The Tennessee Vols had the highest graded running back in the SEC in Week 1 according to Pro Football Focus
The Tennessee Vols had the highest graded running back in the SEC in the first week of the 2025 college football season according to Pro Football Focus. Vols redshirt sophomore DeSean Bishop received a 90.6 grade from PFF for his performance in Tennessee’s 45-26 season-opening win against Syracuse. Bishop, a former walk-on who earned a […]
The Tennessee Vols had the highest graded running back in the SEC in the first week of the 2025 college football season according to Pro Football Focus.
Vols redshirt sophomore DeSean Bishop received a 90.6 grade from PFF for his performance in Tennessee’s 45-26 season-opening win against Syracuse.
Bishop, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship after emerging as a key player for the Volunteers last season, rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Orange. He also caught two passes for 44 yards.
Bishop is part of a three-headed monster in Tennessee’s backfield, along with sophomore Peyton Lewis and Duke transfer Star Thomas. That trio is looking to replace the production that Dylan Sampson provided for the Vols last season as the SEC offensive player of the year.
DeSean Bishop didn’t need gloves to be productive in Tennessee’s win against Syracuse
Bishop was the highest graded running back in the SEC in Week 1 despite the odd decision to not wear any gloves.
The Tennessee native explained to reporters earlier this week why he doesn’t wear gloves while he plays (unlike the majority of running backs).
“That’s one of the good reasons that I’ve been able to catch the way I am now,” said Bishop. “I just started playing and practicing catching without gloves — just to get that feel of the ball and have that grip I do on the ball. I kind of went into the game thinking, ‘Should I wear gloves now?’ But why switch it up now? If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
“So that’s kind of my mindset. Just going in there, like, I’m not here to look the best or to dress the best. I’m just here for straight business, you know. And that’s what I feel like that represents out there.”
Going sans gloves is an unusual choice in today’s game, but it’s hard to argue with the results that Bishop enjoyed in Week 1 in the Vols’ big win against Syracuse.
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