Running back is arguably the top priority in the 2017 class for the Vols. It’s a position that comes into the 2016 stacked, but on the verge of being somewhat decimated in 2017 if Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara both opt to go pro, which is quite feasible.
It won’t be a complete rebuilding job, but nobody behind Hurd and Kamara, in all likelihood, will have extensive playing time under their belt. John Kelly has certainly shown some good things in practice and limited game experience and freshman Carlin Fils-aime will be entering his second year on campus in 2017.
So while there will be some options, it’s safe to say that carries will be there for the taking for whatever running backs are part of the 2017 recruiting class. Expect that to be a major selling point on the recruiting trail this year as coach Robert Gillespie, who has been an ace recruiter, looks to bring in at least a couple highly-touted back, possibly more.
Here’s a look at the RTI recruiting profiles for some of the Vols’ top, most realistic prospects on the board:
