The 1972 Alcoa game was probably the best game this tenacious linebacker ever had. It what got Alabama, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Duke and Georgia Tech interested in Buzz Thomas. After his high school career Buzz decided to walk on at UT. A third concussion during spring practice ended his collegiate career at UTK. He played in three Alcoa games during his high school career which included the 1970 game as part of the state championship team. He was the defensive captain and leading tackler in the 1971 and 1972 games- back to back shoutouts. 20-0 in ’71 and 32-0 in 72’.