Kiffin Wasn't Kidding: Vols Freshman Will Play Alot

When University of Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin hit the recruiting trail, he told the incoming class that they would get plenty of playing time if they proved themselves in camp. When the first year coach released the initial depth chart for the season, we all realized he wasn't kidding.

After years and years of seniority rules on the Vols, a breath of fresh air has hit the football team. The best players will actually be on the field for the Vols no matter what class they are in. It's a brilliant concept that might just work for the Vols as they try to avenge a poor 5-7 campaign from a year ago.

Let's start with the running backs. Everybody has heard the hype of the nation's number one running back Bryce Brown. He will be the legit number two guy behind senior Montario Hardesty. Brown will play a lot and has routinely been working with the first team offense. The forgotten man of the bunch is freshman David Oku. He will most likely be the third guy in the mix along with sophomore Tauren Poole. Oku is shifty and has had a great camp. He will get his chances and look for him to make the most of those opportunities.

At receiver, freshman Nu'Keese Richardson is slated to start opposite senior Quentin Hancock. Due to injuries not only will Richardson be counted on to step up, other freshman Marsalis Teague and Zach Rogers will also get the chance to show what they can do as they will be thrown into the mix at various occasions.

Flipping to the other side of the ball, several freshman will have their chance to play, especially at the linebacker position. Freshman Greg King is the backup at weak side linebacker behind senior starter Lamarcus Thompson. Freshman Herman Lathers and Nigel Mitchell-Thornton are behind senior starter Nick Reveiz at middle linebacker. Don't forget about heralded freshman Jerod Askew, who is behind senior Rico McCoy and junior Savion Frazier at strong side linebacker.

In the secondary, freshman Janzen Jackson is slated as the starter at free safety along with junior Dennis Rogan. Jackson will get plenty of playing time this season and could force Rogan to move back to corner depending on how the season goes. Freshman Darren Myles is in a battle with sophomore Prentiss Wagner to become Eric Berry's backup at strong safety. There won't be much playing time there, but its not a bad spot to be in considering Berry is one of the best to ever play the position is college. Freshman Mike Edwards has been making strides at the cornerback position and he will get some nickel back opportunities for sure.

In the special teams return game, expect Oku and Richardson to get some opportunities along with Rogan.

This is exciting for Vols fans as the freshman from this class will get some big time playing time as freshman. It is proof that the times are changing for Tennessee football.