Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd is expected to start against Kentucky on Saturday, despite limited practice reps due to an undisclosed injury. Hurd leads the Vols with 598 rushing yards, battling injuries throughout his first season. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie praised Hurd’s work ethic and ability to avoid “hitting the freshman wall” after Tennessee’s practice earlier this week.

“Jalen’s done a really good job doing the little things after practice,” Gillespie said. “Cold tubs, icing, he’s the last person in the weight room everyday. So I think he’s done a really good job where he hasn’t hit that freshman wall. Coach [Dave] Lawson and those weight room guys have done a good job at making [the freshmen] prepare for a long season and I think Jalen’s done a good job at that so far.”

Hurd is coming off a season-best 125 rushing yards and seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. Alongside dual-threat quarterback Joshua Dobbs, Hurd should see another stellar performance against a struggling Kentucky defense.

The Wildcats rank No. 97 overall in rush defense, with an average of 200.2 yards allowed per game. Kentucky allowed 305 rushing yards in last week’s loss to No. 15 Georgia and over 200 yards rushing in five games and over 300 in three.

The former five-star prospect should see another breakout performance against the Wildcats. If healthy, Hurd will get the majority of carries from the backfield and provide a complement to Dobbs. The freshman will play a major role in Tennessee’s success on Saturday.