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It’s been a tough decade for the Tennessee Volunteers. The SEC’s second-winningest program missed five bowl games — including its upcoming matchup against Iowa in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl — and has one postseason win since 2005.
In college football, recruiting is one of the most important factors to achieving success. For the Vols, their recent overall records were a direct reflection of their recruiting miscues.
Tennessee’s upcoming bowl appearance marks its first since 2010. Despite fielding one of the nation’s youngest lineups, the Vols saw a sudden turnaround after signing a top-5 recruiting class in 2014.
Tennessee started 11 true freshmen and opened the season with 32 freshmen seeing playing time in its Week 1 win against Utah State. The previous record for freshman debuts in an opener was 12 in 2010.
Three Vols were named to the 2014 Freshman All-SEC Team: defensive end Derek Barnett, safety Todd Kelly Jr. and offensive lineman Jashon Robertson. Tennessee’s best offensive and defensive players were both true freshmen.
Jalen Hurd, regarded by many as the top prospect of the 2014 class, rushed for a team-best 777 yards and three touchdowns on 174 carries. The freshman progressed with gained experience, surpassing his previous season-best rushing total four times.
Even as a four-star prospect, Barnett exceeded expectations in his first season. The Nashville native became the first player in school history to start at defensive end in a season opener. Barnett managed to set the Tennessee freshman record for tackles for loss (20.5) and sacks (10), finishing in the top-5 in both categories among SEC players.
Ethan Wolf also made history as the first true freshman to start at tight end in a season opener. The Ohio native recorded 21 catches for 203 yards and averaged 9.7 yards per catch. Wolf impressed Tennessee’s staff with his work ethic as an early enrollee and has drawn comparisons to former Vols tight end Jason Witten.
Josh Malone, who was Tennessee’s highest ranked prospect, played in all 12 games and made six starts. Despite limited targets, the former Station Camp standout finished fifth among the Vols talented receivers with 227 yards and a touchdown on 22 catches. Malone showed glimpses of both his high potential and freshman struggles, but should continue his development as a sophomore.
Todd Kelly Jr. made an immediate impact for Tennessee, despite starting in just three games. The second-generation Volunteer recorded 21 tackles, three interceptions and two pass breakups.
The 2014 signees were the Vols’ best class of the past decade, despite one season of playing time. The group should continue its success as sophomores and play a vital role in Butch Jones’ “brick by brick” rebuilding process.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
