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Tennessee football: Five positions of need for Vols ahead of National Signing Day

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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3. Power running back

There’s a reason Tennessee football is targeting five-star Zachary Evans, and he’s not necessarily even a power back.  But the need there is great. This past year, the Vols moved Jeremy Banks over to linebacker and then dismissed him.

Before that, they had already lost Madre London to graduation. As a result, Jim Chaney didn’t have any power running backs to work with, and that limited what he could do. Maybe it’s why UT was so bad on fourth downs.

Anyway, the Vols really only have all-purpose backs, like Ty Chandler and Eric Gray, or finesse backs, like Tim Jordan and Carlin Fils-Aime, on the roster right now. Meanwhile, they have another non-Power Five running back committed in Jabari Small, a speedy prospect who went to high school just outside of the Memphis area.

They did secure a commitment from Maryville prospect Tee Hodge, who is a power back at 6’2″ 230 pounds. But they need at least two on the roster at any time, and Hodge is a three-star. So we don’t know how well he’ll work out, raising more cause for concern. Power running backs are essential to pro-style offense, and UT doesn’t have anybody proven there yet.

If Evans commits on Wednesday, this issue could be offset. Now, Evans’ weight does go from 195 to 200 pounds. However, it’s likely he’ll put on more muscle once he gets to college, and that could help things a lot. What’s clear is that this is a big need for the Vols.

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