UTGhostHunter
Amatuer Analyst
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The next part of the two deep breakdown is running back. First, let me say that I'm not including a fullback due to the current belief that the fullbacks will be utilized in more of a H-Back roll. Second, I'm going to work under the belief that the top three at the position are all even on the depth chart, basing this off of the post-spring depth chart released by the school. For this reason, the list is going to include four backs. Here we go!
Marlin Lane is a talented back who brings a balance of speed and strength. He has decent size at 6'0" and 205 pounds, and he has the speed to break big runs, as evidenced by his 45 yard season long run. He is also a talented receiver out of the backfield. He does a little of everything, totaling 620 all-purpose yards last season as a true freshman. Lane needs to develop his field vision, which can help to increase his yards per carry (3.7 in 2011). Lane also needs to add some weight, roughly 10-15 pounds, in order to help improve his ability to run up the middle. Lane should be used as option number one this season, but he absolutely can't carry the load alone.
Rajion Neal is option number two, and he is lightning out of the backfield. Well, he is when he's in the backfield. Neal found himself being utilized as an emergency wide receiver last season, and he performed well in that capacity. In fact, in his top performance Neal accumulated four receptions for 125 yards in the loss to Kentucky. Neal accounted for 403 total yards last season and has produced 700 total yards during his time on the Hill. Neal has sub-4.4 speed and is a nightmare in the open field, but he isn't a player who tends to run up the middle. He is also a straight-line runner who doesn't display a lot of wiggle. Neal has the size to run up the gut, but he needs to dedicate himself to learning to run with a low pad level.
Devrin Young is very intriguing. He is only 5'8", 171, he runs in the 4.4 range, and he is fearless, but none of those are his true strength. His greatest strength is his vision and quickness. Young will change direction quickly, finding the cut-back lanes and breaking ankles. He doesn't seem like a back that is capable of running it down a defense's throat, but the bold little back is more than willing to help pound the middle of the defense. While Tennessee has bigger and faster backs, none of the others have the same type of elusiveness that Devrin possesses. That elusiveness helps him to excel as a kick/punt returner. Concerns about durability have been risen, and in spite of his willingness to run it into the teeth of the defense he isn't difficult to take down once a defender lays hands on him. Young should be able to put on weight and get to 185-190, but until he does he won't be special running it between the tackles. Young looks like a player who can fill out to play at Dee Hart, Mike Hart, or Travis Stephen size while keeping his speed. Although Devrin is fast, he isn't as fast as some of the other backs, so he might be at risk of getting caught behind the line if he gets too fancy.
Tom Smith isn't the biggest, fastest, or strongest back on Tennessee's roster, but he might have one of the biggest hearts and strongest work ethics. Smith may remind some Tennessee fans of another recent Volunteer: Tauren Poole. Smith has many similar features to Poole, which suggests a lot of potential for Smith. Tom fancies himself a power runner, and he is certainly more comfortable when he's running between the tackles. Smith isn't likely to break many long runs. He also seems to lack the size for his running style, although Poole was certainly capable fourth back and short yardage option.
The receivers are next, so look for that within the next week!
Marlin Lane is a talented back who brings a balance of speed and strength. He has decent size at 6'0" and 205 pounds, and he has the speed to break big runs, as evidenced by his 45 yard season long run. He is also a talented receiver out of the backfield. He does a little of everything, totaling 620 all-purpose yards last season as a true freshman. Lane needs to develop his field vision, which can help to increase his yards per carry (3.7 in 2011). Lane also needs to add some weight, roughly 10-15 pounds, in order to help improve his ability to run up the middle. Lane should be used as option number one this season, but he absolutely can't carry the load alone.
Rajion Neal is option number two, and he is lightning out of the backfield. Well, he is when he's in the backfield. Neal found himself being utilized as an emergency wide receiver last season, and he performed well in that capacity. In fact, in his top performance Neal accumulated four receptions for 125 yards in the loss to Kentucky. Neal accounted for 403 total yards last season and has produced 700 total yards during his time on the Hill. Neal has sub-4.4 speed and is a nightmare in the open field, but he isn't a player who tends to run up the middle. He is also a straight-line runner who doesn't display a lot of wiggle. Neal has the size to run up the gut, but he needs to dedicate himself to learning to run with a low pad level.
Devrin Young is very intriguing. He is only 5'8", 171, he runs in the 4.4 range, and he is fearless, but none of those are his true strength. His greatest strength is his vision and quickness. Young will change direction quickly, finding the cut-back lanes and breaking ankles. He doesn't seem like a back that is capable of running it down a defense's throat, but the bold little back is more than willing to help pound the middle of the defense. While Tennessee has bigger and faster backs, none of the others have the same type of elusiveness that Devrin possesses. That elusiveness helps him to excel as a kick/punt returner. Concerns about durability have been risen, and in spite of his willingness to run it into the teeth of the defense he isn't difficult to take down once a defender lays hands on him. Young should be able to put on weight and get to 185-190, but until he does he won't be special running it between the tackles. Young looks like a player who can fill out to play at Dee Hart, Mike Hart, or Travis Stephen size while keeping his speed. Although Devrin is fast, he isn't as fast as some of the other backs, so he might be at risk of getting caught behind the line if he gets too fancy.
Tom Smith isn't the biggest, fastest, or strongest back on Tennessee's roster, but he might have one of the biggest hearts and strongest work ethics. Smith may remind some Tennessee fans of another recent Volunteer: Tauren Poole. Smith has many similar features to Poole, which suggests a lot of potential for Smith. Tom fancies himself a power runner, and he is certainly more comfortable when he's running between the tackles. Smith isn't likely to break many long runs. He also seems to lack the size for his running style, although Poole was certainly capable fourth back and short yardage option.
The receivers are next, so look for that within the next week!
