Running back
With both Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara possibly leaving early for the draft after the 2016 season, the running back position will arguably be the highest priority for 2017. Luckily, the class is full of running back talent and you can bet Tennessee will be targeting several guys – like Nashville native Ty Chandler. Tennessee could sign two or more of the following running back targets for 2017.
4* Cam Akers: Clinton, MS | 6′ 210 lbs
Akers recently decommitted from Alabama and was seen wearing UT gear just a few days prior. Everyone wondered if Akers might be looking closer at Tennessee. However, it doesn’t look like the Vols are the current favorite as Ole Miss and Georgia seem to be the teams to beat at the moment. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t expect the Tennessee recruiting staff to give up on him any time soon.
4* Ty Chandler: Nashville, TN | 5’11” 190 lbs
Like Akers, Chandler is being heavily pursued by Hugh Freeze and Ole Miss, but several schools are still in the mix. Tennessee is definitely towards the top of his list, but it’s hard to tell just how far up it is. Considering he is from Tennessee and how much Butch Jones emphasized “owning the state,” I’d say if Jones really wants him, he will fight tooth and nail until signing day to land him.
3* Chase Hayden: Collierville, TN | 5’11” 185 lbs
Nothing is ever a lock in recruiting until a player signs a National Letter of Intent. However, Tennessee seems firmly in the driver’s seat for Hayden’s college choice. And while he may not have as many stars by his name as some other guys, his offer list is just as impressive with teams like Michigan trying to recruit him. If Hayden has an impressive senior season, he could see a bump in his rating which will surely bring more offers. But unless Butch Jones just doesn’t want him, Hayden’s future could be very orange.
4* Adarius Lemons: Clearwater, FL | 6′ 195 lbs
The addition of new tight ends coach Larry Scott really helps with prospects like Adarius Lemons. Scott came from Miami and knows the Clearwater area very well. In fact, Lemons was being recruited by Larry Scott while he was still at Miami. However now that Scott has moved to Rocky Top, he gives the Vols a great “in” with Florida prospects like Lemons. Tennessee will have to compete with his other favorites like Auburn and North Carolina, but they will definitely do what they have to in order to get Lemons’ attention.
