Peyton Lewis Touted as SEC Freshman To Watch

The University of Tennessee has seen a lot of success in the running back room over time. Jaylen Wright became their first 1,000-yard rusher since the 2015 season earlier this year, and running backs coach Jerry Mack got sought out by an NFL coaching staff.

Though their departures toughen the picture for the Vols next season, they should feel good about what they have in the running back room, personnel-wise, and coaching. SEC insiders spoke to 247Sports' about which true freshman could make a big splash in their true freshman seasons, and several pointed out Tennessee running back Peyton Lewis, who signed with the Vols during the early national signing day period.

"Wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley and in-state defensive back Boo Carter generated the most excitement among Tennessee's early enrollees, but Lewis has a chance to make an impact this fall despite having to miss spring practice, according to GoVols247's Patrick Brown. The five-time Virginia state champion sprinter, who clocked a similar high-school 55-meter time as Jaylen Wright, will bring elite speed to a reloading backfield in an offense that will afford him plenty of space to make plays." 247Sports' Grant Hughes on Peyton Lewis