Volunteers’ Running Backs: A Look At The Numbers

The Tennessee Volunteers backfield has been one of the bright spots during recent years.  Here is a preview of the running backs likely to get the most playing time.

There has been plenty of talk and speculation among Tennessee fans about who will be the starting running back in 2018.  Most feel like the position is Ty Chandler’s to lose.  However, I have heard Tim Jordan has been turning some heads since the start of fall camp.  Madre London, a grad transfer from Michigan State, is in the mix.  And then you have Jeremy Banks, the true freshman from Cordova High Schoo in Memphis.  While there are other running backs on the roster, most believe these four will be the primary players at that position.

Ty Chandler

Ty Chandler is the back that Tennessee fans are most familiar with.  When John Kelly was suspended during the 2017 season, Chandler stepped as the starting running back.  He is a 5’11, 201 lb sophomore, who played in all 12 games last year.  Over the course of last season, Chandler carried the ball 71 times for 305 yards and two touchdowns, with his longest run being 30 yards.  He added 10 catches for a total of 108 yards.  Chandler also contributed on special teams where he had 17 returns for 416 yards.  His longest return was 91 yards that he took all the way for a touchdown.  It will be interesting to see how Chandler will fit into Tyson Helton’s offense since they seem to be moving more towards a power running game.  Ty Chandler is a hard runner but he is also one of the smaller backs on the roster.

Tim Jordan

Tim Jordan is also a sophomore that played in all 12 games last year.  Jordan stands 5’11 and weighs in at 203 lbs.  He has been gaining some attention during this offseason, dating back to the orange and white game, with his hard running style.  While he may not be the biggest he certainly runs big.  Although he played in every game in 2017, he on only had 11 carries for 52 yards.  He averaged 4.7 yards/carry and his longest run was 12 yards.  Like Ty Chandler, he was also a contributor on special teams with three kick returns for a total of 55 yards.  Jordan added eight catches for 65 yards and his longest reception went for 28 yards.

Madre London

Of all the running backs on the roster, Madre London definitely has the most experience.  London is a graduate transfer who came from Michigan State University.  During his time at MSU, London carried the 230 times for 924 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.  His longest run for the Spartans went for 62 yards.  He averaged 4 yards/carry and 28 yards/game.  London also added 13 catches for 100 yards.  Many Tennessee fans have longed for the Volunteers to go back to a power running game.  London, who is 6’1 213 lbs, could possibly be what everyone is hoping for.  Given that offensive coordinator, Tyson Helton has made it clear that he plans to be able to run up the middle, it will be interesting to see what Madre London can do.

Jeremy Banks

Jeremy Banks is the youngest of all the running backs on the roster.  Banks is a true freshman who played his high school ball at Cordova High School in Memphis.  Coming out of high school, Banks was a three-star player and the number 16 ranked running back in the country.  Although he has not played a college football game yet, his numbers from Cordova are very impressive.  The 6’1 211 lb running back ran the ball 198 times for 1941 yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season.  Over the course of his high school career, Banks had 338 carries for a total of 2256 yards and 48 touchdowns.  He also added five catches for a total of 60 yards and no touchdowns.  Banks is a hard nose runner with good speed and I would not be surprised to see him in short yardage situations.

Regardless of who the starter is on September 1, I suspect that all four of these running backs will see quality minutes.  Like I said before, it will be interesting to see how these players fit into Helton’s offense.  It has already been said that the Vols plan to use a fullback, and that will definitely add another dynamic to the running game.

I am sure it will take a few games, but it will be exciting to see which one of these running backs will emerge as the leader.  This may be one of the few positions where the Volunteers will have enough depth and be able to do some real damage.