Tennessee football: Vols top five sophomores for 2019

One of the marks of Jeremy Pruitt’s said-desired offensive system is running three to four running backs at a time. In that group, he always wants a power back. Tennessee football has its speed back in Ty Chandler. Eric Gray is emerging as a reliable speed back to provide depth.

Carlin Fils-Aime and Tim Jordan are the fundamental backs. But the only power back is Jeremy Banks. A four-star commit in the Vols’ 2018 class, Banks saw some action last year as the power back, rushing for 185 yards and three touchdowns.

Madre London was the main back, last year, as Banks struggled with fumbles and was moved to linebacker for a bit of time. He is back at running back now, though, and figures to take a major step forward as the feature back. Pruitt and Jim Chaney will be relying on Banks to convert short-yardage plays this year.

Regardless of some of his struggles, nobody ever questioned that Banks ran hard. So if he fixes his fumble issue, he could be the perfect power back in the system. He’s the one guy on this list who didn’t necessarily emerge last year. But he showed flashes and will be much more needed this year, which is why he makes the list.