Tennesse senior running back Marlin Lane has become a
leader after earlier off-the-field issues, and he has worked
hard to perform and to help Jalen Hurd and other young Vols.KNOXVILLE – On one side of the garage sits the big, brand-new truck, complete with the suspension lift, the loud exhaust system and the big off-road tires.
On the other side there’s the steady, sturdy pickup with the beat-up exterior, rusty rims and other signs of wear and tear from a couple thousands miles of use.
The image could apply to Tennessee’s backfield, which enters Sunday night’s season opener against Utah State featuring Jalen Hurd, the five-star freshman who stands at an imposing 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, and Marlin Lane, the senior who’s had ups and downs on and off the field throughout his career.
Most of the hype since his arrival in January deservedly has focused on Hurd, and Lane, the second fiddle at tailback to Tauren Poole in 2o11 and Rajion Neal the past two seasons, almost has been the forgotten man.
Quietly, though, Lane enters his final season with a sharper focus and improved leadership intangibles.