VFL, First-Round NFL Pick Duncan Passes

Clyde Duncan, a founding member of Tennessee’s vaunted “Wide Receiver U” tandem in the 1980s and first-round NFL Draft pick passed away last week at the age of 54.

A native of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Duncan played for the Volunteers from 1979-1983, sitting out the 1980 season due to injury. His playing career was highlighted by a standout senior season in 1983 that saw Duncan haul in 33 passes for 640 yards and six touchdowns, all team highs.

Duncan caught two touchdowns from Alan Cockrell, covering 80 and 57 yards in Tennessee’s 41-34 comeback win over Alabama. It was the first Volunteer victory in Birmingham since 1969.

Against Vanderbilt in the 1983 season finale, Duncan took a swing pass from Cockrell 85 yards with 9:09 remaining to seal a win in his final game at Neyland Stadium. The play was the longest pass play in Tennessee history at the time and still ranks third on the all-time chart.

Duncan was the only Tennessee player selected in the first round of the 1984 NFL Draft, going 17th overall to the St. Louis Cardinals. He played two seasons in St. Louis, scoring one touchdown.

Duncan returned to his home state of Maryland, where he lived with his wife, Rhonda. Funeral arrangements will be posted once they are available.