Given the current state of depth in the defensive backfield on Rocky Top, Tennessee desperately needs a young player to step up and contribute on the back-end of its defense. With the countdown to the Atlanta opener against Georgia Tech nearing single digits, true freshman Shawn Shamburger looks to be answering the call.

The freshman defensive back looks to follow in the footsteps of former freshman cornerbacks from Georgia Cam Sutton and Baylon Buchanan, both of which impressed early in their Tennessee careers and earned immediate playing time.

It’s no wonder the Vols had to hold off Alabama for Shamburger’s signature last February, as the freshman has impressed early enough to have his black stripe removed Friday. Head coach Butch Jones took to Twitter to offer his congratulations following the news.