Vols freshman Kahlil McKenzie looks like a fleet-footed Mack truck

Published Aug. 6, 2015 12:50 p.m. ET

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The player who sparked Tennessee's top-five recruiting class of 2015 wasn't one of the three quarterbacks the Vols landed or a highly touted running back or receiver. Nor was he one of the team's new stud offensive linemen.

Instead, the prospect who started it all was five-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie, son of former Tennessee linebacker and current Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie. 

Vols fans have patiently awaited Kahlil's arrival to campus, but a long offseason of hype and expectations may not have done McKenzie justice.

First, here he is standing next to fellow freshman Darrell Taylor, a defensive end, on the first day of practice:

Wow. 

But McKenzie isn't just a space eater. The video below shows his rare agility for a player of his size, and that catch showing off his hands is a nice touch, too.

Tennessee also signed four-star defensive tackle Shy Tuttle in its 2015 class, and he arrived in January in time for spring football. Spring reports indicate Tuttle has played himself into contention for a starting spot up front heading into fall practice. 

If both defensive tackles live up to their potential in their first year on campus, the Vols may just find themselves atop the SEC East standings for the first time since 2007 -- aspirations that don't seem too unrealistic for Rocky Top in 2015.

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