Vols Football: Profiles for All New Offensive Signees

John Kelly, Running Back

The Vols desperately needed running backs on their roster, but they were only able to add two true running backs in their 2015 class. But one, Alvin Kamara, was the highest-rated JUCO running back in the class, and the other, John Kelly, might just be a diamond in the rough.

Kelly, a three-star athlete from Oak Park, Michigan, is incredibly diverse for an athlete rated as low as he is. He’s not a speedy back, but he possesses good quickness and elusiveness for a back. He has good vision and knows how to create plays for himself not only as a running back, but also as a returner.

As a senior, Kelly had touchdowns in five separate categories. He ran the ball 102 times for 1,186 yards and 20 scores, adding 125 receiving yards and a score on offense. On defense, he broke up 8 passes and had 2 interceptions, one he returned 90 yards for a score. And on special teams, Kelly returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown (all via MLive).

Much of the focus in the 2015 class in regards to the running backs has been on Alvin Kamara, and that’s understandable given his skill set and talent. But Kelly brings a different dimension to the backfield, and with Tennessee’s lack of depth at the position, he should get some opportunities as early as this season.