Signing Day Profile: Tennessee 4-star running back Treyvon Paulk

Posted by On February 05, 2014 0 Comment

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Running back Treyvon Paulk committed to Tennessee on March 15th and has not visited elsewhere since pledging to don the Orange and White. Vol running backs coach Robert Gillespie was his primary recruiter.

With the commitments of 5-star running back Jalen Hurd and 4-star running back Derrell Scott, Paulk’s presence in this class gets unfairly overshadowed. He’s a versatile back who has been clocked running anywhere from a 4.37 to 4.6 40-yard dash. In addition to running back, Paulk could see time at slot receiver at Tennessee.

The Vols must replace starter Rajion Neal who quietly put up some impressive numbers last season (1,200 yards, 5.2 yards per carry). Paulk won’t be counted on to contribute early and could be a candidate to redshirt if he isn’t fully recovered from the ACL injury that cut short his senior season. But if he’s healthy, he’ll have a chance to compete for snaps in Tennessee’s talented, yet unproven, backfield.

The Basics: Rated as a 4-star prospect by ESPN and a 3-star recruit by Scout, 247Sports, and Rivals, Treyvon Paulk is a 5-9, 195 pound running back from Alpharetta, Georgia (Milton HS). Rivals ranks Paulk as the No. 12 all-purpose back in the 2014 class. After he tore his ACL in September his stock in the recruiting world predictably dropped. He rushed for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. Paulk chose the Vols over Ole Miss, California, Louisville, TCU, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and others.

Scouting Reports: “A player with minimum height but good weight along with excellent playing speed for the running back position at the BCS level. It appears his upper body will be able to support additional bulk over time; Demonstrates both power and speed when seemingly corralled. Displays the playing speed needed to stretch the defense and gain the corner…The versatility his route running and receiving skills offer present options from out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Paulk’s burst, vision and breakaway speed should allow him to challenge immediately for early playing time at the BCS level.” –ESPN.com

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About The Author

Reed Carringer

A native of Knoxville, TN. I grew up saturated in all things Big Orange and began taking an active role in Football & Basketball Time in Tennessee the past several years. Make sure to catch Football Time on Tennessee Sports Radio Monday's and Friday's from 6-8 pm. I strive to cover the Vols in a fan-friendly, but informative way. I value your input and interaction! You can follow me on Twitter @FootballTimeMag.