Vols’ young DTs need to start fast

KNOXVILLE — If Kahlil McKenzie were a running back with as many recruiting stars beside his name, Tennessee fans would be even more excited than they already are about the upcoming football season.

There’s a sense of immediacy about five-star running backs. You expect them to show up, take the ball and take off.

The expectations are different for defensive tackles, no matter how acclaimed they are coming out of high school. They’re viewed more as projects, unequipped for the challenge until they have spent a year in a college strength and conditioning program.

But McKenzie’s size and athleticism suggest he might be an exception.

Tennessee fans also should be encouraged by the signing of another sought-after defensive tackle recruit, Shy Tuttle.

Tuttle went through spring practice with the Vols. McKenzie will first hit the field in preseason practice.

They’re both prize recruits. They’re big and athletic.

And they play a position that needs immediate help.

Tennessee isn’t totally lacking for experience in the middle of its defensive front. Danny O’Brien, Owen Williams and injury-plagued Trevarris Saulsberry have been in the tackle rotation.

They will get support from Dimarya Mixon, who played sparingly last season behind former starter Jordan Williams, and Kendal Vickers, who has added weight and moved from defensive end.

But the Vols will need more than quantity, because in some of their biggest games, a powerrunning offense could be their biggest challenge.

The run of runners will begin in the second game against Oklahoma. The Sooners are more apt to spread the field and entrust the ball to powerrunning Samaje Perine. Last season, he rushed for 1,713 yards.

Georgia’s offense should be just as reliant on Nick Chubb. When Todd Gurley was suspended last season, the offense didn’t break stride when Chubb replaced one of the best running backs in SEC history. Even though he didn’t start a full season, Chubb made first-team All-SEC. Sony Michel, who was hampered by injuries last season, will give the Bulldogs another running threat.

No one on Tennessee’s schedule will be more run-oriented than Arkansas, which should field the nation’s biggest offensive line, and one of the most talented. Behind an offensive line that returns four starters, the Razorbacks will have 1,000-yard rushers Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams.

And Alabama’s best offensive player should be 240-pound running back Derrick Henry.

The running challenge will be exacerbated by Tennessee’s schedule.

UT will play Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas and Alabama in the first seven games. Moreover, they will have to play Arkansas and Georgia back-to-back.

That stretch won’t be as daunting if Tennessee’s freshmen tackles get off to a fast start at stopping the run.