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When Butch Jones was hired by Tennessee in December 2012, his first assignment was to salvage a depleted 2013 recruiting class. Jones managed to retain several players and sign several others that his staff recruited at Cincinnati, his previous team. His biggest get was Joshua Dobbs, a mobile pro-style quarterback from Alpharetta, Ga., that rated as a four-star prospect.
In 2014, Jones managed to sign the No. 5 high school class, which included many of Tennessee’s current starters. Jalen Hurd, a five-star prospect from Hendersonville, Tenn., was the top signee and expected to be a crucial part of the Vols’ rebuilding process.
Last week, both players played key roles in Tennessee’s 45-42 comeback win against South Carolina.
Dobbs, who was recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, became the first Tennessee quarterback to throw for over 300 yards and rush for over 100 in a single game, while adding five total touchdowns. Hurd set a new career-best by rushing for 125 yards and catching seven passes for 58 receiving yards.
The duo’s success must continue for Tennessee to earn bowl eligibility. Dobbs and Hurd managed to see stellar performances, despite playing behind a lackluster offensive line. The Vols rank No. 118 overall in sacks allowed and and No. 117 in tackles for loss allowed.
However, Tennessee’s offensive line gave up just three tackles for loss and zero sacks in Saturday’s win over the Gamecocks. Dobbs’ mobility helped evade South Carolina’s pass rush, while Hurd’s size and strength allowed him to break through defenders at the line of scrimmage.
Dobbs and Hurd should become an elite tandem in the SEC as they continue to gain experience. Tennessee is a young team that continues to improve by the passing weeks. The Vols lack of depth has forced early struggles against experienced teams, but should help longterm in giving their players in-game experience.
Dobbs and Hurd have proven this theory correct thus far. The sophomore quarterback started Tennessee’s final four games in 2013 and seems to have worked through growing pains. Hurd, whose seen the majority of carries at tailback since Week 1, has seen a steady progression each week.
The Vols have a strong foundation in their rebuilding process that centers around Dobbs and Hurd. Both players will continue to play a major role in Tennessee’s offense and should progress, despite flaws at other positions.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky