Tennessee Football: Depth Chart Reveals Crowded Backfield and Different Defense

Tennessee released its post-spring depth chart late Tuesday evening, giving Vol fans a look at where the team stands as it heads into player-run practices before fall camp.

One of the biggest questions facing the Vols in 2012 is the running game. Tennessee finished last in the SEC with a 90.08 yards-per-game average on the ground, which was 34 yards fewer than Kentucky in 11th place.

The depth chart didn't give any indication of where the running back position stands. Marlin Lane, Rajion Neal and Devrin Young are all listed as first-team running backs with "or" beside Neal and Young. 

Should Vol fans read anything into that?

Maybe, but it's probably more a product of the three players being able to do different things out of the backfield.

Lane is more of the pure running back and is Tennessee's leading returning rusher. Neal is a converted wide receiver who can be a big-time threat catching passes out of the backfield. Young was Tennessee's leading punt and kick returner from last year and can provide a nice change of pace out of the backfield.

Gut feeling: They will all get plenty of carries, and Lane will emerge as the No. 1 running back before the season starts.

Also of note is the way Tennessee's defense is listed.

New defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri was brought in to install his 3-4 defense, but Tennessee's defense is still listed like a 4-3. Jacques Smith played defensive end last season, but he worked out at the "jack" linebacker position this spring. He is listed at left end on the post-spring depth chart.

It probably doesn't mean anything and is just leftover programming issues from last season, but it's still noteworthy.

Zach Fulton entered spring as the starter at right guard, but an early injury allowed James Stone to gain ground. The two will exit spring as co-starters at right guard.

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