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Tennessee Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Jalen Hurd #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Jalen Hurd #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Starting running back: John Kelly
Backup: Carlin Fils-aime

There are major question marks at running back heading into the 2017 season. Gone is Jalen Hurd who decided to leave the team in the middle on the 2016 season and has since transferred to Baylor, but back is junior John Kelly who had a strong showing as a replacement.

In fact, Kelly took over as the starter in 2016 after Hurt put up 451 yards and three touchdowns on just 3.7 yards per carry. Alvin Kamara also split the load in Hurd’s absence, rushing for 596 yards and nine touchdowns, but he, too, is gone.

Kelly finished with 630 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per touch for the Volunteers in 2016. He was one of the top performers on the team in the second half and truly looked the part of the program’s running back of the future. His 5-foot-9, 212-pound frame is tough to bring down.

Unfortunately, the Volunteers don’t have a proven back behind him, in case of injury. Carlin Fils-aime, a sophomore, was highly-touted in the 2016 recruiting class but had just 14 carries for 58 yards and two scores last season.

Incoming freshman Ty Chandler could push for that No. 2 running back spot.

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