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Saying there were a lot of new faces on the field for Tennessee Sunday night is a bit of an understatement. Officially, 32 players made their debut in orange, including 21 true freshmen. Want some perspective? Previously, the most freshmen to debut in a season opener for the Vols was 12 (2010 and 2011). A few notes about the starters:
- Ethan Wolf became the first true freshman ever to start at tight end for the Vols in the history of the program.
- Jashon Robertson became the fourth true freshman in Tennessee history to start on the offensive line in a season opener.
- Derek Barnett became the first true freshman in Tennessee history to start a season opener on the defensive line.
Here’s the full list of those 21 freshmen, followed by the other 11 newcomers who made their debut Sunday night.
FRESHMEN (21)
- #1 Jalen Hurd (Came in on third down of first possession. He had 11 carries for 31 yards and caught two passes for 16 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown.)
- #3 Josh Malone (Caught two passes for 26 yards.)
- #6 Todd Kelly Jr. (Recovered a fumble in the first quarter and recorded two tackles.)
- #7 Rashaan Gaulden (Recorded one tackle.)
- #9 Derek Barnett (Started at DE)
- #12 Emmanuel Moseley (One tackle)
- #17 Dillon Bates (Three tackles)
- #20 Cortez McDowell
- #25 Aaron Medley (Made one field goal and five extra points)
- #29 Evan Berry
- #41 Elliott Berry
- #53 Colton Jumper
- #55 Coleman Thomas
- #8 Dewayne Hendrix (One tackle)
- #73 Jashon Robertson (Started at RG)
- #40 Dimarya Mixon
- #4 Vic Wharton
- #2 D’Andre Payne (One tackle)
- #80 Daniel Helm (One catch)
- #82 Ethan Wolf (Stared at TE)
- #72 Michael Sawyers
OTHER NEWCOMERS (11)
- #5 Ryan Jenkins
- #9 Von Pearson (Started at WR. Finished with three catches for 27 yards and a TD.)
- #13 Patrick Ashford
- #24 Michael Williams (Started at CB)
- #60 Austin Sanders
- #31 Justus Pickett (Carried the ball four times for 11 yards)
- #42 Chris Weatherd (One tackle)
- #58 Owen Williams
- #48 Alex Ellis
- #59 Matt Giampapa
- #63 Brett Kendrick
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