Tennessee football running back DeSean Bishop checks every box to be considered a spring practice star.

Those are the players who flash in the spring but fade during the season, usually because of circumstances beyond their control. They exist in every college football program.

Bishop’s name was already recognizable. He won back-to-back Tennessee Mr. Football awards at Karns, racking up more than 6,000 all-purpose yards over the past two seasons.

Bishop is a freshman, so his newness makes him interesting.

VOLS RECRUITING Tennessee spares no expense in recruiting. Do Vols get their money's worth?

JEREMY PRUITT VS TENNESSEE Why former Vols coach wants to finally face UT and NCAA in hearing

And he’s artificially boosted in the depth chart because running backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright are out or limited during spring due to injuries. They’ll be back in the fall.

But then there’s the counter argument, which coach Josh Heupel flirted with after praising Bishop for a second straight scrimmage on Thursday. UT will need more than two running backs.

“You never know when your opportunity is going to come,” said Heupel, referring to the young running backs like Bishop. “We’re going to need all these guys over the course of the season. Everybody on this roster better believe they’re going to have an opportunity to play next fall.”

‘Not surprised in what DeSean has done’

UT’s second scrimmage was closed to the public and media. When Heupel was asked who impressed him on offense, he highlighted the young running backs.

Bishop, freshman Cameron Seldon and sophomore Dylan Sampson shared carries. Heupel also complimented Bishop after the first scrimmage a week earlier, so this is a trend.

“(I am) not surprised in what DeSean has done,” Heupel said. “He’s handled the transitioning into college football extremely well. We thought he was extremely athletic. (We) thought he had great vision (and) pace as a running back coming out of high school.

“He’s done a really good job of handling the communication system, and it’s not been too big for him since day one.”

How depth chart will change in the season

But how many of those young running backs have a chance to play meaningful snaps on offense this season?

First, do the math. Small and Wright could monopolize the carries in a two-man rotation, but there may be room for one or two additional running backs.

In 2021, Small (444 snaps), Wright (219), Tiyon Evans (215) and Len’Neth Whitehead (63) divided playing time in a season plagued by injuries. In 2022, Small (467), Wright (364) and Sampson (129) shared the offensive snaps.

Sampson seems like the obvious choice for the No. 3 running back after rushing for 397 yards and six touchdowns last season. If a fourth running back is needed, Bishop could be in that mix.

“I feel like with my progression, they might trust me a little more going into my sophomore year,” Sampson said. “You don’t ever want to be short or limited on running backs. Last year we were a little short, but we were able to get through that season.”

How Bishop's first impression could pay off much later

Bishop has two more obstacles if he wants to get on the field – Seldon and Khalifa Keith.

They both signed alongside Bishop in the 2023 class. Seldon, a speedy all-purpose playmaker, was considered as a possible wide receiver. But he’s mostly played running back during spring.

Seldon has been limited by a minor injury. Heupel said he’s been “solid,” but his progress will come slowly as he transitions to a traditional running back role.

Keith, a 6-foot, 235-pound bruiser, won't join the team until the summer. But don't assume that he'll remain behind Seldon and Bishop.

A year ago, 4-star freshman Justin Williams-Thomas impressed coaches in the spring as an early enrollee. But Sampson passed him on the depth chart by the end of preseason practice, and Williams-Thomas transferred to Cal after the season.

Bishop could fade when preseason camp arrives. But injuries and other factors also could put him in the backfield sooner than later.

At a minimum, he took advantage of an opportunity to catch coaches’ eyes this spring. That may pay dividends years down the line rather than simply in the 2023 season.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. Twitter @AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.   

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football: Is DeSean Bishop a spring practice star or 2023 option?