Tennessee football: five Vols to watch for against Florida

Tennessee linebacker Quavaris Crouch (27) celebrates a play during a game between University of Tennessee and Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.Utvschattanooga0914 0689
Tennessee linebacker Quavaris Crouch (27) celebrates a play during a game between University of Tennessee and Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.Utvschattanooga0914 0689 /
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Nov 21, 2020; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Eric Gray. Running back. Sophomore. 1. player. 839

5’10” 205 pounds; Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

Eric Gray continued his stellar second year on Rocky Top with what was his performance of the season in Tennessee football’s Week 12 loss to the Auburn Tigers. Gray led the Vols in carries, posting 173 yards on 22 attempts and a touchdown as well. His 651 rushing yards in 2020 currently lands him at No. 5 in the SEC.

Gray is the No. 1 player to watch this week because unlike many of the other players on this roster, fans know what to expect from him week in and week out. His shifty and elusive playing style has established him as the Vols’ top offensive threats and one of the more remarkable running backs in the conference.

Although Florida’s defense hasn’t put up much of a fight against opposing wideouts, they’re fairly determined when it comes to stopping the run. The Gators allow an average of just 150 rushing yards per contest, meaning Gray and other UT running backs can certainly lay down some yardage but may have to fight harder to do so in comparison to their most recent opponents.

Next. Elite 2021 Florida LB decommits from Vols. dark

If UT has any chance at taking down their SEC East rivals, they’ll need their best players to play at their best. Look for Gray to play as he has all season and lead Tennessee football’s offense on Saturday afternoon.