Lane Kiffin had laid the foundation for a Top 10 recruiting class, but he left with less than 3 weeks until National Signing Day. With the news of his departure, it appeared the foundation would crumble. When coaches leave so close to Signing Day it can virtually ruin an entire class. Derek Dooley had his work cut out for him in a race to hold the class together. No one expected him to do that, let alone pull off one of the biggest steals in recent SEC recruiting history by swaying 5 –star wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers away from Georgia. With the depth problems Tennessee faces this year, the impact of the freshman will be more important than ever. Immediate and substantial playing time awaits those that have shined during fall camp. While playing time is one thing, having a major impact is another. These following newcomers will not only log the minutes, but will help determine the fate of Tennessee’s season.

Justin Hunter/ Da’Rick Rogers, WR

With a veteran and very deep receiving corps, one wouldn’t expect to see a freshman get much playing time. A host of top new talent makes it almost impossible not to see someone step up and make an impact. This talent also makes it hard to single out just one impact freshman at wide receiver. Da’Rick Rogers was the most notable name in last year’s recruiting class with many recruiting services calling him the top receiver in the nation. He hasn’t disappointed with spectacular catches and an his NFL build. Justin Hunter on the other hand came in not really expected to make an immediate contribution. However, he has already had a rollercoaster of a camp thus far. Fellow players and coaches have called this one time USA Junior sprint champion awesome and dangerous. He has consistently burned a strong secondary during scrimmages and will receive significant playing time this fall. While his play has been positive sign, the NCAA Clearinghouse recently chose to review an online summer class already approved by Tennessee and the SEC, thus causing Hunter to sit-out the last two weeks of practice until it meets NCAA approval. While Dooley remains very optimistic in his status, it has definitely stopped the momentum of this lightning fast freshman.

Ja’Wuan James, OT

The Vols have a combined 3 career starts on their Offensive Line headed into the season. Ja’Wuan James is a 6’7, 313 lbs. beast who will start at right tackle. An Under Armour All –American, James has been praised throughout his short time at Tennessee by Coach Dooley. Dooley said, “I’m as comfortable (with James) as I possibly could be in a true freshman right tackle.” While this might not sound like much confidence, it is important to note James has beaten out veterans for the spot and will be responsible for blowing holes open for RB, Tauren Poole; something that has happened consistently during the Spring and Fall scrimmages.

Eric Gordon, S

While the others on this list are all true freshman, Eric Gordon has spent a year on campus developing into a dangerous and physical cornerback. Gordon was thrown into the starting spot with the dismissal of Darren Myles, Jr. and graduation of others causing a shake-up in the secondary. However, people shouldn’t judge him as merely a last minute fill-in. He has garnered tremendous praise from the veteran receiving corps who fear his physical play even in practice. Senior wide receiver Gerald Jones called Gordon the most physical corner he has ever played against. Quarterback Matt Simms echoed the fear of Gordon saying he witnessed Gordon benching pressing 450 lbs. and squatting 400 lbs with the defensive and offensive line units. Not bad for a 5-10, 186 lbs. redshirt freshman.

Corey Miller/ Jacques Smith. DE/DT

For Vol fans, probably no position causes as much worry as the defensive line. Injuries, graduation, suspension, and lack of recruiting focus have virtually depleted any type of veteran leadership on the line. As such, Dooley has announced the defensive tackle position will be chosen by committee with many defensive ends playing both positions. Top recruits Corey Miller and Jacques Smith, both US Army All-American Bowl participants, have had to step-up their play and leadership. Dooley will call on both to make the transition from defensive end to undersized tackle at times. While they may be smaller than most tackles, Miller and Smith have caused all kinds of problems for the offensive line during practice. Their speed, determination, and uncharacteristic freshman leadership have made these two stand out during camp and will lead them to being unquestionable impact freshman. Simply put, if they don’t step in and make an impact, teams will likely be able to run all over the Vols.

Tyler Bray, QB

Though Matt Simms has been announced the starter, Tyler Bray will most certainly play a pivotal part in the Vols’ offense. Throughout Spring and Fall camp, Bray has shinned with the exception of one bad scrimmage this fall. Dooley has praised Bray’s enormous talent, but chose Simms because he is ahead of Bray with regards to game management decisions. Regardless, with only two legitimate QB choices for the Vols, it is likely Bray will see significant playing time. He will need to handle those minutes well if the Vols want to move the ball down the field.