The Tennessee Vols could have a budding superstar on the defensive side of the ball. 

And he's only a true freshman. 

Vols linebackers coach Mike Ekeler met with reporters on Thursday following Tennessee's final spring practice ahead of the Orange and White spring game that's scheduled for Saturday. 

While meeting with the media, Ekeler praised Vols true freshman edge rusher Caleb Herring, who joined the program in December ahead of Tennessee's matchup with Clemson in the Orange Bowl. 

Ekeler pointed out that Herring, the younger brother of sophomore linebacker Elijah Herring, is a football junkie that has seemingly unlimited potential. 

"Caleb is coming on, and that guy can be a freaky talent," said Ekeler on Thursday. "He loves ball. The funny thing about Caleb is after practice, he'll come in, and I won't even have a chance to watch the film yet, and he's watched it all. That guy eats, sleeps, and drinks ball. He loves it. That's what the great ones do." 

"A lot of people want to talk about 'I want this and I want that', and their actions don't match their expectations," added Ekeler. "You have a young guy like that who comes in, and he's doing that on his own. He just goes in there, locks the door in the meeting room, and gets after it. I am really excited about him as well."

This isn't the first that the true freshman has been praised by a Tennessee assistant coach this spring. 

Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner also had plenty of positive things to say about Herring earlier this spring. 

"I think he is going to be a really good player," said Garner when asked about Herring in late March. "I'm really excited about him. I think he really loves football. I think he's tough, has the length, and has the skillset. I think he has a bright future. I think it's important to him."

One reason why Herring is off to a quick start this spring is because of some advice he received from his older brother. 

"Just have fun and be comfortable. If you're not comfortable and having fun, you're not going to make any progress," said the younger Herring earlier this spring when asked about advice from his older brother. "Another thing he has taught me is to not be afraid to ask questions. He told me to ask as many questions as I can to be able to learn the game. He's been big when it comes to that."

If the Vols are going to win an SEC Championship anytime in the near future, they'll need a dominant edge rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. 

It certainly sounds like Caleb Herring could be that guy for Tennessee.