” and weighing in at 260 pounds, Little blended linebacker speed with defensive end power—creating a nightmare for SEC quarterbacks.
In his first season at UT in 1995, he led the team with 11 sacks and was named to the All-SEC team. By the end of his Tennessee career, he had amassed 28 sacks, which placed him among the top in program history at the time. His ability to disrupt plays, dominate offensive lines, and lead with intensity made him one of the most feared defenders in the country.
1997: His Defensive Masterpiece
Although he missed parts of the 1996 season due to injury, Little came back with a vengeance in 1997—playing a critical role in leading Tennessee to an SEC Championship and a berth in the Orange Bowl. That season, he notched 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, constantly wreaking havoc off the edge and drawing double-teams from opponents.
He was named a First-Team All-American and became the anchor of a defense that complemented the offensive brilliance of Peyton Manning. Many fans still remember Little’s devastating edge rushes and game-changing sacks as key moments that swung momentum in Tennessee’s favor.
Beyond College: NFL Success
After graduating, Leonard Little was drafted by the St. Louis Rams and went on to enjoy a stellar NFL career—playing 12 seasons and racking up 87.5 career sacks, a Super Bowl ring, and a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers in the early 2000s. His professional success only cements his legacy as one of the best to ever wear #98 on Rocky Top.
While Leonard Little’s dominance places him in a tier of his own, there have been a handful of other players who wore #98 with pride and impact. Let’s take a look at the most notable names who followed in Little’s footsteps.
LaTroy Lewis (2012–2016)
A versatile and hardworking defensive end, LaTroy Lewis played under head coach Butch Jones and contributed significantly as a rotational lineman and eventual starter. Although not a household name like Little, Lewis provided steady leadership and production, especially during Tennessee’s 2015 and 2016 seasons—years in which the Vols flirted with national relevance.
In 2016, he recorded a crucial pick-six against Kentucky and was known for his football IQ and work ethic. After graduating, Lewis had brief stints with NFL teams including the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans.
Stats at Tennessee: 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Legacy: Reliable, blue-collar player who helped steady the Vols’ defensive line during rebuilding years.
Paul Bain (2015–2018)
Paul Bain’s story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Originally a walk-on from Georgetown, Tennessee, Bain rose through the ranks with grit and determination. Though he didn’t put up jaw-dropping stats, Bain earned a scholarship, served as a backup nose tackle, and embodied the hard-nosed spirit Vols fans appreciate.
His moment of glory came in 2017 when he blocked a field goal against Southern Miss, securing a critical win and earning national attention for his underdog story.
Legacy: A walk-on success story who symbolized heart and effort.
Elijah Simmons (2019–2023)
A fan favorite due to his massive frame (6’2”, 340 pounds) and dancing celebrations, Elijah Simmons brought flair to the #98 jersey. Though injuries and rotation limits held him back from reaching stardom, Simmons still carved out a role as a disruptive force on the defensive interior, especially during Josh Heupel’s early years.
His ability to clog running lanes and free up linebackers made him a valuable contributor, especially in SEC play. Off the field, his engaging personality made him one of the most beloved Vols in recent years.
Stats at Tennessee: 33 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack
Legacy: Massive presence with massive personality, and a reliable rotational piece for several years.
When you think of #98 in Tennessee football history, a few common traits emerge: toughness, resilience, work ethic, and power. Whether it was Leonard Little tearing up backfields in the ’90s or Elijah Simmons commanding double teams in 2023, the players who donned this jersey represented the defensive standard the program holds dear.
Little’s era came at a pivotal moment in Tennessee’s football history. With the Volunteers surging under Phillip Fulmer and national expectations rising, Leonard was a defensive anchor during a golden age for the program. His efforts helped Tennessee:
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Win the 1997 SEC Championship
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Cement itself as a national contender
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Bridge the gap to the 1998 National Championship season
While Little didn’t play during the 1998 title run, his contributions laid the foundation. His aggressive style of play and refusal to be blocked inspired a defense-first mentality that carried the Vols to their greatest modern success.
His blend of college dominance and NFL accomplishment puts him squarely in the conversation for Mount Rushmore status among Tennessee defenders—alongside Reggie White, Eric Berry, and Al Wilson.
Tennessee has had several elite defensive linemen in recent years—like Derek Barnett, who broke Reggie White’s sack record, and Byron Young, who became a surprise NFL standout. But every one of them traces part of their lineage back to Leonard Little.
His relentless pass-rush style has become a prototype. Coaches often point to Little’s game film when teaching technique, especially on outside speed rushes and how to counter offensive line leverage.
In many ways, Little’s #98 is more than a number. It’s a symbol of intensity, greatness, and Tennessee football played the way it should be—fast, violent, and proud.
If you ask the Vol faithful to name the top defenders in program history, Leonard Little is always near the top. And if you mention jersey #98, his name is the first that comes up. To many fans, that number belongs to him forever.
Social media campaigns, jersey reissues, and even locker room signage have honored Little’s contributions. Young recruits often learn his name early in their Tennessee experience—and it’s common to hear phrases like, “I want to be the next Leonard Little” among current Vol defenders.
While others have worn the jersey with honor, there’s no debate about who wore it best.
Leonard Little is the greatest Tennessee Volunteer to ever wear #98.
His impact on the field, legacy off it, and contributions to Tennessee’s golden era of football cement his place in the program’s pantheon of greats. As the jersey countdown continues, fans should pause when they get to 98—remembering the unstoppable force off the edge who made quarterbacks sweat and gave Tennessee one of its fiercest defensive weapons.
So, here’s to #98. Here’s to Leonard Little.
A Volunteer legend. A defensive icon. And the undisputed king of No. 98.
