Category Archives: University of Texas

University of Texas

Henderson, Scott

utud11 shendersonCard: UT Upper Deck 2011
Acquired: 2015, Spoodog Box Break

Here’s a classic pose.  I love the look of the old school PR photos like this. If you look carefully you can even spy a crane in the background erecting one of Austin’s first ‘skyscrapers’.

Originally wanting to go to Notre Dame, the Golden Domers told Henderson he was ‘too fat’ to play for them, so he decided to go to Texas.  Scott went on to become one of Texas’ great linebackers of all-time, and was co-captain of the Longhorns 1969 and 1970 National Championship teams. Henderson ended up with 181 tackles in his college career, and earned All-American Honors in 1970.

 

NFL, University of Texas

Vaccaro, Kenny

sage13 vaccaroCard: Sage Hit 2013
Acquired: 2014 BB, Target Autograph Memorabilia

Longhorn Kenny Vaccaro punctuated his college career at Texas by being made a first round choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2013. He logged 231 total tackles (158 solo/73 assists), 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 24 pass defensed. With a good overall set of athleticism, loose hips, and strength, Vaccaro was seen as a starting caliber safety in the NFL.

The Saints porous defense was going through transition with new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan trying to retool the defensive backfield. Kenny fit right in playing nickle, strong, and free safety.  He’d start 14 games for the team nabbing 62 tackles, 1 sack, 7 pass defensed, 1 interception for 29 yards, and 1 forced fumble.  He was considered a rising star in the young defense. In 2014, the Saints played him at both free and strong safety, but with the team having a difficult season, Vaccaro was benched after 13 games. While the team values his aggressive play, the double-edged sword was his caliber of recklessness. Vaccaro finished his season with 51 tackles, 5 pass defensed, and 2 picks for 45 yards.

I don’t grab the Target Autograph Memorabilia as much as I had in the past because of the lack of names that I had been pulling from them, but wow, I got a nice hit out of the Target grab bag with this one.  Another member of Texas DBU down.

University of Texas

Phillips, Eddie

utud11 phillipsCard: UT Upper Deck 2011
Acquired: 2015, Spoodog Box Break

Eddie Phillips had big shoes to fill, guiding the Longhorns offense after quarterback James Street graduated in 1970. He responded marvelously, leading Texas back to a share of the National Championship. During 1971 Phillips had his best game of his career in the Cotton Bowl, single handedly keeping Texas offense in a game against Notre Dame. He rushed 23 times for 164 yards, and was 9 of 17 through the air for another 199, but the Horns ultimately lost 24-11.  Phillips returned later in the year for the Longhorns opener, however injuries limited his effectiveness the remainder of 71.  The Longhorns remained relevant and played in the Cotton Bowl and Hula Bowl in 1972.  Eddie finished his career at Texas with a 14-2 record and 1,211 yards rushing.

Phillips was selected in the 5th round of the 1972 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Eddie was converted to safety, but did not make the roster of the team. He returned to Austin and has been involved in the financial industry for many years.