Tennessee Football Recruiting: Four-Star Running Back Ty Chandler Commits to Vols for 2017
Four-star running back Ty Chandler announced his commitment to Tennessee football Monday. Chandler will join the Volunteers in 2017.
With the potential departure of both Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd after this year, Butch Jones has secured the running back position for Tennessee football’s future as well.
In-state prospect Ty Chandler, who is listed on Rivals as a four-star out of Nashville, gave the Vols a verbal commitment Monday afternoon, according to 247Sports online.
"“I just feel like it’s the best fit for me, staying close to home and being able to stay in the state I grew up playing in, having that opportunity.”"
At 5’11” 194 pounds, Chandler is another elite speed back who can step in and replace Kamara immediately. He has shown his speed by running track, and there are plenty of highlights of him burning defenders down the field upon touching the ball.
You can see those highlights below.
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With Chandler and John Kelly, Jones has set the Vols up nicely at running back for the future. Meanwhile, three-star running back Trey Coleman also committed to the Tennessee football program.
Chandler is also the son of a former football player. He joins Nigel Warrior, Baylen Buchanan, Dillon Bates, and Todd Kelly Jr. on Tennessee in that regard. Former Ole Miss Rebels running back Chico Chandler is his father.
Ole Miss was high on his list, and he chose the Vols over them, USC, Ohio State, Duke, Florida, Georgia, and Auburn.
Because of his commitment, the Vols now have 24 verbal commitments for 2017. Of those 24 commitments, six are in-state prospects, and that number could grow.
Butch Jones had a thin 2016 class, but he’s back to stocking up his classes again.
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As a result, Tennessee should move even higher in the Rivals 2017 team rankings. They currently stand at No. 9, but they should soon reach the Top 5.