Randy Sartin, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Tennessee Volunteers, under new head coach Butch Jones, are hoping for a turnaround after the failed Derek Dooley experiment in Knoxville. Jones is installing and instilling a new attitude around the program, focused on discipline and accountability.
To that end, junior running back Marlin Lane has been suspended from the team for the proverbial “violation of team rules”, and has missed most of spring practice. This is a big blow to a team that is fairly thin at the running back position heading into the 2013 campaign.
Last season, Lane was second on the team in carries (120) and rushing yards (658). He also scored a pair of touchdowns.
Lane and his partner in the backfield last season, Rajion Neal, are expected to be the ones carrying the load for the Vols this fall. Neal led Tennessee last season in carries (156), rushing yards (708) and rushing touchdowns (five). The tandem will be counted on this season to keep a balance between running and passing in Jones’ offense.
Tennessee may also count on redshirt freshman Alden Hill this fall, especially if Lane does not get reinstated to the team. Hill was a three-star recruit coming out of Marlington High School in Alliance, Ohio in 2012.
The Vols will need the running game to be strong in 2013, as they will be breaking in a new quarterback. The departure of Tyler Bray has opened the signal caller position to several players, including Justin Worley, Nathan Peterman and incoming freshman Joshua Dobbs. If the running game can be solid, it will benefit the new quarterback, which could go a long way in helping the proud Tennessee program’s return to respectability.
