Tennessee enters its bye week at 2-1. The Vols look to bounce back from a 5-7 record in 2013 and four consecutive losing seasons. Tennessee boasts a talented young lineup with several freshmen playing vital roles. Here’s a look at the top five freshman through three games.

  1. Jalen Hurd, RB- Jalen Hurd is not only Tennessee’s top freshman performer, but also the most productive player on offense through his first three career games. Hurd leads the Vols with 209 yards and a touchdown on 48 attempts. He’s progressed by setting a new season-best in yards each game, including 97 against Oklahoma last weekend. Despite being listed as the No. 2 running back on Tennessee’s depth chart, Hurd is clearly the feature back and will continue to see more touches moving forward.
  2. Derek Barnett, DE- Derek Barnett became the first true freshman defensive end to start in a Tennessee season opener. As the end on a defensive line that had no previous starting experience entering the season, Barnett looks to be a star in the making. Facing one of the nation’s top o-lines, Barnett make some key contributions to force Oklahoma to a 3-of-12 third down efficiency and several field goal attempts.
  3. Ethan Wolf, TE- If you replace “defensive end” with “tight end”, Wolf made the same historic contribution as Barnett. Wolf started two games for the Vols before missing Week 3 with a bruised knee. He currently has eight catches for 46 yards and is averaging 23 yards per game.
  4. Todd Kelly Jr., SS- Todd Kelly Jr. made his first start in Week 2 against Arkansas State and recorded a season-best five tackles. Through three games, Kelly has a total of seven tackles, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery– which set up Tennessee’s second touchdown of the season. The second-generation Vol is expected to make the biggest impact at the safety position since Eric Berry enrolled in 2007.
  5. Josh Malone, WR- Josh Malone has produced despite limited playing time and targets. Listed as a backup wide receiver, Malone has played in all three games and recorded five catches for 63 yards. But with injuries to Von Pearson and Josh Smith, Malone may see an increased role for the Vols against Georgia next week.