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ESPN took a stab at naming some under the radar talent around the SEC this week. For Tennessee, they named running back John Kelly.
After doing next to nothing the first five games of last season, the 5-foot-9, 212-pound junior showed what he was capable of by totaling 612 yards and four rushing touchdowns during the final eight games of the year. With a new offensive coordinator and a new starting quarterback, Kelly’s name could be called early and often in 2017.
It was somewhat surprising to see Kelly as the pick here. Anyone who has been paying attention to Tennessee football lately knows that Kelly will be the key cog in the offense this year. He’s filling the shoes of Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd — a task which he proved he could do last season.
In an expanded role, Kelly should pop in this offense. I can’t wait to watch him as a featured back.
A true “under the radar” talent would have been Marquez Callaway or Tyler Byrd. Someone is going to have to work opposite of Jauan Jennings and each of those two figure to be likely choices. Callaway was praised all Spring for his performance.
Who is your under the radar player for Tennessee this year?