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Tennessee Volunteers

Countdown to Early Signing Period: Tennessee’s 5 most likely new contributors in 2019

Dave Hooker

By Dave Hooker

Published:


In case you weren’t paying attention last season, Tennessee’s roster could use an upgrade — and fast.

The Vols were woefully outmatched against far too many opponents last season, which led to a 5-7 record. Head coach Jeremy Pruitt didn’t mince words after the season-ending loss to Vanderbilt when he said UT would be a great selection for any recruit who wanted to play immediately. That wasn’t just a recruiting sales pitch. In Knoxville, opportunity is now and here.

As Early Singing Period (Dec. 19-21) approaches, the Vols have the No. 15-ranked class in the country and No. 6 in the SEC. It could improve. Among prospects considered a Tennessee lean is Eric Gray, a 4-star all-purpose back from Memphis who is the No. 4 player in the state.

Building for the future is important. However, many of the incoming Vols will see the field in 2019. Here are the five most likely contributors:

Wanya Morris, OT

It was very apparent that the Vols had plenty of shortcomings on their offensive line last season. Morris, who is 6-5, 311 pounds, should be able to help. He has the pedigree of first-year starter. Morris, who is from Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga., is a 5-star prospect and is rated as the third best offensive tackle in the nation. He’s the only 5-star in the Vols’ class.

Contributing in the SEC as a freshman on the offensive line is hard, but doable. Similarly ranked Trey Smith did it for the Vols two years ago. Morris can do it, too. He had better be ready because he’ll be needed. Morris committed to the Vols over LSU, Florida State and Alabama.

Ramel Keyton, WR

The Vols could use some more pop at the wide receiver position next season, especially if Jauan Jennings opts to leave enter and enter the NFL Draft. At 6-3, it’s reasonable to think that Keyton, a 4-star who is from Marietta (Ga.) High School, could be at least be a deep threat during his freshman season.

UT’s offense is expected to undergo an overhaul during the offseason. A receiver that can stretch the field would certainly help the transition.

Lakia Henry, ILB

Pruitt has to depend on some junior college players to upgrade the Vols’ talent level as soon as possible. Henry is the perfect candidate. Henry, who is 6-1 and 230 pounds, should compete for a starting job as soon as he arrives on campus. The Vols needed more big plays from their linebackers. Henry, who is from Dodge City (Kansas) Community College, should be able to help.

He is another product out of Georgia. Eight of the Vols’ 20 commits are from Georgia, more than any other state.

Jackson Lampley, OG

Lampley, a 4-star from from Nashville, is the Vols’ highest-rated commit from Tennessee. He is the No. 9 prospect in the state.

At 6-4 and 300 pounds, Lampley looks to be the mauler that Pruitt is looking for. Again, the Vols need help on the offensive line. Lampley, who is from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, looks like more of an offensive guard than a tackle. That’s fine. The Vols could use some help in the middle of their offensive front.

Savion Williams, DT

The Vols need more push in the middle of their defensive front. Williams, a JUCO transfer from Lackawanna Community College in Scranton, Pa., will be expected to help provide that.

Pruitt managed to hold off Georgia for the 6-4, 300-pound prospect, who is rated a 4-star prospect and the No. 1 JUCO college defensive tackle in the nation.

(Note: All rankings courtesy of 247Sports.com’s composite.)

Dave Hooker

Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South.

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