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Tennessee football 2019 preview by position: Vols running backs

By Caleb Calhoun

AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Running back Tim Jordan #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball downfield during the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Running back Tim Jordan #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball downfield during the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Projected starters

1. Ty Chandler

Junior; 5’11” 201 lbs; Nashville, Tenn.

In spite of all the praise for Tennessee football’s wide receiving corps. and the hype behind Jarrett Guarantano working with Jim Chaney, there is no debate who the best playmaker is on the offense. He is Ty Chandler, back for his junior year. Chandler averaged five and a half yards a carry last year, gaining 630 yards and also rushing for four touchdowns.

But his versatility is what really stands out. After all, Chandler also had 19 receptions for 183 yards and another three touchdowns. Meanwhile, he’s a proven elite returner. As a result, not only is he the top running back on the list, but if he’s fully healthy, he should be the engine for the whole offense to get going.

2. Tim Jordan

Junior; 5’11” 203 lbs; Bartow, Fla.

When Ty Chandler was hurt in the opener, Tim Jordan had a solid start, and he did gain 522 yards while rushing for three touchdowns on the season. Jordan also had 12 receptions for 116 yards, and he is actually has very good vision and knows how to pick up blitzes while blocking in the passing game, which is a big deal.

Simply put, Jordan and Chandler make a solid duo. Chandler may be the elite playmaker, but Jordan is the reliable, fundamental back. Expect Jim Chaney to play him a lot given Jeremy Pruitt’s desire to go really deep at the running back position. He or somebody else is certainly going to see a good bit of action alongside Chandler. Right now, we have him as the favorite to do so.

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