Vols Could Play 30 True Freshmen

Nothing says rebuilding like the thought of playing 30 true freshmen.

Most teams don’t even have 30 true freshmen, let alone the need to play that many.

But after a couple of poor recruiting cycles, that’s exactly where the Volunteers find themselves.

Butch Jones said on Wednesday, during the first SEC coaches teleconference of the season, that Tennessee could play as many as 28-30 true freshmen when the Vols open the season against Utah State on Sunday night.

"Jones: We’ll play as many as 28-30 true freshmen in the game, as many as 42-45 first and second year players."

The Vols have 15 true freshmen listed on their two-deep depth chart, including three that will start on offense and defense (four if Emmanuel Moseley starts a cornerback in the nickel).

That makes for exciting and stressful times if you’re a Vol fan.

Jones repeatedly praised the talent of the newcomers on Wednesday, but also expressed his concern about lack of experience.

The Vols have only six seniors listed as starters against Utah State and one of those is a former walk-on (left tackle Jacob Gilliam). While that’s encouraging for the future of Vol football, it could make for a up-and-down 2014 season.

Tennessee will get a lot better as the season progresses and the newcomers learn the nuances of SEC football. But these first couple of games have the potential to be adventurous.

Other notes: 

• Butch Jones said the Vols will redshirt “only a couple of players”.
• Jones said Justin Worley has been much more vocal and demanding as a leader.
• Jones said all of the Tennessee quarterbacks have the “green light” to run.
• Leadership has improved and Jones said he is pleased, but still not satisfied.