Today On Rocky Top: Vols Without Obvious Number 1 Running Back

October 27, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Marlin Lane (15) runs for a big gain as South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Shaq Wilson (54) pursues in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

From Go Vols Xtra

"While all attention is focused on the battle for Tennessee’s No. 1 quarterback, running back coach Robert Gillespie said Monday that no No. 1 tailback currently exists.Moreover, Gillespie added, will there likely be a true No. 1 going into the Vols’ season opener against Austin Peay on Aug. 31.“I don’t think there’s really a one for us as an offense,” Gillespie said following Monday’s practice. “Both those guys (Rajion Neal and Marlin Lane) are going to play. Who goes out first doesn’t matter. I don’t have a one in my head. Whether (offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian) or (head coach Butch Jones) does, I’ll leave that up to them.”Except Lane isn’t playing at all at the moment.The junior has recently been only working out on the sidelines for undisclosed reasons. Asked Monday for an update, Gillespie responded, “Nothing. There’s no situation.”"

From Nooga.com

"Fall camp officially ended on Monday evening for the Vols after over two weeks of grueling practices.That doesn’t mean a huge break for the team, though. The Vols will get two days off the field before the attention shifts to preparing for the season opener against Austin Peay on Aug. 31.But despite there being less than two weeks left before the season begins, the Vols haven’t updated their official depth chart. Some of the positions are beginning to sort themselves out. Others remain a mystery.“It’s always ongoing,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said of some of the position battles,“we always want to create competition. Hopefully some of those guys who are getting second-team reps push the [starters] and make everybody better every single day.”"

From The Sacramento Bee

"Tennessee running back Marlin Lane says his suspension during spring practice has given him a new appreciation for the game and his team.Lane was suspended for disciplinary reasons that haven’t been specified. The junior from Daytona Beach, Fla., was reinstated this summer, but he didn’t appear on the pre-training camp depth chart — an indication he had to regain the coaching staff’s trust."

From Bleacher Report

"With just one more weekend to go before the start of the 2013 college football season, it’s officially acceptable to make predictions for the upcoming season. The Tennessee Volunteers have had fans wondering and debating what kind of season they’ll have all offseason because of the renewed energy in Knoxville.All credit goes to Butch Jones and his relentless staff for embracing the Volunteer tradition, adding their own flair and pressing forward with their “brick by brick” strategy to get Tennessee back. Until now, Jones has done everything right.But the one and only way he’ll be graded in the long term is his on-field success. Recruiting is great. Developing is even better. But winning is king of kings, lord of lords. It’s the be-all end-all to the future of a coach."

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