Vols’ 2013 Season In Review: Offensive MVP

Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) rushes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

In 2012, the Tennessee Volunteers had one of their most prolific offensive seasons in school history.

Unfortunately for Vol fans — and incoming head coach Butch Jones — the Vols’ lost nearly all of their offensive production from the 2012 season

Jones was armed with the task of replacing a starting quarterback, a tight end and three wide receivers.

Not an easy task by any means.

The one offensive skill position where Jones did have some experience returning was the running back position.

The Vols returned senior Rajion Neal and junior Marlin Lane. Neal was the full-time starter in 2012 and was spelled by Lane.

Much of the same was in store for 2013.

Lane looked better at times, but there was no questioning who the Volunteers’ go to running back was in 2013 — Rajion Neal.

It could be argued — and probably will be — that true freshman Marquez North was the Vols’ offensive MVP in 2013.

While North’s contributions were important, there is no doubt who made the biggest impact for the Vols in 2013 and likewise is our 2013 offensive MVP.

Rajion Neal

Rajion Neal was one the most unheralded, yet solid players on the Vols’ 2013 roster.

Neal started the season off with a bang against Austin Peay, rushing for 141 yards on 16 carries, including a 47-yard touchdown run in the game’s opening minutes.

The senior running back followed that up with a three touchdown performance against Western Kentucky.

Neal’s performance against the Hilltoppers was impressive, but perhaps his best performance of the season came on October 5 against the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Vols’ ended up losing a heartbreaker in overtime to Georgia, but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort from Rajion Neal.

Neal carried the ball 28 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He also added five catches for 19 yards. Neal scored the touchdown that put the Vols ahead late in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs were able to come back and tie the game, before eventually winning in overtime.

Had it not been for Neal’s dominant rushing performance, the Vols likely would not have been in a position to possibly win.

Rajion Neal had a major impact on the field for the Volunteers in 2013.

And his final stat line definitely represents that.

Neal finished the season with 1,124 rushing yards, 27 receptions, 108 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s eight more touchdowns than anyone else on the team scored.

The 1,124 rushing yards were the most since Montario Hardesty rushed for 1,345 yards in 2009.

Neal finished his career as the Vols’ 14th all-time leading rusher.

Do you agree or disagree with Rajion Neal being named the Vols’ offensive MVP?

Make sure to vote in the poll and if you disagree we want to hear who you think should have earned the honor and why.