A year ago, running back Deshaun Bishop drew praise from coaches during back-to-back scrimmages during Tennessee's spring football practices.
But it was just a spring story where young players had potential but faded into the background once the season arrived.
A deep backfield and Bishop's preseason injury prevented him from making his collegiate debut in the 2023 season.
But in practice this spring, the former Kearns standout has been under the microscope as UT addresses its backfield depletion and looks to add a running back from the transfer portal.
Bishop, a former two-time Mr. Football, is trying to convince coaches he can be a reliable option if needed for the 2024 season.
“I thought he ran really well tonight,” coach Josh Heupel said after the second Red-White game of spring practice on Thursday night.
“Without seeing the film, I would say this was probably the best football he played this spring. I really like his work. Khalifa (Keith) had a good night too.”
Dylan Sampson is a surefire starter at running back. Last season, he had 604 yards rushing, 175 yards receiving and eight touchdowns while sharing playing time with All-SEC running back Jalen Wright and veteran Jabari Small.
But behind Sampson is an inexperienced and injured running back. Sophomore Cam Seldon suffered a shoulder injury in the spring that required surgery. Freshman Peyton Lewis is sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery after enrolling in January.
That leaves Bishop, a redshirt freshman, and Keith, a sophomore, competing for the No. 2 spot behind Sampson, at least until Seldon returns from injury.
Seldon's rehab schedule could determine whether UT adds a running back through the transfer portal. But in the meantime, Bishop has all the available reps.
Here are three more takeaways from UT's scrimmage.
Niko Iamareva's backup is obvious.
Veteran walk-on Gaston Moore participated in spring practice as Nico Iamareaba's backup quarterback. And despite the addition of freshman Jake Marklinger, a four-star signee, there's every indication that Moore will remain No. 2.
“Gaston has been really consistent throughout the spring ball process,” Coach Heupel said. “(He's) a very good decision maker and has great control on our offense.” .
Moore, a fifth-year senior, appeared in seven games during his UT career, completing 10 of 17 passes for 72 yards. But coaches believe he can effectively run the attack without Imareaba.
Merklinger is still learning the offense, but has shown steady progress in his first spring practice.
“Jake Merklinger was more comfortable today than he was in scrimmage one. He wasn't as good,” Heupel said. “It's just his command on the sideline and in the huddle and controlling what's going on there. Merck has that fundamental growth that's typical of all young quarterbacks that come here. There’s a lot left.”
As expected, the defensive line is dominant.
The defensive line continues to be a bright spot in the spring, which is to be expected. UT has strengthened its defense during Heupel's tenure, with at least 13 players currently competing for rotation spots.
Nine of last season's top 12 defensive linemen return, led by All-SEC edge rusher James Pierce and defensive tackle Omari Thomas.
High-profile recruits from the 2023 class such as Caleb Herring, Devin Hobbs and Tyree Weathersby are looking to break into the rotation, as is Jackson Moy, who transferred from Stanford.
“If you want to be really good as a football team, it starts with the defensive line,” Heupel said. “It took us a little while to get this group up and running. But (we) certainly just (like) the athleticism of the whole group.”
The offensive line is experiencing some necessary growing pains.
Center Cooper Maze has limited admission during most of the spring. Right guard Javontes Spraggins is rehabbing an injury. And left guard is an open game.
That meant young, inexperienced offensive linemen were given a lot of reps against a talented defensive line. But offensive line coach Glenn Ellerbee hopes that will help the Vols avoid repeating the depth issues they had last season.
Specifically, redshirt freshman Weisen Lang, freshman William Satterwhite, and freshman Max Anderson played center, while Mays was on the sideline.
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Heupel said the young offensive line has improved throughout the spring, but acknowledged they are losing out to the more experienced defense.
If UT doesn't like that option, especially the guard, it could consider the portal after spring practice.
Adam Sparks is a football beat reporter for Tennessee. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Please support strong local journalism by subscribing at . knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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