That's an interesting opinion for sure. I'd be curious to know exactly what it is about Chandler's ability as a runner that doesn't impress you since Chandler's ability as a running back is arguably the best of any running back on the team. Tim Jordan has really stepped up his game and makes a strong case too. Carlin Fils-Aime has elevated his already lengthy skill set as a running back as well as averages over 6 yards a carry with a touchdown with only 3 touches so far this season, and Madre London also averages over 5 yards a carry if I remember right and ran for a lot of first downs on third down. Yes, Banks has a lot of upside, but that doesn't take anything away from Chandler who has already established himself or the other backs who are showing they're just as ready and willing to compete.
No matter how it all shakes out, in my opinion, we've got a talented group of running backs who play hard and like they're eager to earn opportunities to help the team win however they are called on to do so when their number is called. It looks obvious to me that running backs Coach Chris Weinke is doing a fine job developing their talent. I am sure Banks will continue to get the opportunity to drill points of contact fundamental ball security drills so often and so regularly until protecting the football with correct technique becomes a reinforced habit he chooses to stay mindful of even though he'll eventually drill it to the point he does it without needing to think about it, because it's so important to his continued development. I am just as impressed as you are about his talent running the ball which is why it is so important that he demonstrates he has mastered the points of contact so that all his otherwise obvious talent for the position doesn't go to waste. It's not anything that happens without the drilling with emphasis, so we'll know he's got the technique down when the fumbles stop and not at any point before that proof. Yes, it's fun to dream about what it would be like to already be at point B without starting at point A first, but that's just not the process. I'm willing to bet Coach Weinke has some tips to take that weakness and transform it into one of his biggest strengths so that a case of "the drops" never has the chance to rear its ugly head again for Banks or any of the backs.
On that note, it was impressive how the team didn't commit a single turnover vs. South Carolina. A lot of teams shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers and penalties that cost them games against teams that have no business beating them. Even though we lost the penalties battle last Saturday, I'm happy that it looks like Tennessee is developing into a team that will be so disciplined in the fundamentals of mistake-free football, that the staff, team, and fans take pride in it as one of the trademarks of Tennessee Volunteers football under Coach Pruitt and his staff. That's when the fun really begins with beating teams favored to win (like the victory over Auburn already this season) and make a point out of doing it as consistently if not more consistently than any other team in the country. I like what Coach Pruitt said in the press conference about making the other team earn it when it comes to any success another team gets against Tennessee.
