Rajion Neal Leading The Charge At Running Back For Vols
By Zach Ragan
Nov 26, 2011; Lexington, KY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) catches a pass during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
While depth charts are subject to change in Knoxville these days, one thing is certain — Butch Jones is looking for playmakers.
On Saturday during the Volunteers’ night cap of two-a-days, senior running back Rajion Neal proved he belongs among those labeled “playmakers”.
Neal had the highlight of the night, when he took a hand-off from his own two-yard line and took it 98 yards for the score.
The play can be seen at the 1:18 mark of the video below.
It’s easy to say that Neal is a prototypical Butch Jones running back, but that really isn’t the case.
Just like with quarterback, Jones likes to utilize the running back that shows the most consistency and the best playmaking ability.
That’s not to say that Neal won’t, or doesn’t, fit into what Jones is doing with Tennessee’s offense, just to say that Jones’ usage of running backs isn’t exclusive to a particular type of back.
Jones used two very different backs during his past two seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats. In 2011 Jones featured Isaiah Pead, a smaller shifty back that caught 39 passes out of the backfield.
In 2012 Jones featured George Winn, who at 20 pounds heavier than Pead, was more of a power runner and caught only 15 passes. Jones used running back Ralph Abernathy IV more in the passing game. Abernathy rushed for only 366 yards, but caught 28 passes for 341 yards.
Clearly Jones is going to use running backs in the passing game. That much is evident just from looking at the numbers from his past teams.
What’s intriguing is that when Jones had a back that was capable of running the ball, and catching the ball, his tendency was to stick mainly with just that running back (Pead). Last season Jones split that between Winn and Abernathy, the latter being more effective in the passing game.
As far as this season goes, it would go to reason that since Jones has a running back capable of both in Rajion Neal, that Jones could rely on the senior heavily this season.
However I don’t believe that will be the case.
While I believe Neal will ultimately win the starting job, I believe we’ll see a 40/40/20 split among touches at the running back position in Knoxville this fall.
That’s because Jones has an equally capable running back in junior Marlin Lane.
Lane opened fall camp third on the depth chart, due to his suspension from the team this spring. As a result of that suspension Lane missed most of spring practice. Redshirt freshman Alden Hill saw second team reps in Lane’s absence. (If you’re wondering about the math, Hill is where the other 20 comes into play as far as distribution of carries goes)
As a sophomore last season Lane showed great skills, averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Not only did he carry the ball effectively, he also caught 29 passes for 228 yards, ten more receptions than the 19 of Rajion Neal.
From a talent standpoint alone, Lane may have the edge on Neal, but Neal has shown enough during spring and fall practice to be considered a playmaker and a leader, just what Butch Jones is looking for. The Volunteers head coach was quick to praise Neal after his 98 yard touchdown run on Saturday night.
"Jones: Rajion Neal really ran with a purpose tonight…..I thought he showed some bursts in acceleration."
The Vols have not had a 1,000 yard rusher since 2010, when Tauren Poole ran for 1.034 yards.
That streak could continue after this season, but only because of the depth that Tennessee has at running back.
But if there is a candidate on the roster to end the streak it’s Rajion Neal.
Junior left tackle Antonio “Tiny” Richardson pointed out Neal’s pace before an injury slowed him down last season.
"When you look at [Neal] last year, he was like the second leading rusher in the SEC before he got hurt."
Tennessee fans should expect to see a very different running game this season. A more effective running attack will result in a run-first attitude, a valuable component to the equation for winning in the SEC.
The Vols have plenty of talent at the position, but it’ll be Rajion Neal leading the charge when the Volunteers run through the T on August 31 against Austin Peay.
You never know, Neal might just end up being the first player to run for 100 yards against Alabama since the aforementioned Tauren Poole did in 2010.
Of course a 100 yard rusher against Bama, would only be the icing on the cake if the Vols were to come away with a victory.
It’s unlikely, but like we said before — you never know.
For more on the Vols make sure to follow along on Twitter @ZachAFT and @AllforTennessee