New Vols Surprise In 2015

2 of 2

Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Shy Tuttle (2) during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Shy Tuttle

Before Shy Tuttle went down to injury by a cheap shot that broke his Fibula in the Georgia game, he was playing at a very high level for a freshman defensive lineman. We were all excited when we saw Kahlil McKenzie at Tennessee. We did not know how well Tuttle could play.

We found out quick. Tuttle played in 6 of Tennessee’s games to begin the season. He was giving the defensive line much needed rest in the beginning of the season. He was also effective when relieving the starters.

The talent level did not drop when he was in. Shy tallied 10 tackles in those six games. He was disruptive, and hard to move. The 6′ 2″ 311 lb defensive tackle was making people take notice.

Tuttle was an incredibly pleasant surprise this season, and looks like Tennessee will have a warrior up front for several more years in the trenches. Tuttle will recover from the broken leg, and will be a vital part of this Tennessee defense in the future.

Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) is hit by Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. (34) while throwing during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Darrin Kirkland Jr.

Darrin Kirkland Jr. was outstanding this season. He didn’t immediately start at middle linebacker, but like the tackler that he is, he finished there.

Finishing is what Kirkland Jr. is all about. Tennessee was a little shaky early in the season defensively. Enter Kirkland Jr. Darrin immediately solidified the middle and began calling the signals to get his defensive teammates in place. It was evident he was the piece of the puzzle missing.

Number 34 finished with the regular season with an amazing 60 tackles. He had a huge interception in the Kentucky game and a big fumble recovery in the Missouri game. Kirkland was second in tackles in the SEC by freshmen, and fifth in Tennessee history in tackles as a freshman.

Darrin is Joshua Dobbs counterpart on Defense. Like Dobbs, he is an outstanding student. He is studying Business at Tennessee and will be one of the top students in that college. So lining people up to stop an offense is no problem for him.

Kirkland will have a really good protege next season if Nashville Christian’s Daniel Bituli signs with the Vols. He will be perfect to emulate, and perfect to teach Bituli the ropes. But make no mistake, he will not give up this middle linebacking position until the NFL or Wall Street comes calling.

Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara was sure to be a hit on Rocky Top. But he was even better than advertised. Kamara took a tremendous amount of pressure off of Jalen Hurd this season. Yes, Hurd would have had a whole bunch more yards on a whole bunch more carries, but he possibly not have finished the season as healthy as he has as well.

Kamara finished with an incredible 645 yards on just 93 carries. He averaged over 6.3 yards per carry. When Kamara got the ball every fan from the opposing team would hold their collective breath. They knew he had the ability to take it to the house each time he touched it.

He had 10 total touchdowns. 6 rushing, 3 receiving and 1 on a punt return. He was so effective catching the ball out of backfield all season long. He had another 272 in receiving yards on 31 catches. This opened the downfield throws for Joshua Dobbs and the wide receivers later in games.

Yes we knew Kamara would be good. But Kamara surprised even me. He is a big time SEC back that could start just about anywhere in the country. He is an outstanding young man and takes his role splitting time with Jalen Hurd (who is one of the best backs in America by the way) in stride, and with nothing but a team first attitude. He is another reason why Tennessee is headed upward.

New Vols That Surprised In 2015

By Randy Sharber | Dec 6, 2015

Shy Tuttle

Darrin Kirkland Jr.

Alvin Kamara