KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee redshirt freshman running back DeSean Bishop has made the most of his early playing time. The Knoxville native and former Mr. Football winner has already racked up 287 rushing yards and three touchdowns through four games.
It wasn't long ago that Bishop was putting on a show at the high school level, and putting up big numbers at Karns High School.
"We knew that he was going to be something special," said Brad Taylor, former Karns football head coach.
It was unclear just how big a role Bishop would have in the Vols offense this year, but Taylor said Bishop knew for sure that he would have a role.
"He told me last year, this past winter, 'I'm going to play,'" Taylor said. "He was confident everything was going good, he was going to make it happen."
He's made a lot happen early in the season with Tennessee, much to Taylor's delight.
"We get fired up to watch DeSean. My wife gets a lot of elbows at the games when DeSean is in. She's like, 'I know, I see him,'" Taylor said. "It's a lot of fun."
His performances have meant a lot to his community and to all the people who saw him grow up.
"It's so fun to see him have success and I think it's well deserved. It's special for all of us," Taylor said. "It really fills your heart up."
Bishop almost wasn't a Vol, and originally committed to Coastal Carolina. Taylor said Bishop took a chance and flipped to Tennessee, the team he grew up cheering for.
"DeSean has always been a Tennessee fan. That was always his dream," Taylor said. "He's working hard, but it really is a dream for him come true."
