KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tight end Ethan Wolf has made a great difference in the Tennessee offense since arriving in 2014.

The Minister, Ohio, product played immediately and made an impact in all capacities. Whether it’s reeling in receptions, being a factor in run and pass blocking schemes, or even as a decoy in pass plays, Wolf has cemented himself among the best to play the position at Tennessee.

“I was never scared to put my hand in the dirt,” Wolf told Saturday Down South. “I like the contact, it’s why you play the game. Since the very beginning when I could throw a football, I’ve always just been doing that, that’s how I’ve developed the good hands.”

Wolf became the first true freshman to start a season opener at tight end in Tennessee history. He caught three balls, too, against Utah State. The 6-foot-6, 245 pound tight end finished with 23 catches for 212 yards as a true freshman.

Wolf backed up his freshman season with an even better sophomore season, reeling in 23 receptions, for 301 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Wolf was particularly important in important games. He had a team-high four catches at Florida, reeled in a 34-yard reception in a game-winning drive against Georgia, and came up with a big 23-yard catch in a close win against South Carolina.

His presence in the passing game sometimes overshadows his ability to play as a sixth offensive lineman when blocking on the outside.

His all-around play is what allows the Vols to be dynamic without changing personnel.

“We’re dynamic,” Wolf said of the Vols’ 2016 offense. “We had a good year last year, but we’re always striving to improve and that’s what we’re working on this camp. I think if things go as planned, we’re going to have a really good year on the offensive side of the ball.”

Larry Scott, the new tight ends coach and interim Miami head coach a season ago, has been a good addition for Wolf as he continues to develop his game. Wolf feels comfortable with Scott, who replaced Mark Elder after becoming a first-time head coach at Eastern Kentucky in the offseason.

“I like him a lot,” Wolf said of Scott. “He’s a real passionate guy, he always has a lot of energy. He’s a great coach and brings a lot to the table. Obviously he has a lot of experience and he’s helped me take strides in my game that have made me a better player.”

Scott told Saturday Down South he likes Wolf’s versatility.

“He’s a good combination guy that we pinpointed some things that we thought he could get better at over the summer, after spring ball, and summer training and all those types of things,” Scott said.

“He did a good job in attacking those areas, it’s showing right now with explosiveness, the ability to get in and out of cuts better, and in the run game with his balance. His run-blocking has really improved.”