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Tennessee football 2022 preview by position: RB

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) and running backs coach Jerry Mack walk off the field together after losing to Purdue 48-45 at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) and running backs coach Jerry Mack walk off the field together after losing to Purdue 48-45 at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue /
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Tennessee running back Justin Williams-Thomas (26) is seen at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm
Tennessee running back Justin Williams-Thomas (26) is seen at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm /

Newcomers at RB

Transfers

Lyn-J Dixon (Clemson Tigers)

  • 5’10” 195 pounds
  • Senior
  • Butler, Ga. (Taylor County High School)

Just as fall camp got underway, the Vols added another all-purpose back in Lyn-J Dixon. A former 2018 four-star across the board who was committed to the Vols in 2017 under Butch Jones, Dixon eventually decommitted and joined the Clemson Tigers. His first two years there, he rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and averaged over seven yards a carry.

In 2020 and 2021, however, Dixon saw his production and his carries drop. He then transferred to the West Virginia Mountaineers but hit the portal again in spring ball, so he’s now with UT. Although he joins the Vols after the injury to Len’Neth Whitehead, he doesn’t offset that loss, as he isn’t a power back, but he certainly brings talent to the position.

Commitments in 2022 recruiting class

Justin Williams-Thomas

  • 6’0″ 210 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Dallas, Ga. (East Paulding High School)

By far the most highly touted recruit at running back in Tennessee football’s 2022 class, Justin Williams-Thomas was a four-star across the board. He was also an early enrollee, so he’s got a great chance to step in and make an impact immediately, especially given the needs of the Vols at the position heading into the year.

As has already been mentioned, UT is at its best with two feature backs, and Williams-Thomas appears to be the most prepared to take on the role as co-starter with Jabari Small given his size. Of course, size and potential are different from development, but he clearly has promise.

Dylan Sampson

  • 5’11” 190 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Baton Rouge, La. (Dutchtown High School)

He wasn’t an early enrollee, he wasn’t as highly touted as Williams-Thomas, and he is built more like an all-purpose back, which the Vols already have somebody for. However, Dylan Sampson could be a valuable player for Rocky Top as another athletic true freshman, and he certainly provides depth, so don’t be surprised if he sees the field.

Walk-ons

Hunter Barnes

  • 6’0″ 190 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis University School)

A walk-on out of MUS, Hunter Barnes may be a hidden gem. He’s got decent agility and breakaway speed, and that could be useful in Josh Heupel’s system, so Tennessee football may have gotten a steal here. Only time will tell.

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