Looking at Tennessee’s opening game depth chart, it’s easy to see that the incoming freshmen class will see plenty of action. The Volunteers signed a top-5 2014 recruiting class that has been the talk of a fan base yearning for a turnaround.

The pressure is on for several players to contribute early. The Vols are coming off a 5-7 season and Butch Jones may be inclined to play his own recruits in year two of his tenure at Tennessee. Here’s an analysis of several freshmen that will make an impact when the Volunteers host Utah State on Sunday.

Jalen Hurd, RB

One of the most talked about recruits of the 2014 class, Jalen Hurd is a former Tennessee AAA state champion and Mr. Football award winner. After missing the majority of his senior season following shoulder surgery, the former Beech High School standout enrolled early this January to compete for the starting running back job. With senior Marlin Lane in the fold, Hurd will share carries early, but will likely have the opportunity to become the premiere back in the Vols offense. In his debut, the bruising back should see a solid amount of touches to wear down a talented Utah State linebacking corps.

Josh Malone, WR

A few miles down the road from Hurd was former rival Josh Malone, who in his absence, became the No. 1 prospect from the state of Tennessee in 2014. The Station Camp wide receiver was so talented that the Bison completely changed their Wing-T offense to a pro style scheme to center around his big play ability. Alongside preseason All-SEC Coaches selection Marquez North and JUCO All-American Von Pearson, Malone will have open space against opposing coverage. With inexperience being his biggest flaw, Malone faces a Utah State pass defense that returns one player with previous starting time.

Ethan Wolf, TE

Ethan Wolf will make history Sunday as the first true freshman to start at tight end in Tennessee’s history. Modeling his game after former Vol and current Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten, Wolf already has the frame to play in the SEC and the all the intangibles needed to play the position. He has speed, size and blocking ability to make an impact early for Tennessee and should be a safety blanket for quarterback Justin Worley playing behind an inexperienced offensive line.

Derek Barnett, DE

Derek Barnett has been dubbed “The Boy Wonder” by defensive line coach Steve Strippling. The hype surrounding the former Brentwood Academy standout has been tremendous as Barnett dominated the Vols offseason. Like Wolf, Barnett is expected to become the first true freshman to start at his position in school history. However, both of Utah State’s offensive tackles have prior starting experience and will be an interesting matchup against “The Boy Wonder” Sunday.

Emmanuel Moseley, CB

Emmanuel Moseley has gone from an undersized, under-recruited prospect to Tennessee’s starting nickel cornerback. Moseley made it a personal goal to put on size this offseason. After all, the 5-foot-11 cornerback was just 145 pounds when first offered a scholarship by Tennessee. Since enrolling, Moseley has bulked up to 178 pounds and aims to reach 185. However, the speedy corner hasn’t lost any of the speed that originally impressed the Vols coaches. He will match up against slot receiver Bruce “Jojo” Natson, a speedy wideout that received preseason acclaim as a punt returner.

Evan Berry, Kick Returner

You may know with his older brother Eric, former Vol great and current safety Kansas City Chiefs. His father also enjoyed a stellar career in Knoxville as a running back from 1978-81. Along with twin brother Elliott, Berry decided to continue his family’s rich history at Tennessee by signing with the Vols. He will start alongside Devrin Young as a co-kick returner Sunday and has the speed to break a big play open.