A look at the Tennessee freshman class throughout the year
The Tennessee Volunteers ended the 2014 National Signing Day with the No. 5 overall recruiting class. Since then, the Vols have played 23 true freshmen, the most of any team in the nation. Here’s a look at how Tennessee’s top prospects have fared during their first collegiate season.
Ratings are based on the 247Sports Composite Rankings
Josh Malone, WR, Four-Star, 98 composite grade: Malone has appeared in all 11 games for Tennessee, starting at wide receiver in six. The Gallatin, Tenn., native has 22 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown. Malone is one of the most talented players in the 2014 class, but still has room for improvement. He’s given fans a glimpse of his potential at times, but struggled in other instances. Malone should improve in his second season and is expected to progress into a top SEC wideout.
Jalen Hurd, RB, Four-Star, 98: Hurd leads Tennessee with 794 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 169 carries. He also has 217 yards and two receiving touchdowns on 33 receptions. Hurd has made the biggest offensive impact of any true freshman player on the Vols’ roster.
Todd Kelly Jr., S, Four-Star, 97: Kelly has appearaed in all 11 games for the Vols, starting in three. He has 29 tackles, two interceptions, two passes broken up and a fumble recovery. Kelly recorded a career-best four tackles against Chattanooga on Oct. 11.
Dillon Bates, OLB, Four-Star, 95: Bates appeared in four games as a backup WILL linebacker. He recorded six tackles before suffering a season-ending torn labrum injury. Bates will apply for a medical redshirt season.
Daniel Helm, TE, Four-Star, 92: Helm has appeared in all 11 games, making two starts at tight end. He has six catches for 37 yards, including a 2-point conversion against Georgia on Sept. 27.
Derek Barnett, DE, Four-Star, 91: Barnett became the first true freshman in school history to open the season as a starting defensive end. He has set the Tennessee freshman record for tackles for loss (18.5) and sacks (9.0), leading the Vols in both categories.
Evan Berry, KR, Four-Star, 89: Berry has appeared in all 11 games as a kick returner. The second-generation Vol has 402 yards on 13 returns, averaging 30.9 yards per attempt. Berry saw a career-best 121 kickoff return yards in last week’s loss to No. 17 Missouri.
Ethan Wolf, TE, Three-Star, 89: Wolf became the first freshman tight end in school history to open the season as a starter. He appeared in 10 games and made nine starts, missing one game due to an ankle injury. Wolf has 203 yards on 21 catches, including two games with five catches.
Emmanuel Moseley, CB, Three-Star, 85: Moseley has appeared in 11 games, making two starts. He has 18 tackles, two tackles for loss and five pass breakups.
Aaron Medley, K, Three-Star, 83: Medley has severed as Tennessee’s placekicker since Week 1. He is 11-of-18 on field goals made and 33-of-34 on PATs. Medley’s biggest kick was a game-winning 32-yard overtime field goal against South Carolina on Nov. 1.