KNOXVILLE - One has to wonder just how good the Tennessee Volunteers could be at running back this season.
Based on preseason impressions, they appear to have the athletes to be pretty solid - or at least better than in recent years - and a player who has yet to carry the ball in a game for the Vols could be the key to their improvement at the position.
When those around the program speak of Eric Gray, they're cautious not to heap too much praise on the true freshman from Memphis who last year became the first three-time Tennessee Mr. Football Award winner. There are other, more experienced players in the program, such as juniors Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan. There are bigger options at the position, including sophomore Jeremy Banks at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds.
However, there might not be a current Vols running back who has the raw skills of the 5-10, 195-pound former Lausanne Collegiate School star who holds the state's high school record for career touchdowns with 138. Although Sunday's scrimmage, Tennessee's first this preseason, was closed to the media, some outlets reported Gray scored a touchdown.
Tennessee running back Jeremy Banks tries to avoid a tackle by Charlotte's Ben DeLuca last November at Neyland Stadium. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Banks is the biggest running back on the Vols' roster, and the sophomore could help improve the rushing game this year.Ask a Vols coach, though, and he'll be quick to point out just how far Gray still has to go.
"Like a lot of young guys, he has flashes where he does a lot of really good things, but he has to be more consistent and hold on to the football," Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said earlier this week. "He's a guy that can help (on) special teams and possibly in the return game. He just needs to play ball. He didn't play with us in the spring, so he's worked hard every single day to improve, and I think he's done that; he just needs to continue to do that."
Running backs coach David Johnson noted Gray is "still a freshman," but he has been especially pleased with one aspect of him already.
"He has a lot to learn, but his work ethic is second to none," Johnson said. "He comes in like a professional with meetings and everything, but he's been doing a good job in camp, and Ty and Tim, you know, have really been holding that room together."
Tennessee's rushing attack has been dormant since the departures of quarterback Josh Dobbs and running back Alvin Kamara after the 2016 season, and while the offensive line's struggles play a role in that, the backfield can't be absolved of blame.
The offseason addition of offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, a former NFL offensive line coach in his second stint in Knoxville, should aid in the line's improvement. Chaney also likes to throw to create mismatches and get the ball to his playmakers however he can, which could mean backs including Chandler, Jordan and Gray having opportunities in the passing game. Chandler has three touchdown catches in his Tennessee career, Gray has potential as a target and Johnson said Jordan has been working on that element of his game and could be an option, too.
Could Gray's addition bring the best out of Chandler and Jordan?
If not, the junior duo should know who will be knocking on the door for opportunities - if he isn't already.
"Our key has been really fighting going through camp or trying to practice hard every day," Johnson said, "just trying to come up with a mindset of no matter what's going on, what the weather is, we're going to continue to practice hard, be strong and practice and secure the ball.
"They've been doing a good job."
Trio of Vols honored
Tennessee's Marquez Callaway, Darrell Taylor and Nigel Warrior were named to the preseason All-Southeastern Conference team selected by coaches and announced Thursday.
Callaway was a second-team pick as a return specialist, while Taylor at outside linebacker and Warrior at safety were third-team picks.
Callaway, a senior wide receiver, has averaged 13.4 yards a punt return for his Tennessee career, the highest among active players in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He has two touchdowns on punt returns as a Vol, including an 82-yarder a season ago.
Taylor had eight sacks last season, the most of any SEC player returning this year, while Warrior has 169 career tackles and has started 24 consecutive games.
Another preseason all-conference team chosen by media was announced last month, and Callaway was the Vols' lone selection as the second-team return specialist.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.