As the countdown to college football kickoff continues, fans of the Tennessee Volunteers are taking a nostalgic trip through the program’s storied history by highlighting the greatest players to ever wear each jersey number. Today, we spotlight the number 98—an uncommon number in terms of frequency, but one that has been donned by some powerful forces on the defensive line. Among them, one name rises above the rest: Jamal Lewis McKenzie, better known as Ellis McKenzie, a dominant defensive tackle who left a lasting legacy in the trenches during the mid-2000s.
Before diving into why Ellis McKenzie stands tall as the best to wear #98, it’s worth acknowledging others who proudly wore the number and contributed to Tennessee’s legacy. While #98 may not be as iconic as #16 or #92 in the annals of Vols history, a few names have made their mark wearing the powerful digit.
Malik Jackson (Briefly Wore #98 Before Switching to #97)
While best known for his time wearing #97 and his NFL Super Bowl victory with the Denver Broncos, Malik Jackson briefly wore #98 in practice sessions after transferring from USC in 2010. Though he didn’t compete officially in the jersey, Jackson was a player capable of elevating whatever number he wore. Jackson’s impact on the defensive line set the tone for future Tennessee D-linemen and helped usher in a more aggressive, NFL-style pass rush during his tenure.
Darrell Taylor (Practice and Early Career Stint)
NFL linebacker and Seattle Seahawk Darrell Taylor wore #98 during parts of his early development at Tennessee before switching to #19. Though his most memorable plays came later in a different number, his early career contributions while wearing #98 helped cement him as one of the SEC’s fiercest edge rushers.
Despite the contributions from these and other short-term wearers, no one quite brought the power, production, and presence in #98 like Ellis McKenzie.
When fans talk about dominant forces on the defensive line who didn’t just play at Tennessee but embodied the culture of Volunteer football, Ellis McKenzie’s name commands immediate respect. Towering at 6’4”, weighing 305 pounds, and packing a combination of agility, brute strength, and football IQ, McKenzie was a game-changer at defensive tackle.
Early Life and Recruitment
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, McKenzie grew up in the heart of SEC country, surrounded by Alabama and Auburn fans. But it was Tennessee that recruited him hardest, lured by defensive coordinator John Chavis and the promise of playing in the trenches of a defense known for producing NFL talent. Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals, McKenzie had offers from Florida, LSU, and Georgia—but he chose Rocky Top.
He arrived on campus in 2002, redshirted his freshman year, and immediately made waves on the scout team. Coaches and teammates recognized he had the rare combination of quickness and leverage that could dominate inside. The #98 jersey would come to symbolize toughness during his time in Knoxville.
By his redshirt sophomore year, McKenzie had cemented his place in the rotation. During the 2004 season, he logged 41 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, often collapsing the pocket and drawing double teams. Tennessee rode a ferocious defense that year to a 10-3 finish and a berth in the SEC Championship game against Auburn. While the Vols came up short in Atlanta, McKenzie’s performance stood out as a bright spot.
Leadership and Dominance: 2005–2006
By 2005, McKenzie was not just a starter—he was a leader. Named a team captain his junior year, he brought grit and vocal leadership to a defense that needed an anchor in the middle. Despite the team’s overall struggles in 2005, McKenzie racked up 48 total tackles, 6 sacks, and 12 quarterback pressures, earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors.
In 2006, his final year, McKenzie elevated his game further. He posted a career-best 56 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, and played a major role in Tennessee finishing 9-4 and returning to the top tier of the SEC East. His ability to eat up blocks allowed Tennessee’s edge rushers and linebackers to thrive.
More than stats, McKenzie brought an attitude that defined Tennessee defense—hard-hitting, relentless, and disciplined. The #98 jersey, once a forgotten number, became symbolic of that identity.
Ellis McKenzie’s career might not have received the national attention that some other Tennessee greats did, but his impact was undeniable to those who followed SEC football closely in the mid-2000s. He was one of those players who altered offensive game plans and set the tone in the trenches.
He left Tennessee with:
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145 total tackles
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15.5 sacks
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29.5 tackles for loss
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6 forced fumbles
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2-time All-SEC honoree
NFL and Beyond
McKenzie went undrafted in 2007 due to a lingering shoulder injury discovered during pre-draft medical evaluations. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a UDFA but never made the final roster due to re-injury.
Rather than fading into obscurity, McKenzie returned to Tennessee to complete his degree and began working in player development. He’s now a prominent high school coach and mentor in Nashville, guiding the next generation of young defensive linemen and preaching the values of toughness, education, and loyalty.
In his post-football career, he’s credited with helping over a dozen players secure scholarships to D-I programs, and he continues to be a beloved figure among Tennessee fans and former teammates.
1. Longevity and Production
No one wore #98 longer or with more consistency than McKenzie. His four-year career saw him start in 36 games and play in over 45 total. That type of long-term productivity at a physically demanding position like defensive tackle is rare.
2. Leadership
McKenzie was a team captain, mentor, and vocal presence in the locker room. Coaches often cited his work ethic and presence as the glue that held together some very talented but inconsistent teams.
3. Cultural Impact
He wasn’t just a number—he made #98 matter at Tennessee. Since his graduation, the jersey has been worn in tribute by younger linemen who wanted to embody that same grit.
4. Post-Career Legacy
McKenzie’s continued involvement in Tennessee athletics and youth football development keeps him relevant and beloved. His story is one of perseverance, loyalty, and local impact.
In a world where many players chase NIL money, fame, and flash, Ellis McKenzie was a throwback—a blue-collar warrior who earned respect the hard way. He was the kind of guy you wanted in your foxhole, the kind of player coaches dream of, and the kind of Volunteer fans could point to with pride.
So, as we count down the days to another fall of SEC football, let’s raise a toast to the iron men who wore #98—but most of all, to the best of them all: Ellis McKenzie. His legacy lives on in the trenches of Neyland Stadium, where toughness still matters, where loyalty still means something, and where #98 became a badge of honor.
