As the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Josh Heupel has been busy building a program that is competitive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With his up-tempo, high-octane offense, Heupel has made a significant impact on the program since his arrival. However, as he continues to build Tennessee into a contender, one area that he has been particularly focused on developing is the running back room.
While Tennessee has always had a rich tradition of successful running backs, the evolution of the RB room under Heupel’s leadership has been a key point of emphasis. The Vols’ offensive system relies heavily on a balanced attack that includes both the running and passing games, and Heupel recognizes the importance of having a reliable and dynamic group of running backs to complement the explosive passing attack.
In an interview following a recent spring practice, Heupel took some time to discuss his thoughts on the development of the running back room, the key players in that room, and the way forward as the team heads into the 2025 season.
Early Focus on Running Back Development
When Josh Heupel took over as head coach at Tennessee in 2021, one of the areas that needed immediate attention was the running back position. Tennessee had been experiencing a revolving door of players at the position, and the offensive line needed to improve in order to create better opportunities for the running backs.
“We’ve been working hard to build consistency in the room and give our guys the opportunity to develop,” Heupel said. “It’s important to have a deep running back room, but even more important to have guys who can handle the load in different situations. We’ve got to continue building that depth and talent so that we can be multiple on offense.”
Heupel’s offensive scheme demands versatility from his running backs. In his system, running backs are required to do more than just run the ball—they need to be able to block effectively, catch passes out of the backfield, and read defenses. Heupel emphasized that the modern running back is more than just a one-dimensional player.
“A lot of people still see the running back position as a pure rushing position,” Heupel explained. “But in today’s game, you need a guy who can be a three-down back. You need a guy who can catch the ball out of the backfield, run routes, and block. Our offense demands versatility, and that’s something we focus on every day in practice.”
Key Players in the RB Room
The success of the running back room depends largely on the development of its players. Josh Heupel has had a number of talented players in his RB room during his time at Tennessee, and he highlighted a few key individuals who have shown promise in recent seasons.
Jabari Small: One of the standout players in the Tennessee running back room is Jabari Small. A product of Memphis, Small has been one of the most consistent and reliable backs for the Vols since he arrived on campus. Heupel praised Small for his work ethic and leadership, noting that he has become a player the coaching staff can count on in crucial situations.
“Jabari has been fantastic for us,” Heupel said. “He’s a guy who has really developed into an all-around back. He’s someone we trust in both the running and passing games. He’s really taken the next step as a leader in that room, and that’s been huge for us.”
Small’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game has made him an essential part of Tennessee’s offense. Heupel mentioned that while Small may not have the flashy speed or size of some other backs, his vision and ability to make quick decisions have set him apart.
Jaylen Wright: Another player who has caught Heupel’s attention is Jaylen Wright, a dynamic runner with explosive speed. Wright, who has proven to be a home-run hitter for the Vols, provides the kind of big-play ability that Heupel loves in his offense.
“Jaylen has big-play potential every time he touches the ball,” Heupel said. “He’s a guy who can take it to the house from anywhere on the field. What we’ve seen from him is not just the ability to hit home runs, but also the ability to run between the tackles. That’s a big step forward for him, and we’re excited about his development.”
Wright’s growth as an all-around back has been crucial in allowing Tennessee to diversify its offensive game plan. While his speed makes him a dangerous weapon on the outside, his ability to read the defense and make decisive cuts has allowed him to thrive as an inside runner as well.
Dylan Sampson: A younger player who has been making noise in the Tennessee backfield is Dylan Sampson. Heupel spoke highly of Sampson’s ability to step in and make an impact during his first few seasons in Knoxville.
“Dylan has done a really nice job coming in and getting better each day,” Heupel said. “He’s a guy who brings a lot of energy and has a great understanding of what we’re trying to do offensively. He’s got the tools to be a big-time back for us down the road, and I’m excited to see his growth moving forward.”
Sampson’s agility and quickness make him a threat in the open field, and his ability to pick up blitzes has allowed him to earn more playing time as he continues to mature in Heupel’s system.
Depth and Versatility
While the top players in Tennessee’s RB room have received most of the attention, Heupel is quick to point out that depth is critical to success in the SEC. The conference is known for its physical style of play, and Heupel understands that having multiple options at running back is necessary to keep the offense fresh and effective throughout the course of a season.
“You’ve got to have depth in this league. The season is long, and it’s a physical grind,” Heupel said. “We don’t want to be in a situation where we’re wearing a guy out. Having multiple backs who can contribute in different ways allows us to keep guys fresh and avoid getting too predictable.”
Heupel has made it a priority to develop young players behind the starters, and the coaching staff has worked diligently to ensure that each player in the running back room is prepared to contribute when their number is called.
“It’s about building a rotation and making sure that every guy in that room knows what their role is and how they can help the team win,” Heupel explained. “We’re not just focused on the guys at the top of the depth chart—we want to develop the whole room and make sure everyone is ready when the time comes.”
A Balanced Attack
One of the key aspects of Heupel’s offense is its balance. While the passing game is often the focal point, Tennessee’s success is dependent on a running game that keeps defenses honest. Heupel explained that a balanced offensive approach forces opponents to account for both the pass and the run, making it more difficult to defend.
“The ability to run the ball efficiently is crucial,” Heupel said. “When you’re able to run the ball, it opens up everything else in the offense. It keeps the defense on their heels and allows us to take advantage of mismatches in the passing game.”
Tennessee’s offensive line has played a key role in this success. Heupel acknowledged the importance of developing a strong offensive line that can create holes for the running backs and provide protection for quarterback play. The offensive line’s ability to move defenders and create lanes for the running backs has been a critical factor in Tennessee’s offensive evolution.
“The offensive line has made great strides,” Heupel said. “We’ve got a lot of guys in that room who understand how to play physical, and they’ve worked hard to get better every day. Their ability to move defenders and create space for the running backs is crucial, and that’s been a big part of our success.”
The Road Ahead
As Heupel looks to the future, he remains focused on the continued development of Tennessee’s running back room. He understands that having a solid group of running backs will be key to sustaining success in the SEC and beyond.
“We’re going to keep pushing to develop all of our backs, whether they’re freshmen or seniors,” Heupel said. “We’ve got to have a stable of guys who are ready to contribute at any given moment. We’re always going to look for ways to improve and continue to push the envelope on offense.”
The competition in the running back room will likely remain fierce as new players enter the fold and existing players continue to develop. But with Josh Heupel at the helm, the Tennessee Vols can expect a running back group that is versatile, deep, and ready to make an impact in the 2025 season and beyond.