DeSean Bishop has already experienced a fairytale career as a University of Tennessee running back, going from a walk-on player during the 2023-24 seasons to a 1,000-yard rusher last year.
He doesn’t want the story to end there.
“I’m appreciative for last season, but there is obviously more to prove this year,” Bishop said during the spring. “I’m trying to accomplish a lot as an individual and as a teammate. It’s pass protection and being that three-down back. I want to be that guy that they can’t take off the field. Honestly, I just want to be me at the end of the day.
“Being me has gotten me here, and I just want to have that mindset of never being complacent with myself.”
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound redshirt junior out of Knoxville’s Karns High School rushed for 1,076 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5.9 yards per carry last season on a Tennessee team that was 8-3 following its first win at Florida since 2003 before stumbling against Vanderbilt in the home finale and against Illinois in the Music City Bowl. His durability and relentless running style was reflected by 649 of his yards coming after contact.