Tennessee’s coaches want to add two running backs to the Vols’ 2020 recruiting class if possible. Right now, UT has a commitment from in-state running back Tee Hodge and are looking to add a complementary back with him. One back that would fit that description has included the Vols in his list of top teams moving forward.
Michael Drennen II is a four-star running back who plays for Dublin Coffman in Dublin, Ohio. On Thursday, he tweeted out his list of top 10 schools, and Tennessee made the cut along with Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, and Arizona State.
— Mike Drennen II (@UhhMyNameDonut) July 4, 2019
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Drennen is the No. 206 overall player and No. 5 all-purpose running back in the 2020 class.
The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Drennen picked up an offer from Tennessee back in mid-February. He took an unofficial visit to Alabama in late March and picked up his offer from the Tide on that trip. He’s also visited Ohio State this year.
Drennen is almost built more like a wide receiver, but that doesn’t mean he’s not an effective running back. He’s quick and plays very well in space. He’s an effective pass catcher, shows good hands, and he’s very hard to bring down one-on-one. Just from watching his film, I almost think his higher ceiling in college might be at slot receiver, but he definitely has plenty of skill just as a running back, too. Drennen is plenty tough and can bounce off defenders like they’re nothing. He possesses great awareness and has very good footwork.
As a junior for Dublin Coffman, Drennen rushed for 801 yards and 11 touchdowns on 162 carries and caught 30 passes for 464 yards and five scores. He was named to the Second Team All-State team, First Team All-District team, and All-OCC-Central team.
A running back with Drennen’s skill set would pair well with what Tee Hodge brings to the table for the Vols. Drennen has yet to make a visit to Knoxville, but if Tennessee gets him on campus, they should be right in the mix for the talented running back.
