Rotational backups
Note: These are running backs who won’t start, but they’ll be integral parts of the offense. Jeremy Pruitt and Jim Chaney will want to use them in specific situations, which will be enough for them to see a good bit of action.
3. Carlin Fils-Aime; Redshirt senior; 5’11” 185 pounds; Naples, Fla.
Last year, Carlin Fils-Aime made a decision that would prove brilliant in hindsight. He took a redshirt to develop. Now, the product of Naples High School in Florida enters his senior year as the main fundamentals back with Tim Jordan dismissed.
Fils-Aime will be a situational third down back and come in on specific plays. Tennessee football will use him the way it used Jordan the last two years. He hasn’t played running back full-time since 2017, when he rushed for 215 yards and averaged seven yards a carry, so he has potential.
4. Tee Hodge; Freshman; 6’2″ 230 pounds; Maryville, Tenn.
Last year, the departure of Madre London and then conversion and eventual dismissal of Jeremy Banks left the Vols without a power back. This year, Jeremy Pruitt has two new power backs coming in to fill that void. Tee Hodge, who is a full-time back, will be the guy in this system.
The true freshman out of Maryville High School allows for the Vols to have a rotation of backs from the Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville areas. Hodge will be the one used on short-yardage and goal-line plays, which has been an issue for the program in recent years.