Position: Running Back
Year: Junior
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 212 lbs
John Kelly is a junior running back for the Vols out of Oak Park High School in Oak Park, Michigan.
As a sophomore, Kelly scored 5 touchdowns in 12 games and averaged 52.5 yards per game. That was an improvement from his freshman year when he scored just one touchdown and averaged 16.5 yards per game.
Despite having an increased role in 2016 due to an injured Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd and eventually Hurd's early departure from the program, Kelly only had one start last year for Tennessee. He has his sights set on a starting job in 2017.
After spring practice on Tuesday, March 28th Kelly said in addition to getting his body in shape, he's been watching extra film on himself and on former Vol running back Alvin Kamara to help him be a better back.
"Coach Rock has been a tremendous help with all of us with the off-season weight lifting programs. I'm definitely trying to mold my body into a starting SEC running back," said Kelly.
Kelly is also embracing his role as a mentor for the younger guys on the squad.
