Tennessee football adds in-state running back/punter to 2021 class

Oneida, Tenn. preferred walk-on Kolby Morgan chose the Tennessee football Volunteers.

A unique in-state athlete who will likely be a special teams player is now joining Tennessee football for 2021. Despite not being a scholarship member of the Vols’ recruiting class, he could become a standout member of the team.

A 6’0″ 200-pound punter and a running back out of Oneida High School in Oneida, Tenn., Kolby Morgan, committed to UT as a preferred walk-on for 2021. Morgan is listed on Rivals but does not have any recruiting rankings.

Although it’s likely he plays punter for Tennessee football, he is listed as a running back on Rivals and has demonstrated his ability to play the position. Morgan announced his decision to commit to Rocky Top Tuesday evening on Twitter.

With Morgan’s commitment, the Vols are in solid shape at punter after Paxton Brooks. Morgan’s unique ability to also play offense makes him a true athlete, and the coaches could find numerous ways to use him as a result.

According to Ryan Callahan of GoVols247, Morgan was offered to play running back by the Navy Midshipmen and to play both punter and running back by the Army Black Knights. He had 3,260 yards, 4,706 all-purpose yards and 48 touchdowns during his career.

Morgan averaged 41.3 yards per punt and pinned 28 inside the 20-yard line. He is also a two-sport athlete, having played basketball as well. Simply put, despite coming from lesser competition in Scott County, which is in East Tennessee, he brings some dynamic abilities to UT. Here is a look at his highlight reel.

As you can see, Morgan actually has a good bit of vision and shiftiness at running back. He showed quickness and breakaway speed as well, but that probably has more to do with his competition. This guy really proves punters are athletes.

It’s likely Morgan stays a punter with Tennessee football given how loaded the Vols expect to be at running back heading into next season. But his abilities open up a world of opportunities for UT on special teams and on offense.