John Kelly embraces helping teach Vols running backs
John Kelly started a group chat for the incoming Tennessee running backs.
The junior wants them to be prepared once they arrive at UT in the fall. He wants them ready to work and aware of the expectations of coach Butch Jones, running backs coach Robert Gillespie and offensive coordinator Larry Scott.
With Alvin Kamara having left early for the NFL, Kelly has become the veteran of UT’s backfield.
“I have just kind of embraced the whole teacher role now and just try to show all the younger guys how things are supposed to be done because I know what Coach G and Coach Jones and Coach Scott expect from us,” Kelly said on Tuesday after the Vols completed their fourth spring practice. “I am just trying to hold all these guys to a higher standard as well and also improve my game too because I know that I am going to be taking a lot more reps than I have the last year.”
Kelly’s carries increased dramatically midway through last season after Jalen Hurd left the program. The skateboard-riding Detroit native carried 98 times for 630 yards and five touchdowns and caught six passes for 17 yards.
Kelly has been preparing for his enhanced status in 2017 by studying and soliciting advice from former teammates.
“I have talked to a lot of the older guys like Alvin and he was just telling me you just have to stay focused and stay the course,” Kelly said. “And I have been working a lot with Coach G, just working on watching extra film on what I can improve on from my runs last year and even just watching some of the runs Alvin had last year.”
New strength coach Rock Gullickson is helping Kelly become durable to take the pounding of a workhorse back in the SEC.
“Coach Rock has also been a tremendous support for all of us with the offseason weightlifting program,” Kelly said. “So I am just definitely trying to mold my body into starting SEC running back form.”
Kamara’s career arc at UT has provided Kelly with inspiration. After patiently waiting for more touches, Kamara showcased his talent last season and is now listed as a first-round pick in several NFL mock drafts.
“Oh man that is probably one of my biggest motivations because I know I have been working hard just like he has and I have been working with him,” Kelly said. “I mean that is definitely some huge motivation for me.”
Jones believes Kelly has the potential to chart a similar path and believes he gained confidence from the carries he received last season.
“He is an individual who has waited his turn and he was ready when his turn came and that speaks volumes for him,” Jones said. “He didn’t wallow in self-pity. He didn’t feel sorry for himself. He waited and worked for his opportunity and earned that, and when that opportunity came he performed at a high level.”
Surrounding Kelly on the practice field and in the running backs room this spring are sophomores Carlin Fils-aime and Taeler Dowdy, redshirt freshmen Stedman Love and Chip Omer and junior Jayson Sparks.
In a few months, the group will welcome Montgomery Bell Academy star Ty Chandler, Trey Coleman and Tim Jordan.
They can expect the outgoing Kelly to showcase his leadership style, whether through more group chats or face-to-face ones.
“I don’t think I am too quiet because I want these guys to hear what I am saying and I want them to be able to feel me as well,” Kelly said. “I mean I talk a lot of junk from time to time, but I also like to back it up when we are on the field. It’s kind of a lot of tough love for the most part.”
Thomas to miss time after procedure: UT senior offensive lineman Coleman Thomas underwent a "procedure" on Monday and will miss at least a week of spring practice, Jones said after practice.
“He had a procedure sometime last night. He is doing well,” Jones said. “The time frame, it could be a week, it could be two weeks. We’ll know a little bit more in a couple of days. But he’s doing great."
Thomas has appeared in 34 games for the Vols at center and right tackle, making 26 starts.
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