In its current state, Tennessee’s 2019 signing class appears to be solid — but not spectacular.

With the Early Signing Period looming next week (Dec. 19-21), the Vols could use some late additions to their class, either now or before the final signing period in February.

The Vols rank 15th in the nation in recruiting, according to the 247 Composite Rankings. That’s not bad. However, UT is only sixth in the SEC, behind Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn. That’s not great. A closer look is even more disconcerting.

Eventually, and I know this is long-term planning, the Vols will likely have to overcome Georgia to win the SEC East and Alabama to win the SEC. UT certainly isn’t beating either team in recruiting.

If Alabama and Georgia are the gold standard in recruiting, the Vols have some serious work to do. Alabama and Georgia have 2 and 4 5-star commitments, respectively. Tennessee has 1. There are typically 32 5-star prospects each year, and they are certainly difficult to land. However, 4-star prospects should be much more attainable because there are many more of them. Alabama and Georgia have 21 and 13 4-star commitments. UT has 7. Now, recruiting certainly isn’t an exact science, but overcoming that kind of talent differential won’t be easy for the Vols unless coach Jeremy Pruitt can prove he is incredible at developing mid-level talent.

Pruitt had a good excuse last season. He was a first-year head coach with very little time to prepare for the Early Signing Period, which was the first in college football history. That excuse is gone now. Pruitt is heading up an elite program with playing time to offer to recruits. He needs to compete with Alabama and Georgia, who have recently undergone changes in their coaching staff. Will those changes open the door for the Vols? If Pruitt can’t compete with Bama and the Dawgs right now, he at least needs to finish a strong third if he hopes to get the Vols back in championship contention.

Here are six elite uncommitted prospects worth watching:

Khris Bogle

The Vols are trying to convince Bogle to leave South Florida to join the SEC. However, Miami is thought to have the lead for the 6-4, 215-pound defensive end/linebacker prospect from Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Louisville and Alabama are also in the hunt, but Miami is thought to be a strong leader. Bogle, who is rated a 4-star prospect, is announcing his decision in January.

Jaylen Ellis

If the Vols can’t land a 4- or 5-star receiver prospect, Ellis would be a nice consolation prize. The 6-foot, 180-pound prospect from Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas, is rated a 3-star prospect. Elis is considering a number of schools, including Arizona, Michigan, Houston and Baylor. Ellis won’t announce his decision in January, so this chase should heat up over the next month.

Eric Gray

The Vols are thought to be in the lead for Gray, who is a 4-star tailback from Lausanne Collegiate in Memphis, Tenn. However, things can change quickly in Memphis, especially with Michigan and Ole Miss in the running. Gray, who is 5-10 and 193 pounds, is considered the fourth-best all-purpose tailback in the nation. The Vols showed some progress at running back last season, but they could use a special playmaker out of the backfield. Gray’s ranking would suggest he could be that.

Jadon Haselwood

This might be the longest long shot on this board as the Vols trail Miami, Georgia and Auburn, thought to be the leaders for the No. 1 prospect in the state of Georgia. Haselwood, who is from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga., is also the top receiver prospect in the nation. He would be penciled in as an immediate starter at UT. The 6-3, 196-pound prospect is scheduled to announce his commitment next month so the Vols have time to make up ground.

Henry To’oto’o

Most believe To’oto’o, who is the No. 2 linebacker in the nation, is headed to Alabama. That might be true. However, the Vols, California and Oregon are also thought to be in the mix. The 4-star prospect from prep power De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., would be one of the gems in UT’s upcoming class. The 6-2, 230-pounder would almost certainly be an early impact player for the Vols.

Darnell Wright

It’s been well documented that the Vols need immediate help on their offensive line. Wright, who is from Huntington (WVa.) High School, would seem to be able to provide that. UT is thought to be the leader for the 6-6, 320-pound, 5-star prospect, who is considered the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation. Ohio State and Alabama are also in the running. Wright would be a huge get in every way imaginable.