I do believe Tennessee is locked in a multi-million-dollar contest with Ohio State for future services of Canadian running back David Gabriel-Georges, currently encamped at Baylor School in Chattanooga.

DGG from Baylor School

He is 5-10 and 205 and said to be among the best prep players in the United States of America. One source said DGG is the best running back prospect in 2026, 2027 or 2028. He’s unique. The source also said he’s different.

He was state high school player of the year last season – 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns rushing. His best game was 431 yards and seven TDs against McCallie.

David is so promising, UT students followed up on a suggestion to paint The Rock in honor of his official visit. Tennessee legend Alvin Kamara just happened to be on campus as an NFL ornament. DGG is a big fan of Kamara and his style. They talk.

The Rock 2026

Tennessee’s immediate goal is to gain David’s commitment. If, by some minor miracle that happens, sustaining it until early signing day December 4 would be the next challenge.

After that would come winter workouts, development, improvement, winning games and honors, keeping him happy, avoiding transfer temptations and blocking out bigger investment offers (in French) to his parents in Quebec.

Backdoor bandits might try to contact (and steal) DGG through other relatives, agents, advisors or one or two of his 40 best friends.

My advice would be “On guard, you Volunteers.”

Against that background, please stay with me for a brief commercial about DeSean Bishop, not too bad as running backs go, less heralded and less expensive, current No. 1 in Tennessee’s backfield.

Perhaps you recall DeSean from Karns High School, 2710 Byington Solway Road, about 11 miles as sparrows fly to Neyland Stadium.

Indeed, I remember. He was a star for the Beavers, 8,347 career yards and 102 rushing touchdowns. It hurt my feelings when, as a senior, he was ranked No. 78 among running backs in the country.

I thought he was a man among boys, that he had very good balance, was able to bounce off defenders and stay upright through arm tackles. He had natural running back vision, seemingly able to sense where were open spaces, and patience to let blocks develop. He had good hands and caught a few swing passes.

Almost forgot to mention, he didn’t have break-away speed. That might explain why he had the college choice of Coastal Carolina or Appalachian State.

Tennessee recruiters knew Bishop was alive but did not offer a scholarship. He decided to bet on himself. He became a preferred walk-on. Somebody helped with tuition costs, books and board.

DeSean made an impact on the 2024 season. He moved ahead of his competition. He earned a scholarship. He did not take his foot off the gas.

The 2025 campaign was special – 1,076 yards, 16 touchdowns. He got a new NIL contract.

Bishop, the man, didn’t change. He remained humble. He said his Christian faith and hard work led to success. In the words of running backs coach De’Rail Sims, “Bish is still Bish.”

“His mindset, his mentality, the way he carries himself – it’s still him. He’s still going to be the first guy in the building. He still is going to be the best note taker on the entire team. The way he goes about practice as a technician has been really good. Like his habits, his characteristics that helped him get to this point have not changed.”

Sims sees a bit more urgency. Bishop is very serious about his role as a leader. He wants to get better in pass protection. He wants this season to be better than last.

This part is far out but you never know: DeSean Bishop could become the best ever running back from Knoxville to UT.

I suppose Reggie Cobb, Central High, holds that honor. He ended up somewhere near half what he might have been, a legend as a Volunteer. In 1987 he ran for 17 Tennessee touchdowns. He gained 225 yards on 22 carries against Auburn.

John Majors fired Cobb a few days before the 1989 Alabama game. Thank goodness, Reggie switched to a better lifestyle.

Richard Pickens, Young High, is my second choice among best-ever runners from Knoxville to UT. The fullback averaged 5.5 yards per carry and led the SEC in rushing in 1968.

“He was an excellent runner, a fine blocker, and one of the steadiest players on the team,” said Coach Doug Dickey.

Richard finished as Tennessee’s third-leading rusher at the time – behind Beattie Feathers and Andy Kozar.

“Richard loved Tennessee football,” said old teammate Jim McDonald. “You couldn’t keep him off the field. He was 110 percent all the time.”

For one day and one play, Johnny Butler was best of all. He was all-state and all-Southern at Knoxville High. At Tennessee in 1939, he was third-team tailback. George Cafego was first.

On the third Saturday that October, Tennessee versus Alabama, Butler made the most famous run in Vol football history. He unraveled a serpentine 56-yard touchdown delight, reversing the field three times and scoring untouched.

It is OK to wish even more for DeSean Bishop. All he has to do is continue improving, run for his life and make it to the end zone – many more times.
All the above might be easier for David Gabriel-Georges but he’s from another world. That’s what one source said.

Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com