Tennessee Football: Athlon Sports picks RB Ty Chandler for breakout year

Ty Chandler has the talent to be one of the best running backs in the SEC. Athlon Sports picked him as a player to have a breakout season.

Running back, Ty Chandler erupted on the scene last season in the backup role. He ran behind now Los Angeles Rams running back John Kelly. It was a great one-two punch for the Vols last season despite going 4-8.

If there was one part of Tennessee’s football team that showed up and showed out it was John Kelly and Ty Chandler. Both players were highly productive; I suppose that is why everyone thinks Chandler can have an All-SEC type of season as a sophomore.

Here is what Athlon Sports had to say about Chandler.

"After working as the backup to John Kelly last season, Chandler is primed for a breakout season as Tennessee’s No. 1 option in the backfield. The Nashville native flashed potential in his true freshman campaign, recording 305 yards and two scores on 71 attempts. Chandler rushed for 120 yards against Kentucky and also scored once on a kickoff return versus Indiana State. Michigan State graduate transfer Madre London will push for time, but Chandler is the best all-around (and big-play) option for coordinator Tyson Helton."

On 71 attempts, Chandler had 305 yards with two touchdowns. His breakout game came against the Kentucky Wildcats on October 28. Chandler started the game and received 22 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

That is the type of production that Chandler is capable of. There were times last season where it appeared at any given moment; Chandler was going to go the distance.

He will have his opportunity this season to be the workhorse. However, he will have his fair share of competition. Yet, he should have the best chance to see the most action to start the season.

Chandler doesn’t necessarily have the build that Jeremy Pruitt and Tyson Helton want in the running back. However, he is so dynamic; he will fit right in. He runs and sees the field reasonably close to Alvin Kamara. And, we all know how good Kamara was and is.

If Pruitt and Helton are smart, which they are, they will find a way to get Chandler the ball early and often. There is a time and place for running backs like Jeremy Banks, and there is no doubt he will be a good player. However, there is also a time where Chandler will be called upon to make a play. Odds are he will be good enough to be the guy next season.