Vols Football: Mid-Season Grades for Every Position

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back: C

At times, the Vols’ running game has looked borderline anemic. Whether or not that has to do with them or the blocking up front is up for debate, but you don’t rank in the bottom of the SEC in rushing yards per game without at least part of it being on the backs.

With that being said, the Vols have reason for optimism at this position. Freshman Jalen Hurd has flashed his phenomenal potential, and fellow freshman Derrell Scott was finally able to cut his teeth against Chattanooga and looked good doing so.

Hurd has been impressive as a true freshman running back so far, carrying the ball 84 times for 374 yards and 2 scores. Marlin Lane, however, has been a major disappointment thus far, only managing 160 yards on 49 carries.

Scott may be able to pick up some of the slack, but if Lane can’t spell Hurd more effectively, this unit might suffer down the stretch if the wear and tear of the SEC schedule takes its toll on Hurd. They need to improve on their paltry 3 yards per carry average for the Vols to hope to make a bowl game.