August 11, 2012

Ground game makes statement

It may have not counted for anything concerning Tennessee's win-loss record for the Vols' 2012 campaign, but there was a feeling the Vol ground game that has taken a beating of its own the past eight months since last season could claim a win in Saturday's first scrimmage of the year.

As a group, the running backs gained almost 300 yards on the day according to stats recorded by Tennessee's Sports Information Department. After an offseason filled with questions about the offensive line and running backs, the unit felt like today was their first chance to start answering their questions.

"We were out there trying to prove everybody and show everybody what we've been working on and just wanted to get these running backs some holes and run through them," offensive lineman Ja'Wuan James said.

The most productive back and seemingly the star of the scrimmage was junior tailback Rajion Neal who rushed for 134 yards on nine carries, including a long touchdown run. James said Neal ran differently than he had in the past on this day.

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