Who would have thought Tennessee’s best position group would have been its defensive line? Entering the season, the Vols had zero returning starters and limited combined playing time.

But with Curt Maggitt filling the void at defensive end and the emergence of All-SEC freshman Derek Barnett, the Vols had one of the best front fours in the SEC.

It’s a scary thought, but Tennessee may be even better next season. The Vols have commitments from two of the nations top defensive tackles, Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle.

McKenzie, the son of former Tennessee linebacker Reggie McKenzie, is a five-star prospect that ranks as the No. 10 overall player in the 247Sports composite rankings. His best attributes are his point of attack and motor, but also ranks high in every other category, according to the 247Sports skills index.

Tuttle rates as both a four-star by the composite and a five-star by 247Sports’ official ratings He ranks as the No. 1 prospect from North Carolina, the No. 5 defensive tackle and the No. 40 overall player for the 2015 class. Tuttle’s best attribute is his motor and point of attack but, like McKenzie, rates well in all areas.

Both players could compete for starting roles with the departure of senior Jordan Williams. The Vols return Danny O’Brien and Owen Williams, who both saw solid playing time, but could opt to start McKenzie and Tuttle if ready.

The duo will join a line that includes two of the SEC’s top defensive ends in Maggitt — should he opt to return — and Barnett. With Barnett, you have a player who proved to be an SEC standout in his first season and should continue his development. The trio of Barnett, McKenzie and Tuttle will prove to be a dominant group for opposing SEC offenses, if not next season, by 2016.

Three-star defensive tackle Quay Picou is also committed to Tennessee. He ranks as the No. 28 tackle in the class.

The Vols also have commitments from three defensive ends. Strong-side end Andrew Butcher and weak-side end Darrell Taylor both rate as four-stars. Strong-side end Marques Ford is a three-star and ranks as the No. 20 SDE in the nation.

Tennessee’s 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes have laid the foundation for what should be a dominant front four for the next few seasons. Defensive line coach Steve Strippling has done a masterful job in recruiting and will continue to see success with a surplus of talent. The Vols should have one of, if not the best defensive line in the SEC next season.