Richardre Bagley, Kyle Nalls and Alex Trotter were supposed to be the primary pieces of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga backfield in the 2017 season.
But there’s a good chance all three will be given at least a glimpse this afternoon.
With all-conference senior Derrick Craine unlikely to play against Virginia Military Institute in the 2 p.m. game at Finley Stadium, Bagley, Nalls and Trotter will be looked upon to carry the rushing load against a good Keydets run defense.
Craine has 715 yards rushing on 103 carries with nine touchdowns this season. Bagley, a junior, is expected to get most of the carries in his absence, but sophomores Trotter and Nalls will be looked upon to produce as well.
“We just have to make sure they get plenty of reps in practice, and try to put them in the best situations possible,” running backs coach Shawn Bryson said Tuesday. “Richardre hasn’t been the guy, so it’s an opportunity to step up and he has been playing well and making some plays. Alex is going to be in the mix, as is Kyle, so we’re just going to approach this week as a chance to get it going.”