Vols’ 2014 Season In Review
By Zach Ragan
Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Newcomer Of The Year Not Named Derek Barnett — Jalen Hurd
Jalen Hurd was everything the Vols could’ve wanted and more.
Though Marlin Lane officially started the season as Tennessee’s “starting running back”, it was Hurd who was the guy from the outset.
Hurd looked like a veteran running back the entire season, rushing for 777 yards and two touchdowns behind a porous offensive line. He also added 217 receiving yards on 33 catches.
One of Hurd’s biggest plays of the season was converting a 4th and 6 against South Carolina for a 21 yard touchdown, to pull the Vols within one score.
That single play totally encompassed why Hurd is so good. His ability to catch the ball, break tackles and his superb field awareness allowed him to score on that play. Had he went down at first contact, Tennessee likely doesn’t win that game.
Hurd will be even better as a sophomore and he’ll have some help from Alvin Kamara next season as well.
Honorable Mention:
Two other players that had solid freshman seasons were defensive backs Emmanuel Moseley and Todd Kelly JR.
Moseley started two games for the Vols, but saw significant playing time in all 12 games. The true freshman from Greensboro, NC finished the season with 18 total tackles and six pass break-ups.
Kelly started three games for Tennessee, but also saw significant playing time in all 12 games. Kelly had three interceptions (most by a freshman in the SEC) to go along with 30 total tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Vols should have one of the top secondaries in the SEC next season.