Randy Sartin, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Butch Jones Era in Knoxville is underway, but the Tennessee Volunteers still have many questions to be answered before Jones coaches a game.
The primary focus of the preseason has been about the quarterbacks. Which signal caller will ultimately win the job: Justin Worley, Josh Dobbs or Nathan Peterman?
While the jury is still out on that decision, there is another position on offense that should be the focus of Tennessee fans. If anything can take pressure off of a potentially poor passing game, which the Vols might have depending on the quarterback selection, it is a strong running game. And that’s an area that Tennessee can seemingly count on for production.
The top two rushers from last season’s team are both back for 2013. Senior-to-be Rajion Neal led the Vols in rushing last season with 708 yards and five touchdowns. Neal is expected to be the starter in Tennessee’s season opener against Austin Peay on August 31.
The biggest question mark in the backfield is the status of Marlin Lane. As a sophomore last season, Lane carried 120 times for 658 yards and two touchdowns, and he was expected to combine with Neal to form a one-two punch. But Lane found trouble during the offseason and was suspended from the team for nearly all of spring practice. Lane was not listed on the depth chart that Tennessee provided at the beginning of fall camp, although he remains on the roster.
Freshman running back Alden Hill figures to benefit if Lane is not a part of the rotation. Hill had a big spring, in Lane’s absence, carrying 18 times for 101 yards in Tennessee’s spring game.
There appears to be talent at the running back position on Rocky Top, although questions remain. Jones will sort through it all during fall camp, and he expects the Vols to be able to run the ball effectively in 2013.
