Ranking the Tennessee Vols Football Players Most Likely to Win Postseason Awards
Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) gets past Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Bo Bower (41) for a 29-yard touchdown in the first quarter of their 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Taking all of that into account, he has to be on this list. But now we move on to that by-committee sticking point.
Like Kamara, Hurd has to split time, meaning splitting carries and cutting his potential totals in half. Also, while he is higher than Kamara because of his proven ability, one thing that could work against Hurd is that he will be the guy asked to shoulder more of a heavy load to take those three and four yard gains that simply wear down defenses.
Obviously, that means less of a chance to break off big gains for tons of yards. But it does not mean that it can’t happen. Hurd can still be a superstar and as far as raw talent goes has a case to be made to be the best back in the SEC, a conference loaded with running backs.
He is clearly the most underrated at this point.
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7
Jalen Hurd
Running Back, Sophomore
Sticking with the running backs, the proven one for the Vols could be set to have a breakout year as well. Jalen Hurd has apparently maintained his speed and gained more weight, muscle, that is, this offseason to add to his unique size and strength as a running back.
That means an ability to take more carries and more hits and potentially even catch swing passes for more yards. Hurd will be the foundation of the offense most likely and is a complete back, so he should have no trouble racking up tons of yards. And while he and Kamara seem as if they will be by-committee starters, it still appears as if he is the main guy.
Taking all of that into account, he has to be on this list. But now we move on to that by-committee sticking point.
Like Kamara, Hurd has to split time, meaning splitting carries and cutting his potential totals in half. Also, while he is higher than Kamara because of his proven ability, one thing that could work against Hurd is that he will be the guy asked to shoulder more of a heavy load to take those three and four yard gains that simply wear down defenses.
Obviously, that means less of a chance to break off big gains for tons of yards. But it does not mean that it can’t happen. Hurd can still be a superstar and as far as raw talent goes has a case to be made to be the best back in the SEC, a conference loaded with running backs.
He is clearly the most underrated at this point.
Next: #6: Brian Randolph