Chad Cunningham, Tennessee Volunteer football player and former Dawson County High School football star, has entered his name in the record books. Cunningham is listed on the career punting list as the number eight punter in Tennessee history.

During his collegiate career, Cunningham had an average of 40.8 yards per punt.

He is listed with Volunteer stars such as Jimmy Colquitt, number one rated punter in Vol history with a 43.9 yards per punt average during his career from 1981-1984.

Colquitt is one of four members of the Colquitt family listed. Britton Colquitt is second on the list with a 42.569 average, Dustin Colquitt is third with a 42.566 average, and Craig Colquitt is fourth with a 42.5 average.

Cunningham’s longest punt this season was a 58-yard howitzer against Alabama.

During his junior season, the former Tiger standout averaged 42 yards with 11 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Cunningham also handled all the kick off duties and had seven tackles on special teams.

The 6’3” 198 pound kicker also booted a 39-yard field goal against South Carolina. Cunningham converted all four of his extra point attempts this season for Tennesee Head Coach Lane Kiffin’s team.

The Vols finished with a 7-6 record this season. One of the Vol highlights this season was a huge win over Georgia in Knoxville, Tenn., 45-19, in October.

Tennessee played in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve. Despite losing to the Hokies, 37-14, Cunningham punted six times for a 42.7 average with one kick inside the 20 yard line.

Cunningham is majoring in communication studies. He is the son of Nancy and Rory Cunningham of Dawsonville.

Cunningham’s father, Rory, also played collegiate football at the University of Tennessee. He played guard.