Tennessee football: Top 10 in-state Vols on 2019 roster
Two of Tennessee football’s clear-cut three best players from within the state who are projected to start at this moment hail from Nashville. And we have them at No. 2 and No. 1. Ty Chandler is slightly ahead of Daniel Bituli and Jauan Jennings.
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As a speedy running back who brings a plethora of skills, Chandler was a star in 2018, even as Jeremy Pruitt demonstrated his dedication to a by-committee running back system. Chandler had 115 carries for 630 yards, averaging five and a half yards a carry.
He also had 19 receptions for 183 yards and racked up seven total touchdowns. Included in that was a first for UT running backs ever. Chandler had a receiving touchdown in three straight games against the Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.
Heading into 2019, Jim Chaney is likely to use a by-committee running back system again, but Chandler is going to be his star to make the big plays. The guy has just proven too much with the ball in his hands, and he is clearly an elite talent.
In fact, with Jennings as the go-to guy, the Vols’ two best offensive playmakers this year figure to both be from within the state. But Chandler is more proven coming off of last year, which is why he is at No. 1.
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Chandler is evidence that Tennessee football has some offensive skill players heading into Jeremy Pruitt’s second season, and he’s a reason the Vols could be significantly better. If he builds off of what he did in 2018, then the offense could take off under Chaney, even if it takes some time to pick up the nuances of his system.