5. Rotation at running back
This seems like a minor issue, but it’s actually a big deal given what Jeremy Pruitt wants to run. He’s been very clear that he likes to use a by-committee system at running back, and that involves three to four guys.
Well, the top two guys for Tennessee football should be clear in Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan. But what about the other guys? You would assume Jeremy Banks is going to be the power back with Madre London gone. However, he spent time at linebacker last year after issues fumbling the ball, and Pruitt hasn’t made that clear.
Meanwhile, Carlin Fils-Aime, who spent most of last year at defensive back, flipped back to running back towards the end of the year and will be there this year. And then there’s the commitment of four-star speedster Eric Gray out of Memphis.
So is Pruitt going to just use two backs? Or will he use three or four backs? And if he does, who will he turn to? This is a major question, and Pruitt was not asked about it, but when discussing the position, he was really vague.
All he said was that he believes he has several guys with different types of abilities who could play the position and are competitive. But what does that mean? Nobody knows, and it’s why this remains a question.
Jim Chaney, in the past, has used by-committee systems, either at his run-heavy offense with the Georgia Bulldogs or his balanced offense his last stint on Rocky Top. So him being there doesn’t answer that question either. In fact, it adds another one.