Tag Archives: running backs

Tennessee spring football 2014: The running backs

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With spring practice starting this week, we’re revisiting some of our projections from the post-season. Today: the running backs.

Rajion Neal celebrates with fans after the Vols beat Kentucky earlier this month (photo by Evan Woodbery)

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — It’s been nearly a decade since Tennessee had more rushing yards than the Vols did in 2013.

While that distinction may speak to the lack of a passing game in this year’s offense, it also speaks to the strength of the Vols’ experienced offensive line and running back duo.

The line will be gone in 2014, but veteran running back Marlin Lane will return. Instead of longtime partner Rajion Neal, Lane will be paired with true freshman Jalen Hurd, a five-star prospect who is expected to play an immediate role in the offense.

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Neal is the big loss off the 2013 roster. Reserve Tom Smith also parted ways with the program after the semester.

Smith did well in garbage time roles in 2013, but never threatened for meaningful playing time. Alden Hill seems likely to be in the same role and he must cement his value on special teams in order to be a factor moving forward.

Continue reading →

After commitment of Derrell Scott, a look at Tennessee’s running back roster

Derrell Scott (247Sports)

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — When Derrell Scott signs with Tennessee next week, the four-star running back will offer an important buffer in a backfield that was facing another year of being uncomfortably thin.

Yes, the Vols have returning veteran Marlin Lane. And yes, they do have two running back commitments, including five-star Jalen Hurd.

But Hurd and fellow incoming freshman Treyvon Paulk are both coming off season-ending injuries. While the Vols hope for big things out of Hurd, they didn’t want to enter the season without any other plans.

The running back rotation now looks positively brimming with options, and we could even see more of the two-back looks that the Vols started incorporating late in 2013.

Here’s what the roster might look like in 2014.

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For more, check out our complete 2014 commitment list and updated roster needs.

Tennessee football position preview: Running backs will lean on Marlin Lane, Jalen Hurd

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The second in a series of position-by-position reviews of the Tennessee football team with an eye toward the start of spring practice in three months.

Rajion Neal celebrates with fans after the Vols beat Kentucky earlier this month (photo by Evan Woodbery)

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — It’s been nearly a decade since Tennessee had more rushing yards than the Vols did in 2013.

While that distinction may speak to the lack of a passing game in this year’s offense, it also speaks to the strength of the Vols’ experienced offensive line and running back duo.

The line will be gone in 2014, but veteran running back Marlin Lane will return. Instead of longtime partner Rajion Neal, Lane will likely be paired with true freshman Jalen Hurd, a five-star prospect who is expected to play an immediate role in the offense.

[gdoc link=”https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AgBQnqCTaaxzdHZTWkZIcUI3c0stTkwzSVhBSmoyaVE&single=true&gid=2&output=html&widget=true” width=”100%” height=”190″]

Neal is the big loss off the 2013 roster. Reserve Tom Smith also parted ways with the program after the semester.

Smith did well in garbage time roles in 2013, but never threatened for meaningful playing time. Alden Hill seems likely to be in the same role and he must cement his value on special teams in order to be a factor moving forward.

Continue reading →

UT signee Jabo Lee says he’s qualified, going to a 4-year school, but it won’t be Tennessee

Jabo Lee

Jabo Lee

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Running back Jabo Lee, who signed with Tennessee in February but was expected to land at junior college upon failing to qualify academically, says those assumptions are off base.

Lee told the Florence (S.C.) Morning News that he is qualified academically and that he doesn’t plan to go to a junior college. But he won’t be going to Tennessee.

“This is just the beginning and everything is good. It is no sweat all,” Lee told the paper.

Lee said that Temple was one of the options he was considering.

Lee posted a message to Vols fans this week:

Lee had been verbally committed to East Carolina but switched to Tennessee just before National Signing Day. The Vols had missed on their top running back targets and needed to add a back to the class.

Without Lee, the Vols will enter 2013 with only four scholarship running backs — Rajion Neal, Marlin Lane, Alden Hill and Tom Smith.