saturday, January 08, 2011, 7:30 AM

Tennessee's Luke Stocker will join Alabama's Preston Dial and Arkansas' D.J. Williams as South tight ends after accepting an invitation to play in the Under Armour Senior Bowl, the game announced Friday.

The Jan. 29 game kicks off at 3 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised by NFL Network.

Stocker (6-6, 253) enjoyed his best season yet for the Volunteers in 2010, setting career marks in receptions (39) and receiving yards (417). He also had two touchdown receptions.

He was the only UT player to have a catch in every game this season. He wrapped up his career with 38 consecutive starts, tops on the team, and is tied for the school record with 52 games played. He has 85 career catches for 956 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Tickets are available at the Senior Bowl ticket office (151 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile), the Bel Air Mall customer service desk, all area Food For Less locations, select Regions Bank locations, online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.