Alvin Toles (born March 23, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL) from 1985 until 1988, when a knee injury ended his career. He played college football at the University of Tennessee, initially as a fullback before switching to linebacker his junior year. He was the Saints' 1st-round pick in the 1985 NFL draft.
Early life Toles played high school football at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia, under long-time coach Dan Pitt. Playing as a fullback, he rushed for 1,663 yards during his senior season in 1980,Jonathan Heeter, "The Numbers Game: The 40s ", The Telegraph (Macon), July 22, 2012. Retrieved: July 31, 2013. leading the Bulldogs to the Class AA state championship and a 15–0 season."1981 Tennessee Signees ", 1981 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1981), p. 58. He rushed for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Bulldogs' 34–6 victory over Duluth in the title game."Bulldogs, Woodward Claim Prep Grid Titles", Rome News-Tribune, December 14, 1980, p. 5C. He earned All-State honors, and was named the "All-Middle Georgia Player of the Year" by the Macon Telegraph. He was ranked among the top 33 recruits in the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Constitution.
College career Toles joined the Tennessee Volunteers in 1981, part of a signing class that included Reggie McKenzie, Raleigh McKenzie, Johnnie Jones, Alan Cockrell and Carl Zander. Playing as a fullback during his freshman year, he rushed for 220 yards on 47 carries while splitting time with junior Doug Furnas."1982 Tennessee Squad", 1982 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1982), p. 57. During his sophomore year in 1982, he rushed for 135 yards on 46 carries."1982 Offensive Statistics", 1983 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1983), p. 89.
With 250-pound sophomore Sam Henderson poised to take over the starting slot at fullback at the start of the 1983 season, Toles switched to linebacker at the request of head coach Johnny Majors.Tim Hix, "Vol Profile: Alvin Toles", Tennessee vs. LSU Football Program (University of Tennessee, 1983), pp. 47-48. In spite of never having played defense, Toles had a breakout season, registering a team-leading 135 tackles (72 solo), including 8 tackles-for-loss (1 less than All-American teammate Reggie White)."1983 Defensive Statistics ", 1984 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1984), p. 92. In the Vols' season-opening loss against Pittsburgh, Toles had 19 tackles, one of which broke the collarbone of Panthers quarterback John Cummings. In Tennessee's loss to Auburn, he had 17 tackles, including 4 tackles-for-loss. He also had 18 tackles (8 solo) against Alabama, 14 tackles (8 solo) against Georgia Tech, and 20 tackles (7 solo) against Ole Miss."1984 Tennessee Squad", 1984 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1984), p. 60. In Tennessee's 30–23 victory over Maryland in the 1983 Florida Citrus Bowl, Toles stuffed Terrapins running back Rick Badanjek at the 1-yard line to prevent a touchdown on the opening drive, and he had a fumble recovery and an interception — both of which led to scores — in the fourth quarter."Victory Over Terps In Florida Citrus Bowl Climaxes Best UT Campaign Since 1972 ", 1984 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1984), p. 90. He finished the game with 6 tackles, and he was named the game's "Outstanding Defensive Player."
Toles was expected to have a big year as a senior in 1984, but broke his ankle during the game against Auburn and missed the rest of the season.Rick Redding, "Gators Offer Big Challenge for Vols", Tennessee vs. Florida Football Program (University of Tennessee, 1984), p. 11. In just four games, he had 43 tackles (26 solo), broke up a pass and recovered a fumble."1984 Defensive Statistics", 1985 Tennessee Volunteers Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1985), p. 102. He finished his career at Tennessee with 178 tackles (98 solo), 8 of which were for a loss, to go along with the 355 yards rushing on 93 carries he had amassed while playing fullback.Football Career Statistics, UTSports.com. Retrieved: July 31, 2013.
Professional career Toles was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (24th overall pick) in the 1985 NFL draft, one of three Vol linebackers (the others being Carl Zander and Reggie McKenzie) to be drafted that year. He played 55 games over four seasons for the Saints, much of it on special teams as he competed with Sam Mills and Vaughan Johnson for playing time at linebacker.NFL capsules, Altus Times, August 7, 1987, p. 7. In the Saints' 24–22 loss to San Francisco on October 25, 1987, Toles returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, temporarily giving the Saints the lead."49ers 24, Saints 22", Bangor Daily News, October 26, 1987, p. 18. During the Saints' 14–10 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on November 13, 1988, he suffered a serious knee injury."Toles' Knee Injury Is Grim Reminder of Risks Players Face", Baton Rouge Advocate, November 18, 1988. He was waived by the Saints in 1990."Saints Release Jordan, 7 Others on Final Cutdown", Baton Rouge Advocate, September 4, 1990.
Personal life Toles' son, Andrew Toles, was a professional baseball player. His daughter, Morgan Toles, is a former Seminole basketball standout.
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