Honorable Mentions
Jeremy Banks, RB
Cordova, Tenn. (So.)
Jeremy Pruitt has been clear about his desire for a by-committee running back system, and that includes one power back. Jeremy Banks is the only power back on the roster right now, so entering his sophomore year, the prospect from the Memphis suburb could play a major role in the offense, even if he’s not a regular starter.
Eric Gray, RB
Memphis, Tenn. (Fr.)
Another Memphis prospect at running back, Eric Gray actually comes specifically from the city. And he is more of a speedy back, meaning he’ll be a backup when the offense is out there. However, like Banks, he could be used on speciality plays, specifically on returns. Gray is likely to be a special teams weapon, which means he’ll start somewhere and provide value. That’s why we had to mention him.
Theo Jackson, S
Nashville, Tenn. (Jr.)
Tennessee football is set at safety with Nigel Warrior and Trevon Flowers, but another Nashville prospect, Theo Jackson, is still there to challenge Flowers. And Pruitt and Derrick Ansley likely want to run a three-man rotation at safety anyway, so Jackson is certainly going to see a lot of action back there, which makes him a player worth mentioning.
Darel Middleton, DT
Oak Ridge, Tenn. (So.)
Darel Middleton is a three-star junior college defensive tackle transfer from Last Chance U. Growing up right outside of Knoxville in Oak Ridge, he is now heading back home to a position that’s wide open for a starting spot. Emmit Gooden may be a guaranteed starter, but Middleton will be there to fight for one of the other two spots. So he’s definitely a factor.
Trey Smith, OL
Jackson, Tenn. (Jr.)
If Trey Smith’s health status no longer becomes an issue, he immediately moves up to No. 1 on this list. He is Tennessee football’s best offensive lineman, and he immediately helps West Tennessee get better representation among the Vols key players. However, right now, we still don’t know if he’ll be good to go. So we have to just give him an honorable mention.