If Tennessee is going to make some noise this year in the East, the Vols will need some contributions from some relatively unknown players in the secondary. Judging by the early returns in fall camp, the Volunteers are poised to get just that from some of the team’s newest additions this summer.

Cornerback Shawn Shamburger had his black stripe removed Friday and now fellow freshman corner Cheyenne Labruzza has joined him, head coach Butch Jones announced Sunday. Another young standout from the secondary, Theo Jackson, has received glowing reviews from defensive coordinator Bob Shoop all offseason. Jackson has also had his black stripe removed.

Jones announced Labruzza’s accomplishment Sunday afternoon via Twitter:

Labruzza signed with Tennessee out of Louisiana last signing day over offers from LSU, Florida, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. He was ranked as the No. 11 overall prospect from the Pelican State.

It’s interesting to note that the three freshmen noted above have had their black stripes removed before graduate transfer Shaq Wiggins, formerly of Louisville and Georgia. The senior has years of experience at the college football’s highest levels, yet it’s the freshmen that appear poised to make the biggest impact heading into the season — judging by the removal of their black stripes, at least.