Tennessee's Run Game Is Retooled And Ready For Success

Tennessee Volunteers running backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright return to the field for their junior seasons.

The Tennessee run game sees both running backs from last season return. Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright combined for 1,609 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.

The return of these two players provides help for Joe Milton in the backfield as he is poised to lead the team. Having both running backs back from last season will be a huge help.

What makes these two players dangerous is how it can be their day in any game. Small was active in this past year's win over the LSU Tigers with 127 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wright had an explosive game to end the regular season against Vanderbilt with 160 yards and two touchdowns. 

He also had an 83-yard run that game showcasing the explosiveness he possesses. Head coach Josh Heupel on his group of backs, "I thought the running backs as a group did some special things...they do a good job taking care of it."

Heupel has been high on Dylan Sampson. He had a great season himself with 367 yards and six touchdowns. He adds a great amount of depth behind both Small and Wright, whose production has historically been extremely good. Along with Wright, Sampson also had a great game against Vanderbilt with 131 yards and a touchdown.

Essentially, the Volunteers have three running backs with loaded starter potential, and it quietly is one of the best weapons they have in their offensive arsenal. It will be an interesting watch with the spring game coming up on Saturday to see how Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle balance the lump of talent they have at that position group.

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