8. Alvin Kamara, RB
One of the biggest “what could’ve beens” in recent Tennessee history, Alvin Kamara is proving in the NFL why Butch Jones was blasted by fans and analysts alike for not using him more at Tennessee.
Kamara was rarely allowed to truly shine at UT, but when he was given opportunities to do so, he took advantage of them. He still holds the school record for most all-purpose yards in a single game when he totaled 312 against Texas A&M in 2016, and he was a dynamic play-maker who scored 24 touchdowns in 24 career games as a Vol, totaling 1,294 rushing yards and 683 receiving yards in just two seasons at Tennessee. Kamara even returned a punt for a touchdown in 2015 and was an effective punt returner in his two seasons as a Vol, totaling 284 yards and a touchdown on 26 returns.
While at Tennessee, Kamara often played second fiddle to Jalen Hurd, and it wasn’t until Hurd’s injuries and ultimate departure from the team in 2016 that Kamara was allowed to really shine. In 24 games at UT, Kamara averaged 6.2 yards per carry and 9.2 yards per reception, yet he only carried the ball 210 times and only caught 74 passes.
Kamara deserves to be higher up on this list, and there may not be a player in the history of Tennessee football who had greater potential but failed to deliver not because of injury or their own mistakes, but because of coaching malpractice. It’s not Kamara’s fault he didn’t have a better career at Tennessee.
If Kamara had been utilized correctly, he probably makes the top five of this list. As it is, he still deserves inclusion on the top 10, but it’s not really justifiable to put him higher than he is.
