Evaluating Tennessee football’s 2023 class at dead period: RBs
Final take
Related Story. Evaluating Vols' 2023 recruiting class at dead period: QBs. light
It’s pretty clear Tennessee football is set at running back and doesn’t need anymore help. Their goal is to have a three-back system with one feature back, one all-purpose back and one short-yardage power back. Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright and Len’Neth Whitehead are there to fill those voids for this year.
All could be back next year, and Heupel is now able to go two-deep there thanks to Justin Williams-Thomas able to back up Small and Dylan Sampson able to back up Wright. Now, he can’t go two-deep with power backs this year, but he did add Will Stallings Jr. on the trail, who could easily fill that void next year.
Combine those guys with Cameron Seldon able to be used at the position, and the Vols honestly don’t have anything to worry about at the position. They have done what they need to do on the trail for 2023, and anybody they add after this will just be icing on the cake.
Prediction
Despite Tennessee football being set at running back, Heupel likes lots of weapons. As a result, the Vols will add another athlete to the class who plays running back, a common theme among the style of backs they’re getting this year. They’ll miss out on all the backs with four-star or five-star ratings still available.
Next. Projecting Vols' two-deep depth chart for 2022. dark
DeSean Bishop will be their new addition. He’s a local kid who could compete for the all-purpose or feature back role in the future, so he’ll further bolster UT at running back for the future. As a three-star across the board, he’ll still be a solid pickup, and that’ll allow Heupel to make sure the Vols are still set here.