Vols Building Depth at Running Back Position

(utsports.com) The Vols went through fall practice No. 10 on Tuesday at Haslam Field as they work through the third week of training camp.

Running Backs coach De’Rail Sims spoke with local media following practice to talk through the progress his unit has made throughout the offseason and fall.

With competition still unfolding, Sims points to last year’s experienced duo of DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis as foundational leaders, while veteran transfer Star Thomas has impressed with a strong camp performance.

“I think you have to look at the two returning guys from last year, Bish (DeSean Bishop) and Peyton (Lewis), and then you have to look at the rest of the room,” Sims said. There’s no really any set numbers or rotation yet, I think that’s still working itself out as we get towards game week with the competition factor in that. I think you start with the two older guys and then you look at Star (Thomas), who is another guy who has played a ton of football, that’s working his way and has had a really good camp. And then you look at the two younger guys (Daune Morris and Justin Baker) that are fighting for a role on this team and have done a really good job too.”

Sims credits the program’s recent rushing success to a blend of rhythm with the offensive line and a collective, physical mindset.

“Everybody understands that we’re going to run the football in this program, and I think that the mentality that the offensive line sets, to what the tight ends set, to what we’re setting in the running back room, that’s allowed us to be successful in the run game. And they understand that, they understand the standard and expectation of us.”