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Peyton Lewis could play early as a freshman for the UT Vols
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Peyton Lewis could play early as a freshman for the UT Vols

Tennessee football makes its freshmen available to the media for interviews during preseason practices, a rare concession among teams in power conferences.

It’s a win-win situation for both players and media.

Journalists help fans get to know new players, and rookies gain valuable experience speaking in front of cameras and bright lights, which comes in handy when they have to answer tough questions after games.

But that first interview is often filled with easy questions that have little impact on the season. Running back Peyton Lewis is an exception for the Vols this preseason.

He was asked if he can contribute right away, if his surgically repaired shoulder is ready to play and if he can learn UT’s system quickly. The questions and his answers certainly have more urgency.

“I’m trying my best not to look like a young kid,” Lewis said during his first week of preseason practice.

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Peyton Lewis competing with DeSean Bishop

Lewis could carry the ball in significant situations in the season opener against Chattanooga and in a critical Week 2 game against North Carolina State.

That’s because backup running back Cam Seldon is limited by a shoulder injury he suffered in spring practice. And the other candidates to replace starter Dylan Sampson are nearly as inexperienced as Lewis.

Freshman DeSean Bishop, a former Karns standout, sat out last season due to injury, so he has yet to play. Sophomore Khalifa Keith played in 12 games last season, mostly on special teams, but had just 11 carries for 24 yards.

“I’m excited to play this year. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” Lewis said. “I’ve always wanted to be the guy that everyone leans on. I want to have that responsibility and I’m a very competitive kid. So I’m going to fight for that opportunity to play from the start, and things will happen as they happen.”

How Peyton Lewis’s rating compares to other UT backs

Sampson led the group through drills during the first few practices. After that, it was Bishop, veteran Patrick Wilk, Keith, Lewis and the injured Seldon.

That order should change as Lewis moves into the group.

Physically, Lewis is up to par. At 6-foot-10 and 210 pounds, he has great speed. He was a four-star recruit ranked as the No. 12 running back in the class of 2024 by the 247Sports Composite, higher than any current UT running back in their respective classes.

Lewis said he is healthy. He had shoulder surgery immediately after enrolling in January because he wanted to rehab in time to play as a freshman.

The downside was that he couldn’t compete in spring practice, so he’s now trying to catch up. The upside is that he’s healthier than Seldon, who is at least a few weeks away from being game-ready.

This could leave Peyton Lewis out of the Vols’ lineup

But there are two big obstacles that could keep Lewis out of the lineup. He must learn UT’s fast-paced offense and how to block passes.

Both are new to Lewis. He played in an I formation in high school and has very little experience in pass protection.

“(Pass blocking) is more mental, knowing where I need to be,” Lewis said. “If you put someone with talent on the field, they can do great things as long as you let them know what to do.”

The next four weeks will determine whether Lewis can close that knowledge gap to get a chance to play right away, or at least until Seldon can return to the backfield.

Adam Sparks is Tennessee’s football reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparksSupport strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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