Tennessee enters its bye week at 2-1 through three games. The Vols look to bounce back from a 5-7 record in 2013 and four straight losing seasons. Offensively, Tennessee has seen improvement at its skill positions with several key additions and gained experienced from last season. The Vols have recorded 1,111 total yards (721 passing, 390 rushing) entering their Week 4 bye. Here’s a list of the players that have contributed to Tennessee’s offensive success through its first three games:

  1. Jalen Hurd, RB- The five-star freshman has lived up to the hype thus far. Hurd currently leads Tennessee with 209 rushing yards and is averaging 4.35 yards per carry. He has progressed each game, recording 29 yards in Week 1, 83 yards in Week 2 and 97 yards in Week 3. Despite being listed as the No. 2 running back on Tennessee’s depth chart, Hurd has become the featured back through his first three collegiate games and should continue his progression moving forward.
  2. Justin Worley, QB- What a difference a year makes. As recently as the weeks leading up to the season, Justin Worley needed to compete for the starting quarterback job. Thus far, the senior has proven Butch Jones right for placing his trust with him. Worley has 721 yards and six touchdowns  on 70-of-120 passing. He also has a passer rating of 120.30 through three games.
  3. Marquez North, WR- Marquez North entered the 2014 season facing huge expectations. Coming off a breakout freshman campaign, North was projected to be a top-tier wideout in the SEC. He currently leads Tennessee in receiving yards (173), receiving touchdowns (2) and receptions (14). North will need to continue his success as the Vols face a difficult schedule that features matchups against elite pass defenses.
  4. Von Pearson, WR- Von Pearson kicked off his Division-1 career with 98 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Unfortunately, the former JUCO All-American suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against Arkansas State and has yet to return to action. Pearson will continue to play a vital role in Tennessee’s offense should he return this season.
  5. Josh Smith, WR- Josh Smith may be the most improved player on Tennessee’s roster. As a freshman, he struggled through injuries and dropped passes and made it a personal goal to see improvement in 2014. Like Pearson, Smith enjoyed a strong start with 135 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches, before suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 3. His status has yet to be determined for the Vols’ Week 4 matchup against Georgia, however, he is expected to return to action this season.