The Tennessee Volunteers’ decision to add Duke running back Jordan Waters via the transfer portal has sparked heated debate among fans and analysts alike. While Waters undoubtedly brings a level of experience to the Volunteers’ backfield, his performance at Duke raises serious questions about whether he’s the right fit for a program with lofty SEC aspirations.
A Closer Look at Duke’s Run Game Struggles
In the 2024 season, Duke’s rushing attack ranked in the middle of the pack nationally, averaging only 143 yards per game. Much of that production was inconsistent, with the offensive line struggling to create running lanes against higher-tier defenses. While Waters showed flashes of brilliance in open space, his performance often faltered against strong opponents, raising concerns about his ability to compete in a more competitive SEC environment.
Waters finished the 2024 season with 714 rushing yards and six touchdowns—respectable numbers on the surface. However, his yards-per-carry average of 3.9 ranked below other leading ACC backs, a statistic that has drawn criticism from Tennessee faithful who expected a more dynamic addition.
Can Waters Handle the SEC Grind?
Transitioning from the ACC to the SEC is no small task for any player, especially a running back. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, boasting elite defensive fronts that can stifle even the most explosive runners. Waters’ struggles against ACC defenses with comparable talent to the SEC’s lower-tier teams raise questions about whether he can handle the physicality and speed of SEC football.
Waters’ lack of elite speed and inability to consistently break tackles could be glaring weaknesses in a league where linebackers and safeties hit harder and cover ground faster. His limited success in pass protection at Duke also highlights another potential liability, as Tennessee’s offensive scheme often relies on its running backs to serve as key blockers in third-down situations.
What Was Tennessee Thinking?
The Volunteers’ decision to bring in Waters appears to be more about depth than about finding a game-changing star. With the departure of several key players, Tennessee’s backfield needed reinforcements. However, critics argue that Tennessee may have reached too far in pursuing Waters when there were potentially more promising options available in the transfer portal.
The move also suggests a lack of confidence in Tennessee’s younger backs, who now face the possibility of being buried on the depth chart behind a player who has yet to prove himself as a dominant force. If Waters struggles early, the decision could disrupt the team’s chemistry and development, making this a high-risk move for head coach Josh Heupel.
A Chance for Redemption or a Potential Setback?
Despite the skepticism, Waters does have an opportunity to prove doubters wrong. Tennessee’s offensive line, while young, has shown promise and could provide better support than what Waters experienced at Duke. Additionally, playing alongside a more dynamic quarterback and a talented receiving corps could help open up the field for Waters in a way that wasn’t possible at Duke.
However, if Waters fails to deliver, the Volunteers’ coaching staff could face backlash for bringing in a player who doesn’t elevate the team’s performance. In the high-stakes world of SEC football, every roster move is scrutinized, and this one is no exception.
Final Thoughts
While Jordan Waters brings experience and leadership to Tennessee, his on-field production at Duke suggests he may not be the immediate impact player the Volunteers need to contend in the SEC. Tennessee is gambling that Waters can thrive in a new environment, but if his past struggles are any indication, this move could backfire and leave the Volunteers searching for answers in their backfield.
Only time will tell if Waters can silence the critics and prove he belongs in the SEC, but for now, Tennessee’s decision to bring him on board looks like a risky roll of the dice.