Not as many freshmen redshirted for Tennessee Football last year. Too many saw action on the field. However, the Vols’ arguably biggest star is a redshirt freshman for 2024, and they also have other players in that class who could make an impact. Here are the five most important redshirt freshmen on Rocky Top this year.
5. Nathan Leacock, WR
If the Vols weren’t loaded at wide receiver, Nathan Leacok could immediately be a go-to guy. However, while he may not be in the two-deep, at 6’3″ 217 pounds, he’s the first wideout out of it. After Bru McCoy, Dont’e Thornton, Chris Brazzell II and Mike Matthews, he’s right there, and he could certainly be in the top four before it’s over.
4. Jordan Matthews, CB
Rickey Gibson III emerged as the star true freshman cornerback for Tennessee Football in 2023, but Jordan Matthews was in that class and is as athletic. Although his development may be a bit slower, he’s likely part of the depth, and he could easily be the first cornerback off the bench or still maybe even a starter, so UT will need him.
3. Vysen Lang, OL
Since Josh Heupel arrived, the Vols haven’t been able to find a backup center to Cooper Mays. It cost them last year against the Florida Gators. If he goes down again, they could be in trouble, but they are betting on Vysen Lang to be able to fill that void. With a year in the system, at 6’4″ 340 pounds, Lang has the size. Has he figured out the offense? That’s key.
2. Ethan Davis, TE
Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles are gone, so the Vols need both a new blocking tight end and a tight end who can stretch the field as starters. Ethan Davis is the latter. He arrived at UT as a rare athlete at 6’5″ 246 pounds. Although Heupel added Notre Dame Fighting Irish transfer Holden Staes, Davis is too good. He should be the starter here.
1. Nico Iamaleava, QB
Was there any question here? Nico Iamaleava is one of the biggest stars for Tennessee Football. All of the expectations Heupel has for the program revolve around UT’s new signal-caller. By the end of the year, there’s a great chance Iamaleava is the best freshman in the nation, not just the best redshirt freshman on the Vols.
