Report: Former Tennessee RB Montario Hardesty expected to join Jeremy Pruitt's staff
Jeremy Pruitt and Tennessee appear to be bringing back one of their own.
Tennessee insider John Brice reported Thursday night that former Vols RB Montario Hardesty is expected to join Pruitt’s staff in a quality control role. Hardesty played at Tennessee from 2005-2009. (He received a medical hardship for the 2005 season because of a knee injury).
Hardesty combined for 1,028 yards and 13 TDs during his first three seasons from 2006 to 2008, but he saved his best for last in 2009. He rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 TDs, while adding 302 receiving yards and one TD. Of course, his best year came under Lane Kiffin. That connection turned out to be important for Hardesty.
Following his Tennessee career, Hardesty became a second-round draft pick with the Cleveland Browns, where he played from 2010-2013. After his NFL career was over, Hardesty coached the running backs and was the special teams coordinator at Norfolk State in 2015. He joined Kiffin’s staff at FAU for the 2017 season.
Pruitt recently finalized his on-field coaching staff.
Several folks tell me that former @Vol_Football star RB @MoHard20 is expected to join Jeremy Pruitt’s staff in QC role. Be hard to find a classier, more humble or harder working guy than Hardesty. An all-time good guy. #Vols
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) January 19, 2018
Update: ESPN’s Chris Low tweeted that Hardesty will be an offensive analyst for Tennessee.
It’s always good to go back home, but @MoHard20 is especially pumped to be returning to Tennessee as an offensive analyst under Jeremy Pruitt. Hardesty was the essence of perseverance the way he battled through injuries and had a huge senior season at UT. He has a lot to offer.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 19, 2018