Vols Football: Profiles on All New Defensive Signees

Kahlil McKenzie, Defensive Tackle

Arguably Tennessee’s top prospect in the 2015 class, five-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie brings immense size and immense talent to the Vols’ defensive line in 2015.

McKenzie, listed at 6-3, 354 lbs, is a massive defensive tackle who was rated as the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2015 class according to 247Sports. McKenzie has the talent to immediately compete for a starting position on Tennessee’s defensive line as a freshman.

McKenzie missed his entire senior season because of issues that arose with his transfer from De La Salle High School to Concord, and he elected to have minor surgery to repair some damage to his meniscus. But as a junior, McKenzie recorded 74 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and 12 sacks (according to Max Preps).

The five-star defensive tackle has superb strength, size-defying speed, and attacks the line with great ferocity. He consistently beats offensive linemen at the point of attack, and he is surprisingly nimble for his huge size.

Sitting out the entire year might actually have been beneficial for McKenzie and the Vols because it saved him from any injuries that could have set him back. Regardless, McKenzie thoroughly impressed scouts at every combine he went to, and he only rose in the recruiting rankings despite missing his senior season.

McKenzie might be the most talented overall player in Tennessee’s 2015 class, and he could have the biggest impact not only as a freshman, but for his entire college career.