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Tennessee football 2020 preview by position: RB

By Caleb Calhoun

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 09: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 09: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images
Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images /

Projected starters

1. Ty Chandler; Senior; 5’11” 209 pounds; Nashville, Tenn.

Last year, Ty Chandler increased his rushing totals from 630 to 655 yards. However, his average dropped from five and a half to just under five yards a carry, and his receiving production dropped from 183 yards to 63. Also, his total touchdowns dropped from seven to three. Simply put, the product of Montgomery Bell Academy had a major dip in production.

However, Chandler is Tennessee football’s most experienced running back, and he has proven his versatility over the years. As a result, entering his senior season, we are still projecting him to be the top guy and get the most carries. If the explosiveness he showed in 2018 can return, then he could be in for an epic year given the expectations behind the offensive line.

2. Eric Gray; Sophomore; 5’10” 200 pounds; Memphis, Tenn.

Although he has the same profile as Ty Chandler, Eric Gray has to start too. His finish to 2019, rushing for 246 yards and three touchdowns against the Vanderbilt Commodores and then rushing for 86 yards and the game-winning touchdown while recovering the key onside kick in UT’s 23-22 comeback win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the Gator Bowl, made a lasting impression.

For the year, the product of Lausanne averaged nearly five and a half yards a carry, rushing for 539 yards and four touchdowns while catching 13 passes for 115 yards and another touchdown. With that strong finish, many people are hyping him up over Chandler. However, both will clearly start, and Chandler’s consistency is what puts Gray at No. 2 on here for now.

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