Herman Hickman

Bio

Some feel that Herman Hickman was one of the greatest linemen to play the game, often mentioned with Yale's legendary Pudge Heffelfinger whenever all-time guards are discussed. Hickman was a 205-pound 17-year-old when he first reported to Tennessee. It was not long before he built himself to 225 pounds, never losing the quickness and mobility which had become his trademark. He could out-run all but a couple of the fastest backs on the Volunteer squad and he used his strength to roll through the scrimmage line like a cannonball. During Hickman's three varsity seasons, the Volunteers were 27-1-2. Following graduation, Hickman played three All-Pro seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He then tried a career as a professional wrestler, known around the circuit as "The Tennessee Terror." But football was Hickman's first love, and he soon entered coaching and eventually became the head coach at Yale. Immensely popular in the New Haven, area, Hickman broke into television and became a well-known personality, heralded as the "Poet Laureate of the Little Smokies." He was a staff writer in the early years of Sports Illustrated.

Career Highlights

• 1931 First Team All-America