Vols running back Jalen Hurd has been limited in practice this week (standard protocol according to coaching staff), but will be “ready to go” against Chattanooga, according to head coach Butch Jones.
JONES: Hurd has practiced all week and will be ready to go for Chattanooga. Every rep Pearson gets is valuable. Josh Smith is out this week.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 9, 2014
Hurd made his first official career start in the Vols’ loss to Florida this past Saturday. He was already receiving the majority of the carries.
The highly touted freshman from Hendersonville, TN has gained 367 yards on 82 attempts so far this season.
As bad as the Vols running game has looked, Hurd is still averaging a very respectable 4.5 yards per carry.
There’s no reason for Tennessee to push Hurd this Saturday. They need to make sure he’s healthy for the Vols’ game against Ole Miss on October 18.
Butch Jones also said that true freshman running back Derrell Scott would make his debut at Neyland on Saturday.
With running back Marlin Lane banged up as well, I’d expect to see plenty of Devrin Young, Justus Pickett and the aforementioned Derrell Scott.
Tennessee can’t look past Chattanooga, but they need to use this week to get as healthy as possible with games against Ole Miss, Alabama and South Carolina coming up before their next bye week.