Rising Tennessee RB sends message to everyone even thinking of doubting the Vols

Peyton Lewis believes the Vols are being slept on and he might be right. 

The SEC media are not believers, picking Tennessee to finish 9th in the conference this year and after the spring departure of Nico Iamaleava, it feels like many pubdits just believe this is going to be a lost season for the Vols. But Lewis isn't playing along with this narrative.

"We've got dogs. We've got dogs every year. We're going to go out there and play," Lewis said. "With all the running backs, I mean I feel like...ain't nobody you can mess with, no matter who you play.... It doesn't matter...I mean we're just coming out raw every time."

Lewis is reminding everyone that the Vols have some impressive top-end athletes on the roster. There hasbeen so much outside noise about what Tennessee has lost and who wants to be in Knoxville and who doesn't want to be in Knoxville, that Lewis just wanted everyone to remember that Tennessee will still be a problem for any opponent this fall. 

In case you forgot, there's a lot of talent on this roster. Boo Carter is back in the fold after a few weeks of uncertainty and is one of the most intriguing players in the country. He has the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball again this season.

The wide receivers group is young, but very talented. Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley have been picked by ESPN as two second-year players that are in line for a breakout season. 

Talent is not going to be a problem for the Vols, but health is a concern. Defensive back Jermod McCoy is the best player on the defense, and it's not known when he'll be cleared to play after suffering a torn ACL in January. The good news is that McCoy is participating in practice and could very quickly return to All-American form.

There have been plenty of players limited in practice, but it's also provided opportunities for young players to get extra reps and build additional depth. The schedule is manageable by SEC standards. The Vols avoided Texas, South Carolina and LSU while playing five of their first six games at Neyland Stadium.

The games start in two weeks. It's almost time to unleash the dogs.