Through a disappointing season, Alvin Kamara lead by example

It’s been a slow week leading up to Tennessee’s Music City Bowl matchup tomorrow afternoon against Nebraska. Preseason talk of playoff births and SEC championships went out the window when the Vols lost to South Carolina, and a likely Sugar Bowl birth was lost in what was the most disappointing game of the season against Vanderbilt.

Therefore, it’s understandable why fans aren’t quite as pumped this bowl season compared to the past couple of years.

In listening to player interviews this week, however, I’m reminded that college football is a game played by kids, with ups and downs, highs and lows. It’s about more than just the record. It’s about the players.

In a time when student athletes are quitting midseason and sitting out bowl games to prepare for the NFL Draft (not that there’s anything wrong with that) I listen to guys like Alvin Kamara speak to the media and then I remember why I’m so passionate about Tennessee football.

Kamara arrived on campus before the 2015 season with a lot of hype. He was a consensus five-star JUCO prospect and the No. 2 JUCO prospect in the nation according to ESPN. But during the season, he managed only 107 carries compared to Jalen Hurd‘s 277 — even though he averaged almost two yards more per carry (6.5 average compared to 4.6).

His contributions as a player and teammate were validated in 2016 when Kamara was named team captain. But the narrative was the same as he continued to get fewer opportunities than Hurd, even though it was blatantly obvious he was the more explosive, more productive back and one of the Vols’ leading receivers.

Through it all, he seemed to always maintain a positive and humble attitude.

When Hurd didn’t make the trip to College Station in October, Kamara took full advantage of the opportunity, setting a school record with 312 all-purpose yards in Tennessee’s 45-48 double-overtime loss to Texas A&M.

On Wednesday, Kamara talked about his career at Tennessee.

“You never know going into a place what it’s going to be,” Kamara said. “I feel like you just come in and kind of keep your head down and be quiet. Then whatever comes is a blessing. To say the least, it’s been a blessing to be here and mess with these guys here and have a good time.”

Alvin is expected to enter the NFL Draft, but says he hasn’t made any final decisions about his future.

“I still haven’t really solidified what I’m going to do next,” Kamara said. “I’m still kind of weighing my options and just trying to figure out what’s the next plan, what’s the next step. Right now I’m just focused on playing this game, really. We’ve got one more game. It’s not over yet. We’ve still got some preparation we’ve got to handle. I’ll attack that when it gets here.”

Offensive lineman Brett Kendrick said Kamara earned the team’s respect and was a leader from day one.

“Since the day he came in, he’s been a great leader for us,” said offensive lineman Brett Kendrick, a redshirt junior. “You don’t see that impact with many people, for him to come in day one and for us to look at him as a leader. He did that, and he’s always been there for us. He’s played through a bunch of injuries, and we have a lot of respect for him.

“If this is his last game, we’re going to miss him next year, but he hadn’t made up his mind yet. I’m hoping he comes back.”

Alvin Kamara has been an absolute pleasure to watch these past two seasons. Treasure the opportunity to watch him play (probably) his final game at Tennessee, along with other VFLs who have given their all for the Vols: Joshua Dobbs, Derek Barnett, Cam Sutton, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Jason Croom, Corey Vereen, Kenny Bynum, LaTroy Lewis, Dylan Wiesman and Malik Foreman.

Forum discussion: Will Kamara return?

Alvin Kamara Highlights