SEC Power Rankings: Eastern Division running backs by team

Sep 28, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Marlin Lane (15) runs the ball against the South Alabama Jaguars during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

No. 6 – Tennessee Volunteers

Probable Big Horses: Marlin Lane, Deanthonie Summerhill, Jalen Hurd

The Volunteers are going to be much better team overall in 2014, but they still have a lot of questions at running back. Marlin Lane is their most experienced returning back, but has never been much of a consistent threat. Perhaps with more playing time this year that will change.

Summerhill saw his first real game action in 2013, and while he didn’t put up any real impressive stats (20 carries for 115 yards), he’s a redshirt senior, and can be counted on when needed. Incoming freshman Jalen Hurd may be the real deal and walk right into a starter’s spot. But the rest of the the Volunteer running back group is very young and inexperienced.

This could end up being a much better group of backs than we can tell right now.