Tennessee Football: 2015 Vols with the Most NFL Talent

This spring, another NFL draft will come and go without Tennessee football feeling much impact, but with all the talent on the 2015 roster, that won't be the case for long.

Other than linebacker A.J. Johnson, the Vols may not even have any players taken this spring.  Starting with 2016's draft, however, UT is going to have to replace some key personnel.

With the arrival of head coach Butch Jones in December of 2012, the Vols began recruiting at a higher level. Players such as Marquez North and Cameron Sutton—rising juniors—have immense NFL potential.

Beginning with 2014's seventh-ranked recruiting class, according to the 247Sports composite, the star potential elevated considerably. This year's third-ranked class continues the trend.

By next year, Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium will be littered with future NFL prospects. There are 5-7 other players who probably have pro futures who didn't even make this list. There is that much talent being stockpiled in Knoxville.

From Tennessee's rising star quarterback to a stable of playmakers to a defensive front that has the potential to be as talented as any in the SEC, Jones will have his roster ready to win.

Let's take a look at the top players with the most pro potential taking the field for the Vols in 2015. The criteria to make this list take into consideration the players' physical attributes, projections to the next level and input from experts (where available).

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs

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Joshua Dobbs has as much raw ability as any Tennessee quarterback in the past decade.

Though he doesn't have elite speed, his intelligence and angle awareness in the open field allow him to be an extremely effective runner, and with the improvement of his arm strength over the past year, he has a high ceiling if he continues to progress.

The 6'3", 216-pound quarterback could stand to add 15 or so pounds of muscle in the offseason. He also needs to work on his accuracy and decision-making, but after seeing the strides he made since his freshman year, the potential is extremely encouraging.

The improvements Dobbs made from the end of the season to the bowl game after getting to focus exclusively on X's and O's was enough to excite UT fans everywhere.

The Vols were 4-1 and averaged 36.7 points and 431 offensive yards per game with him at the helm, according to UTSports.com.

All of those elements make the rising junior a pro prospect, but the intangibles send him over the top. There are few more impressive young men in all of college football than the aerospace engineering major.

Throw in his flashes of leadership he displayed (especially against South Carolina), and the whole package appears to be there. Listen to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks on Dobbs:

"

He rallied the Vols back from a 42-28 deficit with 4:52 left in the game by making a slew of clutch plays with his feet and arm that kept the offense on track. Dobbs put the offense on his back when it mattered most; he displayed the clutch factor that scouts covet in elite quarterbacks at the next level.

"

If Dobbs continues his surge toward stardom, he'll be an intriguing prospect on the next level.

Running Back Jalen Hurd

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It's difficult to imagine that at 6'3" and 227 pounds, Tennessee freshman running back Jalen Hurd would benefit from adding a few pounds of bulk before 2015. But he looks downright skinnier than you'd expect for a guy his size.

One thing he definitely proved: When defenders hit him, they should bring the lunch because Hurd packs a punch. He is anything but "soft and terrible," which is what somebody in the Southern Cal war Room said about him this past national signing day.

Hurd is a can't-miss NFL prospect. Not only does he have the physique pro teams will covet, but he's deceptively fast for a player his size. Hurd doesn't look like he has top-tier speed because of his long strides, but when he lumbers, he separates himself from defenders and can easily get the edge on stretch plays.

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops compared Hurd to NFL star Adrian Peterson, whom his brother Bob coached at Oklahoma, according to The Courier-Journal's Kyle Tucker:

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Just physically if you look at him, he reminds me of Adrian Peterson a little bit. Just that big tall, good-looking running back. Very dynamic player. He's going to be a heck of a player. They do a nice job of trying to get him the ball in space in a lot of different ways. He looks like he has very good top-end speed and he has that way with some big backs to just be very elusive.

"

Other runners Hurd has been likened to include his idol, former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, and Alabama rising junior Derrick Henry, who is expected to be one of the highest running backs taken in the 2016 draft.

Hurd finished with 1,120 total yards and seven touchdowns during his freshman year. With UT's line getting better and some help coming in the form of Alvin Kamara, he should post breakout numbers soon.

Running Back Alvin Kamara

Credit: 247Sports

A lot of people may look at new Tennessee running back signee Kamara and think he's a change-of-pace back. Instead, at 5'11" and 195 pounds, the sophomore JUCO transfer has all the trappings of a complete back.

Things didn't work out for the former Norcross, Georgia, star prospect on his initial commitment to Alabama, and he transfered to Hutchinson Community College and now has three years to play for the Vols.

Though he hasn't played a snap at a major college, he has all the intangibles to be elite. He told Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Patrick Brown that he feels like he has a chance to make a big impact this year. He'll get that opportunity for sure in a backfield needing playmakers.

"Being a year removed and stepping back and just seeing football for what it really is, I feel like I'll deserve to have an immediate impact," Kamara said. "Even though if you deserve it, you've still got to work. I'm definitely going to work to make an impact on this team."

Formerly the nation's second-ranked all-purpose back by 247Sports, Kamara wound up the No. 2 JUCO running back in this year's cycle, placing behind Auburn commitment Jovon Robinson. Despite taking a back seat to Robinson, Kamara has been lauded by analysts and coaches alike.

Rusty Mansell of 247Sports tweeted that one JUCO coach told him if he could pick just one JUCO runner, it would be Kamara because "Alvin is just different, special."

UT won the Kamara sweepstakes, and he'll now join high school buddies Dobbs, Ryan Jenkins and Jason Croom in Knoxville. Even with Jalen Hurd in the backfield, Kamara has the capability of putting up big numbers. His ability to change directions and speed in the open field are elite

If he keeps his head on straight and stays healthy, he'll play on the next level.

Wide Receiver Marquez North

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There are few physical specimens on Tennessee's roster more impressive than the 6'4", 221-pound rising junior receiver, Marquez North.

Despite having everything you look for in a receiver, he's yet to break through to become a star for the Vols. Part of the reason is the inconsistency in the team's quarterback situation, and the other big reason is health. The Charlotte native missed the final three games of the season with a shoulder injury.

Prior to that, he was banged up throughout the year and wound up with 30 catches for 320 yards and four touchdowns.

He should really break out and emerge as a no-brainer draft pick as a junior. Blessed with huge size, soft hands and above-average speed, he's a shoo-in to start for the Vols when healthy.

Though he had to learn the position after playing mostly running back and quarterback in high school, his route running improved as his sophomore year progressed, and he became the red-zone weapon many thought he'd be.

If he emerges for the Vols, UT could be a serious threat in every game it plays. He's roommates with Dobbs, and that chemistry should pay off in a big way for the Vols.

North hasn't really broken through yet, but when he does, he's the type of physical talent who could leave after three years.

Wide Receiver Von Pearson

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Von Pearson doesn't have the physical talent that North possesses, but he's no slouch at 6'3" and 188 pounds, and he has the type of turn-on-a-dime speed and ability that NFL teams covet.

Pearson glides around the football field when he gets in open spaces, and even though he suffered a high ankle sprain early in the season against Arkansas State and missed a lot of time, he still put up solid numbers.

The JUCO transfer from Feather River College wound up with 38 catches for 393 yards and five touchdowns, and there were stretches where he was UT's most dynamic playmaker at the position.

With a big senior season, Pearson is the kind of player who can go from virtual unknown in NFL circles to a pick in the first three rounds. He has the size, speed and pass-catching ability to be special.

Along with Josh Malone, Josh Smith, Croom and others, North and Pearson give the Vols enormous talent at the position. As Chattanooga Times Free Press columnist Mark Wiedmer asked recently, "Is there a better wideout corps anywhere—even in the NFL—than UT's Marquez North, Von Pearson, Pig Howard, Josh Malone and Jason Croom?"

The answer is almost certainly "yes." But in the SEC? The Vols have the potential to be the best.

Defensive End Curt Maggitt

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Butch Jones told GoVols247's Wes Rucker last week that defensive end/outside linebacker Curt Maggitt is returning for his senior season, and that's excellent news for the Vols.

It's also a smart decision for Maggitt, who is a bit of a "tweener" at 6'3" and 251 pounds and whose draft status was up in the air.

Whether Maggitt spends his senior season as a down lineman or more on the second level will be interesting to see. He's definitely a pass-rushing specialist, finishing the year with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss while spending time at both positions.

With all the talent UT has on the defensive line, it's possible Maggitt plays more outside linebacker, which could really boost his pro prospects. Also, considering he missed an entire season and part of another recovering from torn knee ligaments, he needs to prove to NFL coaches and general managers that his durability has returned.

Maggitt has a really high ceiling because of his athleticism, and regardless of where he's drafted, he will almost certainly stick with an NFL team in the future. But with another strong season in Knoxville, he could really elevate his status.

He's a leader on the field, and he's also extremely vocal, so having him back is huge for Tennessee.

Defensive End Derek Barnett

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As if superstar freshman Derek Barnett needed to prove anything else, he manhandled Iowa stud and future NFL first-round offensive tackle selection Brandon Scherff in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

The only times Scherff really stopped Barnett was when he held him (as the above picture shows).

Barnett is a 6'3", 267-pound monster who had the best freshman season of any defensive lineman in UT history and one of the best ever for a college football player.

Coming from his defensive end position, Barnett wound up with 20.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, a fumble recovery, eight quarterback hurries and a remarkable 72 tackles.

From the first day in Knoxville, coach Butch Jones raved over Barnett's work ethic, relentless motor and refusal to take off plays. It's that constant pursuit of perfection that has led to a constant pursuit of quarterbacks for Barnett.

"I've got high expectations for myself," Barnett told The Associated Press' Steve Megargee (via the Daily Journal). "God gave me a bunch of talent, so I've got to use it in the correct way to help this team. I thought I could help this team out."

At Barnett's size, he shouldn't be able to be as adept at rushing the passer from the edge as he is. But he's very fast, is as fundamentally sound as any lineman on UT's roster and has an unmatchable work ethic. He's the kind of prospect who every NFL team will covet as soon as he's eligible.

Barnett may be the best player on UT's team right now after only one season.

Defensive Tackle Kahlil McKenzie

Credit: 247Sports

Anointing a freshman who isn't even on campus yet as a can't-miss talent isn't really fair. But it's difficult to envision 5-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie failing in Knoxville.

He is a 6'3", 354-pound mountain of a man who annihilated some of the best offensive line prospects in the nation at Nike's The Opening camp as well as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Even after he had to sit out his senior season due to transfer rules, battled through a minor knee injury and reported to the all-star game a little overweight, he dominated everybody. McKenzie has a big character, and he backs it up with his play.

Toss in the bloodlines (his father, Reggie, is the general manager of the Oakland Raiders and played in the NFL, and his uncle Raleigh also played professionally), and McKenzie is as close to a sure thing as you get.

McKenzie has a golden opportunity awaiting him in Knoxville. With Jordan Williams out of eligibility, there is a vacant starting defensive tackle position with his name on it.

Expect McKenzie to seize that spot for three years and then jump to the league. GoVols247's Wes Rucker believes he'll start right away, too.

He really is that talented. If he comes in, works hard and stays focused, he has the ability to be one of the best defensive tackles in school history.

Outside Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin

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Derek Dooley didn't do a lot of good things during his days in Knoxville, but one thing he did that will have a lasting positive effect on the program was secure a commitment from Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

The 6'1", 230-pound outside linebacker was moved from safety as a freshman, and he immediately made an impact as a star on special teams. Earning a starting role on defense as a sophomore, he again had a huge impact.

"JRM" wound up with a team-high 101 tackles, along with 11 tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries, two sacks and an interception. Considering he has two seasons of eligibility remaining, he has all the intangibles to be the next great UT linebacker.

Though the Clarksville, Tennessee, native is listed at 230 pounds, that isn't right. He's actually about 10 pounds lighter, so he desperately needs to pack on another 10-15 pounds of muscle this offseason.

His durability waned late in the year after having to play so many snaps. With rest, he dominated the TaxSlayer Bowl.

His game is speed, and if JRM can remain a heat-seeking missile after adding some weight, he's a prototypical NFL outside linebacker. He's got the type of frame that should be able to add more bulk without losing any athleticism.

His superior tackling skills are something that will impress NFL brass as well. He may need all four years in Knoxville, but he could have a nice, long career once he comes out. 

Cornerback Cameron Sutton

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Thanks to the elite recruit status of Vernon Hargreaves III and the eye-popping senior season statistics of Senquez Golson, Cameron Sutton is the best SEC cornerback many outside of the league haven't heard of.

It's a guarantee, however, that league quarterbacks know him.

Sutton is a ball-hawking rising junior from Jonesboro, Georgia, who chose UT over offers from teams such as Auburn and Florida and started basically from the first day in Knoxville.

He has shown he possesses such NFL-ready skills that he has become known as "Sunday" Sutton around the Vols message boards.

At 6'1" and 190 pounds, Sutton already has NFL size. As Tennessee's punt returner, he shows he has the speed and shiftiness necessary to be a pro corner, and he is the most fundamentally sound defensive back at UT since Eric Berry.

This year, Sutton became much better at baiting quarterbacks, and the big plays followed. He finished with 13 pass breakups and three interceptions this year along with 37 tackles. Teams generally stayed away from him most of the time.

No matter the lack of accolades thus far, players with his skill set don't get overlooked by the NFL. He's one of the most complete cornerbacks in the country, and the Vols hope he'll hang around all four years.

Honorable Mentions

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Tennessee has plenty of talented players who could have made the list, but with a roster that looks as healthy as most in the SEC, not everybody can be included.

Still, here are the players who were right on the cusp of this list.

Slot receiver Alton "Pig" Howard has led UT in catches in each of the past two seasons. He's physical, has sneaky quickness and has shown a propensity to get open. Those are all attributes that could help him to latch on in the NFL.

Rising sophomore tight end Ethan Wolf is a shoo-in to make a pro roster if he continues to develop. He's already blessed with strong blocking ability, and he also has surprisingly soft hands for a big guy.

Young defensive linemen such as Kyle Phillips, Darrell Taylor and Shy Tuttle all have pro potential, as do linebackers Dillon Bates and Darrin Kirkland Jr.—they just haven't done enough to be included in the top 10.

Rising senior safety Brian Randolph and sophomores Emmanuel Moseley and Todd Kelly Jr. also could have pro futures. Incoming JUCO transfer cornerback Justin Martin has is 6'2 and has elite speed, so he's a player UT is excited about as well.

There are several others, but these are the players who were under consideration and finished just outside the list.

All recruiting information is from 247Sports composite rankings, unless otherwise noted. All statistics and roster information taken from UTSports.com unless otherwise noted.

Brad Shepard covers SEC football and is the Tennessee Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow Brad on Twitter @Brad_Shepard.