In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a town west of Knoxville lived a new graduate of Oak Ridge High School, named Ryan Peace. At school he had been an average student, but he had one passion, Tennessee Volunteer Football. He had played football and even started his junior and senior years. He had the height but not the weight for the sport. In the fall of his senior year, he applied and was accepted into the University of Tennessee. Walking through campus one day during the summer, he saw a flier from the department of athletics. The flier stated that all students wishing to attend the training camp for the Vols should reply to the address below. Without delay he sent a letter with all of his measurements for equipment and a resounding "Yes".

He arrived on the first day of camp, a hot, muggy Tennessee August day with the...