By: John Dunn
The All Vol Call in Show
Jan. 29, 2020
It was announced on Tuesday that former Tennessee running back Jay Graham would return to the sidelines for the Vols this fall.
This will be Graham’s third stint on the Tennessee coaching staff. He served as a graduate assistant in 2005 and served as the running back’s coach in 2012. He served as the running back’s coach for the Florida State Seminoles prior to heading to Texas A&M, where he took on the same role for the Aggies.
During his career toting the rock for the Vols, Graham etched his name into the Tennessee record books as the Vols’ sixth all-time leading rusher with 2,609 yards. He is Tennessee’s second all-time ball carrier with 540 carries, good for 25 touchdowns.
Former Tennessee running back Jabari “Train” Davis says that he believes that Graham will do well with the Vols.
“He (Graham) is going to do well here,” said Davis. “He has coached and recruited well since he got into the business.”
Former Tennessee running back and 2005 NFL draftee Cedric Houston attributes Graham with the success of the 2004 Vols’ running game; a unit that racked up 2,418 yards and 21 touchdowns behind two 1,000 yard rushers. (Riggs Jr - 1,107/6TD | Houston - 1,005/8TD)
“Jay (Graham) will do great,” said Houston. “He’s the best running back‘s coach we‘ve had since Woody McCorvey. Jay knows it all, to be honest.“
“He was the main reason we all ran the ball so well in 2004, not Trooper Taylor,” he added. “Jay was basically our running back’s coach back then.”
Ahead of National Signing Day, the addition of Graham could play a factor in some unforeseen acquisitions. Zach Evans, a five-star prospect from Texas, has been trending “warmer” toward Tennessee, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.
While at Texas A&M, Graham served as Evans’ primary recruiter. It has been said that Evans doesn’t want to stay in his home state. Graham’s addition may influence Evans‘ decision down the road.
Graham joins an all-star staff under now third-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt. With the Vols finishing the season with a ton of momentum, the trajectory of the team seems to be trending even further upward.