Alvin Kamara's path from Tuscaloosa to Knoxville
Alvin Kamara sat among his friends and family at Norcross High School during the 2013 National Signing Day. The four-star all-purpose back was set to announce his college commitment in front of a national audience.
As he placed a black and white-stripped Alabama hat on his head, the Norcross crowd roared in celebration. Nearly two years later, Kamara looks to finally make his name in the SEC as a member of one of the Tide’s biggest rivals.
Kamara is one of the top commitments for Tennessee’s 2015 recruiting class. A four-star prospect once again, the Norcross, Ga., native rushed for 1,253 yards and 18 touchdowns, while catching 18 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns at Hutchinson Community College (Kan.).
Kamara enrolled at Hutchinson — the same school that produced former Vols and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson — after a disappointing freshman season at Alabama. He injured his knee in preseason and missed a week of practices leading into the Tide’s game against LSU for undisclosed “behavioral issues.”
Kamara also served a suspension during Alabama’s Sugar Bowl matchup against Oklahoma. After falling behind fellow freshmen Derrick Henry and Altee Tenpenny for playing time, Kamara was forced to redshirt.
In February, the former All-American announced his plans to transfer, earning a 95 rating by 247Sports for the 2015 class. After a breakout JUCO season, Kamara has a chance at redemption during his three remaining years of eligibility in Knoxville.
For Kamara, there is the chance to seek revenge in the Vols’ annual matchup against Alabama. After being spurned by his burial on the Tide’s depth chart, the former Norcross standout can prove his worth against his former team and silence critics who questioned his decision to transfer.
Kamara has a perfect opportunity to make an immediate splash in Knoxville. Aside from leading rusher Jalen Hurd, the Vols are in dire need of help at running back.
Tennessee ranked No. 100 overall in rushing offense and struggled in games where Hurd was limited by injuries. Kamara is the perfect complement to the bruising back as a tailback capable of running the ball or catching passes from the backfield. Hurd’s production should improve playing alongside a fellow blue chipper, much like it did after mobile quarterback Joshua Dobbs’ emergence in Tennessee’s offense.
Kamara looks to play a vital role in the Vols growing success in 2015. The four-star JUCO transfer should make an immediate impact in a young, talented Tennessee offense.