Two Tennessee football RBs named among top 10 in SEC
Ty Chandler and Eric Gray are two standout Tennessee football Volunteers running backs.
In 2018, Ty Chandler was the best offensive weapon Tennessee football had. Down the stretch of last year, Eric Gray became the program’s breakout star. Now, the Nashville and Memphis products respectively could be poised for an elite rushing attack in 2020.
Austin Nivison of 247Sports listed both players among the top 10 returning SEC running backs by production. Gray, who is entering his sophomore year, came in at No. 10 after rushing for 539 rushing yards in 2019. Chandler, who is entering his senior year, came in at No. 8 with 655 rushing yards in 2019.
When you factor in receiving, Gray had 654 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. He averaged nearly five and a half yards a carry. Chandler had 718 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, averaging just under five yards a carry.
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With the dismissal of Tim Jordan but the lifted redshirt of Carlin Fils-Aime, the running back situation figures to parallel last year with the addition of a power back, potentially Knoxville product Tee Hodge. That would make a perfect trio of backs for Tennessee football all from the three major cities in the state. As far as big play guys, Chandler and Gray are the standout players.
Gray’s emergence came late, as he had 246 yards and three touchdowns in the final game of the year against the Vanderbilt Commodores then had 86 yards, an onside kick recovery and the game-winning touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers. Entering this season, the 5’10” 200-pound back figures to be a breakout star.
On the other hand, Chandler took a bit of a step back last year. His production in 2018 was his best, as he gained 630 yards, averaged five and a half yards a carry and added 183 receiving yards with seven total touchdowns on the year.
A big benefit to both players could be Gray’s increased experience and the developed offensive line. This will be the first time the players enter the season with a pretty set rotation up front, and given Jarrett Guarantano’s increased experience, Jim Chaney has a lot to work with when it comes to both players.
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The Kentucky Wildcats were the only other team with two top 10 SEC backs. Taking that into account, Tennessee football could finally be returning to its glory days of elite SEC rushers. With the offense in much better shape, that gives fans a lot to look forward to.