Finding a way to replace Keon Williams’ production at running back could be considered a priority for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team in spring practice.
Yet five practices in, it seems the answer will be a mixture of new and old.
Derrick Craine — the team’s leading returning rusher at running back — and Richardre Bagley are first in line to replace the 1,037 yards and 14 touchdowns that Williams provided in 2014. The program also picked up former Notre Dame and Ridgeland back Shaqualm McCoy, who transferred in from LaGrange College.
Two running backs — Alex Trotter of McCallie and Kyle Nalls — were signed in February, and former Tennessee standout Shawn Bryson, who was captain of the Volunteers’ 1998 national championship team before spending seven seasons in the NFL, was hired to oversee the group.
“These guys are extremely hard workers and are football-intelligent,” Bryson said after Wednesday’s practice. “They learn fast and play hard. I inherited a good group and look forward to working with them. … I’m looking for guys that will compete, work hard every day and do the little things to make them better. These guys have been trained well and know what they’re doing.”