Tennessee has added 12 new faces to its depth chart this offseason in anticipation for spring practice with 10 of those coming from early enrollees such as five-star offensive lineman Wanya Morris and four-star running back Eric Gray. Both players will be counted on to make contributions Year 1 on Rocky Top and if their peers are being honest, it appears they both will once the fall season arrives.

Several players were made available to the media on Wednesday and lineman Marcus Tatum was among those selected for interviews. In addition to his own progress on the field this offseason, his thoughts on Tennessee’s five-star early enrollee was a popular subject.

“Wanya has done well, he’s a smart kid. He’s big, he’s strong. As a whole position group, you just love the addition,” Tatum said in regards to Morris.

When asked a follow-up question on Morris and his development early into spring practice, Tatum suggested the freshman is coming along after just a few college practices under his belt.

“He’s doing well. We are going to break it down, we’ve been going over the installs for a couple of days. We do extra work in the locker room, in the meeting room. He’s doing well,” Tatum said.

Fellow offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy also offered up some comments on Morris when asked to evaluate the freshman.

“Wanya Morris is a great player. He has got a lot of upside and ability,” Kennedy said of Morris.

The offensive line will remain arguably the biggest question mark for the Tennessee offense looking ahead to the 2019 season but the need to develop some playmakers is also of paramount concern on Rocky Top. That’s why the coaching staff pushed so hard for Memphis native Eric Gray heading into the Early Signing Period. The only three-time winner of the Mr. Tennessee award in the state’s history, Gray racked up over 8,000 rushing yards and a total of 134 touchdowns during his high school career.

Unfortunately, Gray has been limited to start spring practice in Knoxville but that hasn’t stopped Ty Chandler from being impressed from what he’s seen from the true freshman off the practice field.

“I’m very impressed with Eric, very smart kid. Like I said, he’s picking my brain, I’m picking his trying to make sure he is up on all this stuff. He is doing the same with me, making sure I’m up on all the installs and know all I need to bring to the table,” Chandler said on Wednesday. “We are both pushing each other.”