The articles have been written and the stories have been told on John Kelly.
The junior running back became a Tennessee fan favorite last season due to his likable personality and on-field performance after starting the year as a third-string player.
This offseason, Kelly has remained the focus of media and fans alike as he prepares for his first campaign as a full time starter. But it isn’t enough for him.
Kelly, like his teammates, is ready to get the season started.
“I can definitely assure you that we are ready, more than ready (to play in an actual game),” Kelly said during media availability on Friday, Aug. 25. “We’ve been competing a lot this camp and just in practices and in the weight room.”
“I can definitely say that our guys are ready to go out there and go against somebody other than ourselves because we go at it on the field and off the field. It’s going to be something good to see.”
One of Kelly’s signature traits is the way that he attempts to motivate teammates during practices.
Whether it’s with his position group, where he is mentoring younger running backs such as freshmen Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan, or even on the defensive side of the field, Kelly works to instill confidence in his peers.
“I’m just trying to motivate everybody and keep everybody positive. Just to provide some positive energy,” Kelly said. “If it’s the defensive guys, the offensive guys, the coaches, specialists … I’m just trying to motivate them and make sure everybody has a positive attitude going out there in practice.”
It’s nothing new to senior offensive lineman Jason Robertson. He doesn’t feel that Kelly has changed his approach with his teammates since arriving on campus two years ago.
“With John Kelly, there’s not much new,” Robertson said. “He is the same guy since he has been here, not as far as his play goes, but just his personality. He is just very enthusiastic, constantly being vocal, talking to the O-line, quarterbacks, whoever it is, and just trying to keep everybody up during practice.”
Kelly ran for 630 yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries in 2016. He also caught six passes for 51 yards.
He played in twelve total games and started in Tennessee’s 55-0 defeat of FCS opponent Tennessee Tech.
Against the Golden Eagles, Kelly rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown on seven carries.
In an offense that will be breaking in a new quarterback and several young wide receivers, Kelly will likely be the workhorse that many predicted him to be. His tough, physical running style could be used to wear out opponents down the stretch.
Despite the offense’s young look, Kelly expressed excitement for what the team can accomplish on that side of the ball, especially with the help of first-year offensive coordinator Larry Scott.
“I thank Coach Scott for giving all of us a chance to make plays,” Kelly said. “He’s going to give everybody a chance to be a playmaker because we’ve got some good playmakers on the offensive side … Everybody’s even waiting. It’s going to be a good one.”
When the season kicks off and the Vols face off against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 in Atlanta, one thing is for certain: Kelly will not change his approach, even though the practice field has now given way to the game field.
He will still be the same John Kelly, the one whose story has been told time and time again this offseason.
“It’s the same (in games),” Kelly said. “I don’t change up. Definitely I’m not going to change. It’s more motivating and encouraging.”
