Peerless Price - College Career

College Career

As a freshman in 1995, Price appeared in eight games in a backup role and showed glimpses of the potential that first attracted the Vols' interest. During his 1996 sophomore campaign, Price pulled in 32 receptions for three touchdowns and 609 yards; he excelled in a 35-29 loss to the University of Florida early in the season. In addition to gaining attention for his play on the field, Price showed he was no slouch in the classroom either by being named to the Academic All-SEC team.

When Joey Kent moved on following the 1996 season, Price stepped into the starting lineup full-time as a junior, where Peyton Manning found Price to be a dependable target. In the 1997 season, he started every game and emerged as a legitimate deep threat. He finished with 48 receptions, netting 698 yards and six touchdowns and helped guide the Vols to an SEC championship. He also was, for the second consecutive year, named an Academic All-SEC pick.

After Marcus Nash graduated, Price stepped into the top spot on the Vols' receiving corps for the 1998 season. In spite of the top two statistical receivers in school history being gone, Price ensured that the adjustment period would be minimal. In a tight game against Alabama, Price tied a school record with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that sparked a Vols' victory and continued their success. Tennessee finished the regular season 11-0 and faced Mississippi State in the SEC Championship Game. With the Vols trailing by four points in the fourth quarter, Price pulled in a spectacular pass over the shoulder for a 41-yard touchdown. Tennessee won 24-14 and earned a spot in the Fiesta Bowl against Florida State to decide the national champion for the 1998 season.

In the final game of his career with Tennessee, Price showed a national audience what he could do. Although he caught only four of Tee Martin's passes the entire game, he made them count. Those four catches went for a total of 199 yards and the deciding touchdown en route to a 23-16 victory and the school's first consensus national championship in 47 years. For his performance, Price was named the game's co-MVP with Dwayne Goodrich. In spite of his exploits in college, Price still fell to the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft, where he was drafted 53rd overall by the Buffalo Bills.