Tennessee football: 10 safest starting spots on Vols 2019 roster

Again, this is based on production. Tennessee football has a power back in four-star commitment Jeremy Banks, who is more settled into his role his second year, and they have a four-star speed back committed for 2019 in Eric Gray, who was an early enrollee. Then you have Tim Jordan and Carlin Fils-Aime as solid, overall backs.

However, none of those players are as proven as Ty Chandler on the list. Last year, Chandler had 115 carries for 630 yards, averaging five and a half yards a carry behind a historically bad offensive line. He also had 19 receptions for 183 yards.

And in the process, Chandler had seven combined touchdowns, including a receiving touchdown in three straight games, something no running back ever did on Rocky Top. So he was en elite producer for the Vols and may have been their best offensive weapon. He also returned seven kickoffs for 113 yards and had a kickoff return for a touchdown in 2017.

As a result, Chandler is the most versatile offensive player on the Vols. The 5’11” 201-pound speedster from Nashville, brings a ton of hype and excitement, and despite Pruitt’s commitment to multiple running backs, Chandler is clearly safe as a starter.