Sophomore running back Tim Jordan was the breakout star for the Vols during Saturday’s season-opener against No. 17 West Virginia. The Vols didn’t have much right go their way on Saturday, but Jordan was undoubtedly a bright spot for Tennessee.
Jordan set career-highs in carries, rushing yards, total yards, and touchdowns in Saturday’s contest. Jordan ran for 118 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and also caught two passes for 11 yards. He totaled 129 yards of offense in one game, surpassing his yardage total in seven games last year (117 yards on 19 total touches).
Not only was Jordan’s performance impressive on the stat sheet, but he looked great on the field too. He shed tackles left and right and bounced off defenders with ease. In fact, he did that better than any other player in college football in Week 1.
According to Pro Football Focus’ college division, Jordan led the entire FBS in missed tackles forced on carries. He forced 12 missed tackles on Saturday, proving to be both an effective battering ram and elusive back all in one.
Tim Jordan leads the charge through Week 1 with his 12 missed tackles forced on the ground pic.twitter.com/TlH5Kfc3z4
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 2, 2018
The 5-foot-11, 203-pound Jordan came to Tennessee as just the No. 1,673 overall player and No. 90 running back in the 2017 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. North Carolina, Purdue, and Iowa State were the only other Power Five offers Jordan had when he committed and ultimately signed with the Vols.
Jordan will have another chance to shine this upcoming Saturday when the Vols host FCS opponent ETSU for their home opener in Neyland Stadium.
