Video: Jalen Hurd’s replacement John Kelly scores on 73-yard touchdown run

Tennessee running back John Kelly is already enjoying a huge performance in his first career start in the Vols’ game against Tennessee Tech.

Kelly scored on a 73-yard touchdown run, which was the longest rush by any player during Butch Jones’ tenure, according to UT’s information department.

.@JKShuttlesworth … he's FAST! https://t.co/a5iQgMVorK pic.twitter.com/3Sm5gXZH5X

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 5, 2016

That John Kelly 73-yard run was Tennessee's longest rush of Butch Jones era, according to UT sports info dept #tennessee #vols #sec

— Steve Megargee (@stevemegargee) November 5, 2016

Kelly has already recorded 96 yards and a touchdown on just four carries. The sophomore replaced Jalen Hurd as the team’s starting running back after it was announced that Hurd left the team and intended to transfer earlier this week.

It seems Kelly has already won over the Tennessee fan base, as well as many of his teammates, including injured defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie, who predicted a big performance prior to Saturday’s game.

REMEMBER THE NAME
John Kelly

— Kahlil McKenzie Jr. (@Kahlil_Mckenzie) November 5, 2016

https://twitter.com/TNRecruitNews/status/795003298789068804

John Kelly is a crowd favorite today. Huge reaction every time his name is called.

— Philip Jacobs ? (@JacobsPhilip) November 5, 2016

John Kelly is announced as starting RB and the crowd goes nuts

— BaseVols (@cable18) November 5, 2016

Tennessee currently leads Tennessee Tech, 28-0, in the second quarter.

Jason Hall

Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.