In 1981, Powell set a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) record in track for the 110-meter high hurdle event.
[2] That summer, Jeff Powell represented the United States during the second Pan American Junior Athletics Championships held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela where he earned the silver medal in the 110-metre hurdles.
[3] Jeff Powell's athletic versatility is evident through the numerous awards he earned as a hurdler and as a running back.
[8] Jeff Powell is perhaps best remembered among Vol fans for his performance in Tennessee's 35–7 victory over Miami in the 1986 Sugar Bowl, in which he ran for 104 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
During the 3rd quarter, Powell ran off-tackle and out-sprinted Hurricane safeties Bennie Blades and Selwyn Brown for 60 yards to the end zone.
It was during this run that legendary Volunteers broadcaster John Ward made his well-known "5-4-3-2-1 ... sixty yards ... Jeff Powell!"
[12][13] Powell's touchdown and the ensuing extra point gave Tennessee a 28-7 lead over the Hurricanes and blew the game wide open.
[14] As Powell was completing his undergraduate degree requirements, the Chicago Bears selected him in the sixth round (166th overall) of the 1986 NFL draft and later traded him to the San Diego Chargers.