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Tennessee Football: 3 Impactful Newcomers in 2023

By Hunter Newbold

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Quarterback Drew Pyne #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws under pressure from linebacker Keenan Pili #41 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the Shamrock Series game at Allegiant Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fighting Irish defeated the Cougars 28-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Quarterback Drew Pyne #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws under pressure from linebacker Keenan Pili #41 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the Shamrock Series game at Allegiant Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fighting Irish defeated the Cougars 28-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee football looks to keep the flame of relevancy alive, but can they continue to reload to fill a some significant voids in the roster?

Tennessee football fans had a lot of fun in 2022. The Volunteers went on a fantastic run that sent a flame through Knoxville that hadn’t been felt in nearly 20 seasons. Although they fell short of their National Title hopes that were beginning to swell mid-season, it seems safe to say that the season was a success for Tennessee.

The loss of QB Hendon Hooker among others will no doubt leave a void in the program, but if Tennessee hopes to use this opportunity to cement itself with the great programs of this century such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson, they must be able to reload to some degree without a major backslide.

With the 2023 season just months away, Vols fans expect the program to stabilize and remain in the conversation as contenders year after year, especially with the playoff expanding to 12 teams beginning in the 2024 season. Here are three new faces that can help keep hopes high in 2023 for Tennessee football.

1. Caleb Herring, DL

Caleb Herring is an incoming true freshman on the defensive line. At 6’5, 215 lbs out of Riverdale High School in Tennessee, Herring is all kinds of athletic. There is no reason that he should not be an integral part of this defense in 2023.

Tennessee football put up all kinds of points last season, but they also gave up their fair share as well. They found themselves in a lot of shootouts and will likely not be able to win 11 games in 2023 without an improved defense.

During his time at Riverdale, he racked up 200 tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 3 interceptions. An athletic edge rusher is just what the Vols need heading into 2023 as they look to elevate their defense to the level of some of their strong competitors in the SEC.

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