True freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava isn't the only true freshman that's receiving a big opportunity in the Tennessee Vols' matchup against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl 

Two of Tennessee's top running backs from the 2023 season have already opted out of the Citrus Bowl. 

Jaylen Wright, the team's leading rusher, announced earlier this month that he's forgoing his final season of eligibility at Tennessee to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. 

And earlier this week, Jabari Small, who has one season of eligibility remaining (his extra COVID season), also opted out of the Citrus Bowl. Small's decision likely signals the end of his career with the Vols (he's expected to transfer). 

That leaves sophomore Dylan Sampson and true freshman Cam Seldon as Tennessee's top two running backs for the matchup against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. 

It won't just be those two players, however, carrying the load for the Vols in the running game. 

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said on Wednesday, while speaking to reporters in Orlando, that true freshman Khalifa Keith will also be part of the running back rotation against Iowa. 

Seldon is seemingly locked into the No. 2 running back spot heading into next season. But the same probably isn't true of Keith when it comes to the No. 3 spot. 

"He’s (Seldon) continued to grow, understanding our schemes versus what we’re seeing front wise, how to press his aiming points, deliver double teams," said Heuepl when asked about Seldon's development this season ahead of the Citrus Bowl. "He’s dynamic, he is strong, he’s physical. Excited to see him play, but to see Khalifa (Keith) play as well.”

Keith, who carried the ball seven times for 14 yards during the regular season, is a former three-star recruit who was rated as the No. 42 running back in the nation. 

While Keith will be part of the running back rotation against Iowa, it doesn't mean he's locked into that spot for the 2024 season. The Vols are high on incoming true freshman Peyton Lewis, the No. 13 overall running back in the 2024 recruiting class. 

"Peyton Lewis, a track kid that’s electric with the ball in his hands," said Heupel last week after Lewis signed with the Vols. "This year, you look at his development between the tackles — great vision, great ability, short-area quickness, constantly chewing up ground as he’s working through the line of scrimmage. Developed the ability to play with great pad level. Smart, tough, competitive. Really excited about him."

Lewis will provide Keith with plenty of competition for that No. 3 running back spot next fall. But for now, Keith will get the first chance to impress while serving as part of Tennessee's "three-headed monster" against the Hawkeyes. 

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