Vols Football: Projecting Depth Chart at Start of Fall Camp

Running Back

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

Starter: Jalen Hurd

Backup: Alvin Kamara

Once again, these were mostly givens. Thought we’d get the most obvious ones out of the way first, though.

Hurd was very limited in the spring and wore a green non-contact jersey the entire time, but he didn’t let that slow him down when he was allowed to participate. In the Orange and White game, Hurd ran for 40 yards on just 3 carries, displaying his explosiveness on all 3 carries.

Kamara, meanwhile, did nothing to quell the excitement around his arrival. He showed great burst and play-making ability all spring, and he looks poised to join Hurd as an elite one-two punch for the Vols in the SEC.

Hurd and Kamara were the only scholarship running backs on Tennessee’s roster this spring, so they get these spots by default. But even if they weren’t, these two would be the starter and back-up (or possibly co-starters) because they are two of the most talented players at their position in all of the SEC.

John Kelly will join the team as a freshman in the fall, as well as transfer Ralph David Abernathy IV. Abernathy figures to be a change of pace back much like Devrin Young was for the Vols, and he should be able to provide immediate depth and help in the return game as well.