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A year ago, running back DeSean Bishop drew praise from coaches in back-to-back scrimmages of Tennessee spring football practice.
But it was merely a spring storyline, where young players flash potential but then fade into the background when the season arrives.
A deep backfield and Bishop’s preseason injury kept him from making his college debut in the 2023 season.
But in this spring practice, the former Karns standout is under the microscope as UT deals with a depleted backfield and considers adding a running back from the transfer portal.
Bishop, a former two-time Mr. Football, is trying to convince coaches that he could be a reliable option if needed in the 2024 season.
“I thought he ran extremely well tonight,” coach Josh Heupel said after UT’s second intrasquad scrimmage of spring practice on Thursday night.
“Without watching the film, I’d say it was probably his best football that he has played this spring. He’s a guy coming back off of an injury that is getting more comfortable as he’s gone through the spring and so I really like what he did. Khalifa (Keith) had a good night, too.”
Dylan Sampson is the surefire starter at running back. Last season, he had 604 yards rushing, 175 yards receiving and eight touchdowns while sharing playing time with All-SEC running back Jaylen Wright and veteran Jabari Small.
But behind Sampson are inexperienced and injured running backs. Sophomore Cam Seldon suffered a shoulder injury in spring that required surgery. Freshman Peyton Lewis is out because he underwent shoulder surgery after enrolling in January.
That leaves Bishop, a redshirt freshman, and Keith, a sophomore, competing for the No. 2 spot behind Sampson, at least until Seldon returns from his injury.
Seldon’s rehab schedule could determine whether UT adds a running back from the transfer portal. But in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/desean-bishops-chance-qb-nico-130258524.html
Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-04-05 13:02:58
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