Jeremy Pruitt may love his by-committee system among running backs. And Jeremy Banks is clearly the power guy while Tim Jordan and Carlin Fils-Aime are more than capable of being fundamental backs in the system. But Tennessee football needs to give opponents a heavy dose of Ty Chandler this year.
Chandler is the Vols’ best offensive weapon by far. Despite all the issues on the line last year, he still managed five and a half yards a carry, rushing for 630 yards and scoring seven total touchdowns. He even became the first UT running back to have three touchdowns in three straight games.
Add in Chandler’s kickoff return touchdown as a freshman, and he clearly can rack up stats anywhere you put him. Those opportunities are what put him at No. 5 on this list. Again, he’s only on here because of his raw talent. The Vols will not be using him as much as they could to get all those numbers, and that’s why he’s not No. 1.
Still, Chandler is such a great weapon that he could generate plenty of All-SEC and All-American recognition anyway. There are just too many ways he can be effective. So watch out for what awards he potentially racks up at the end of the year. This may be his last season on Rocky Top.