Micah Abernathy: A family affair
The Tennessee Volunteers have a roster full of players with family ties. Freshmen Evan and Elliott Berry are the sons of former Vols running back James Berry and younger brothers of former All-American Eric Berry. Todd Kelly Jr.’s father was an All-American linebacker and was named the Vols’ 2014 SEC legend. Dillon Bates’ father, Bill, was named second team All-SEC in his final two years at Tennessee and was an All-Pro during a declared pro career with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Vols’ 2015 roster will begin a new family tradition. Micah Abernathy, the team’s top cornerback prospect, and former Cincinnati running back Ralph David Abernathy IV, will both join the team in January.
Micah ranks as the No. 21 cornerback and No. 192 prospect from the 2015 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Ralph missed most of his true senior season, but is eligible to redshirt and participate full-time for Tennessee once he enrolls. In four seasons, Abernathy has 917 rushing yards, 540 receiving yards, 2,186 return yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Abernathys could both see playing time next season. Ralph could serve as a return specialist and see carries behind Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. Micah could see playing time at nickel cornerback following senior Justin Coleman’s departure.
The younger Abernathy has more time to secure his legacy in Knoxville, which will secure his family in Tennessee folklore. Both players will contribute to the rising program in 2015 and add to the Vols’ strong family ties.