Hardesty has Ground Game Rolling
Senior tailback Montario Hardesty is finally the feature back in Tennessee's offense after three seasons as a backup, splitting time or in a goal-line role. In three starts during the 2009 season, Hardesty has produced the three largest single-game rushing efforts of his career and scored three touchdowns.
The New Bern, N.C., native is averaging 115 yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry. He currently ranks 10th in the nation and second in the SEC in rushing yards per game. He is on pace for 1,380 rushing yards in 2009. Hardesty has reeled off 10 runs of 10 yards or more, including two 20-plus yard treks and a career-long 43-yard touchdown run vs. Western Kentucky. He needs just 109 yards to become the 27th back in school history to rush for 1,500 career yards.
Hardesty rushed for 1,046 yards in his first three seasons and worked primarily as a goalline back in 2008, scoring six touchdowns.
Thanks in large part to Hardesty, the Vols are rolling up an average of 204 yards per game on the ground through three contests and have scored six rushing touchdowns.
The Vols ranked seventh in the SEC and 27th in the nation in rushing offense.
