Two of Tennessee’s players have already been named to preseason award watch lists this offseason. Now, a third Vol is being looked at for a potential award this season.
Junior running back Ty Chandler has been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award. The Doak Walker Award is given annually to the top college running back in the country.
As a sophomore last season, Chandler led the Vols in rushing despite being out-touched by fellow sophomore Tim Jordan. Chandler accumulated 630 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 115 carries, giving him a 5.5 yard per carry average. The Nashville native also caught 19 passes for 183 yards and three scores. His seven total touchdowns led the Vols last season.
Chandler set a school record last season by becoming the first Vol running back ever to catch a touchdown pass in three-straight games. He also became the first UT running back since 2006 to record two runs of 75 yards or more in the same season. Chandler ran for a 75-yard score against Vanderbilt in the Vols’ season finale and also ripped off an 81-yard scoring run against UTEP. In that same game against UTEP, Chandler ran for a career-high 158 yards.
In his 23 career games with the Vols, Chandler has amassed 1,226 total yards of offense and nine touchdowns on just 215 career touches, giving him a 5.7 yard per touch average.
Chandler needs just 65 rushing yards in 2019 to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in his UT career. He enters his junior season with 935 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 186 carries. He’s also hauled in 29 receptions for 291 yards and three scores. Chandler has also proven to be an effective kick returner, taking a kick-off back for a score as a true freshman in 2017. He’s averaging 22.0 yards per return on 24 career kick-off returns at Tennessee.
Tennessee begins their 2019 football season on August 31st when they host Georgia State in Neyland Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM Eastern.
