Big Orange Report July 31, 2025

 


Meet the Vols 2025

Running Backs
Position Coach--De'Rail Sims
All Star Candidates-- DeSean Bishop, Peyton Lewis

DeSean Bishop-- Red Shirt Sophomore (5-10, 210, 4.55) from Knoxville Karns-- A true success story at Tennessee is the evolution of Bishop, a former walk-on who not only earned his "spurs" but has become a top tier running back in the SEC. He is a former two-time Mr. Football award winner that enrolled at UT and then went to work. Bishop is tough with great field vision and is difficult for one guy to get on the ground on first contact with a defender. He was the primary backup behind Dylan Sampson last fall, playing in nine games. He rushed for 455 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.15 yards per carry which was the third best average in the conference in 2024. He continues to work on his pass blocking and receiving in practice sessions.
Peyton Lewis-- Sophomore (6-1, 215, 4.45) from Salem, Virginia-- Lewis might very well be the most athletically gifted running back on the roster this year. The flashy tailback possesses deceptive power and great field vision.  He was a consensus top 5 rated prospect coming out of high school where he was also a star speedster in track. On3 called him the No. 4 running back recruit and Rivals listed him at No. 5. He was a two time state champion in the 55 and 100 meters and finished runner-up at the prestigious Nike National track meet. Lewis saw action on special teams and offense last autumn in all 13 games. He registered 339 yards and three touchdowns on 64 carries. He also returned kickoffs late in the season, running back seven for 151 yards. Pressed into service in the playoff game vs. Ohio State, Lewis picked up 77 yards on just 10 carries and also grabbed three passes in the contest. He had one of the most incredible playoff games in high school history when he once ran for 373 yards on 30 carries. Lewis is a coast to coast threat whenever he gets his hands on the football.
Star Thomas-- Red shirt senior (6-0, 210, 4.55) from Homer, Louisiana (Transfer from Duke)-- Coaches Heupel and Sims decided that they needed a veteran running back so they grabbed Thomas from the transfer portal this spring. He has been around and this will be his sixth year of college ball counting a season in the junior college ranks and two years at New Mexico State. Thomas started the final 10 games for the Blue Devils in '24 and rushed for 871 yards and seven touchdowns. He also can catch the ball out of the backfield and had 20 receptions for 166 yards last fall. His best game for Duke was against North Carolina when he gained 166 yards on 30 carries. The coaches believe he is also a plus blocker in the passing game.  
Duane Morris-- Freshman (5-10, 195, 4.5) from Chattanooga-- This four-star prospect missed some time during the regular season but he roared back in the state playoffs to help lead Oakland to a title and catch the eye of multiple talent scouts. In five playoff games Morris danced and pranced for 758 yards and 14 touchdowns including 145 yards and three scores in the championship collision with defending champs Houston High School. He received 27 D1 offers including nine from Southeastern Conference Schools. Morris is an elusive and talented runner that gives Tennessee some solid insurance behind the first three backs this season.
Position Summary
While Tennessee did lose Dylan Sampson to the NFL, the running backs room is still oozing talented ball carriers. National media figures who try to cover dozens of teams may not understand that this group can carry the load and that Josh Heupel's offense is not as pass happy as they believe. In Heupel's four years at the helm, UT has rushed for over 2500 yards every season and led the SEC in rushing last fall. This group, running behind a solid offensive front, should continue the tradition of productive infantry attacks.
Vol Notes
Practice gets underway this week and Coach Heupel was scheduled to speak to the press on Tuesday. A few players will be limited but the team appears to be in good physical shape prior to putting the pads on towards the weekend.
A feel-good story emerged late last week when true freshmen wide receiver Travis Smith, Jr. and linebacker Jaedon Harmon each donated 5000 dollars of their NIL money to the Wesley House Center in Knoxville. 

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