The 2010's saw Tennessee Vols recruiting classes that were ranked anywhere from No. 4 in the nation to No. 25.

Of course, final class ranking wasn't always indicative of how the actual recruiting classes performed. Some high rated classes saw a lot of attrition, while some lower rated classes featured some hidden gems.

Every Vols recruiting class this decade produced at least one core player that was extremely important to Tennessee's success.

Here are the best players from each Tennessee recruiting class this decade, starting with Derek Dooley's first recruiting class, just weeks after taking over for Lane Kiffin in early 2010.

2010 — Ja'Wuan James — OL

Tennessee's 2010 recruiting class was ripe with talent, which made it difficult to pick the best player from the class.

There could be argument made for Justin Hunter, Tyler Bray or Mychal Rivera. Other notable players include Da'Rick Rogers, Michael Palardy, Matt Darr, Zach Fulton and James Stone.

But I think Ja'Wuan James has to be the pick here. James played four years at Tennessee and started every game for the Vols during that span (49 starts in 49 games). James was named to the AP All-SEC second team in 2013 and the coaches All-Freshman team in 2010. The Georgia native was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in 2014 with the No. 19 overall pick. James signed with the Denver Broncos after the 2018 season, inking a four year deal worth $51 million.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports/AP

Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2011 recruiting class >>>>

2011 — AJ Johnson — LB

The Vols' 2011 recruiting class also had plenty of talent (Antonio Richardson, Curt Maggitt, Marlin Lane, Justin Coleman, Jordan Williams), but AJ Johnson was easily the best player Tennessee signed that year.

Johnson finished his UT career with 425 tackles, which is the second most in school history (Andy Spiva had 547).

The Georgia native also had six career rushing touchdowns (all in 2012).

Johnson's UT career was cut short due to rape allegations. He was acquitted of the charges in 2018. The Denver Broncos signed Johnson after his acquittal. In 2019, Johnson started 12 games for the Broncos, compiling 95 tackles and one interception.

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Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2012 recruiting class >>>>

2012 — Cordarrelle Patterson — WR

Cordarrelle Patterson only spent one season at Tennessee, but he absolutely made the most of his time on Rocky Top.

After joining the Vols as a junior college transfer in 2012, Patterson racked up 1,086 yards from scrimmage (778 receiving and 338 rushing) and eight touchdowns. Patterson also made an impact in the return game, returning a kick and a punt for a touchdown in 2012.

According to UTsports.com, Patterson is only the second Vol to score a touchdown in four different ways (Carl Pickens was the other).

Patterson was a first round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. He's reached three Pro-Bowls as a returner.

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Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2013 recruiting class >>>>

2013 — Josh Dobbs — QB

When Josh Dobbs flipped to the Vols in 2013, he was a bit of an afterthought. Sure, he was one of the higher rated players in UT's 2013 class, but the Vols already had quarterback Nathan Peterman on the roster, to go along with Riley Ferguson (who also signed in 2013).

While fans were happy to see Dobbs flip from Arizona State, no one was expecting him to become a star in Knoxville.

Dobbs ended up saving Butch Jones' job for several seasons. He covered up a lot of coaching deficiencies and helped carry Tennessee's offense during his time on Rocky Top.

The Georgia native finished his UT career as the program's all-time leader in rushing yards by a quarterback. Dobbs also finished the 2016 season with 3,781 yards of total offense, the second most in Tennessee history behind only Peyton Manning.

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Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2014 recruiting class >>>>

2014 — Derek Barnett — DL

Tennessee's 2014 class was another recruiting class loaded with talent.

Jalen Hurd, Josh Malone, Rashaan Gaulden, Von Pearson, Emmanuel Moseley and Todd Kelly Jr all made a big impact during their time in orange and white.

But Derek Barnett was definitely the biggest star in this class.

Barnett wasn't the headliner of the class. He was a four-star recruit from Brentwood, TN that was buried in the middle of Tennessee's signing class.

But oh man did he prove to be a stud on Rocky Top.

Barnett broke Reggie White's school record for career sacks (Barnett finished with 33) in just three years. He also finished his career with 52 tackles for loss, which is second in UT history to only Leonard Little (who finished with 53).

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Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2015 recruiting class >>>>

2015 — Jauan Jennnings — WR

It was tough to choose between Alvin Kamara and Jauan Jennings, but I have to go with Jennings here.

Kamara was tremendous at Tennessee (even though he was underutilized), but Jennings' has had a bigger (and longer) impact.

Fans will always love Kamara, but Jennings will always be a legend for what he did on the field at Tennessee and what he endured off the field (getting kicked off the team and then reinstated).

Jennings is fifth all-time at Tennessee in career receptions (144) and sixth all-time in career receiving yards (2,126). He's also tied for fifth all-time in career touchdowns (18).

And then there's the fact that he's responsible for one of the most memorable moments in Vol history.

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Image via UTSports.com

Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2016 recruiting class >>>>

2016 — Daniel Bituli — LB

This was another tough year to pick just one player. I thought about going with wide receiver Marquez Callaway, but I think linebacker Daniel Bituli is the guy.

Bituli has been a bit underrated during his time at Tennessee. First of all, he's been incredibly important to UT's success on the field (he's essentially the quarterback of the defense). It could be argued that Bituli's absence was one of the main reasons the Vols lost to Georgia State and BYU to start the 2019 season.

The Congo native led the Vols in tackles in 2017 and 2018. He likely would've led the team in tackles in 2019 if not for the two games he missed (true freshman Henry To'o To'o finished the regular season with one more tackle than Bituli).

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Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2017 recruiting class >>>>

2017 — Trey Smith — OL

Trey Smith is one of the most talented players the Vols have signed in a long, long time.

Unfortunately for Smith, his career has been affected by blood clots in his lungs. If not for the blood clot issue, Smith would be sure-fire first round pick in the NFL draft. He still has the talent to be a first rounder, but it depends on how big of a risk NFL teams believe he is.

Smith has started all 31 games that's he played in at Tennessee.

Image via Bryan Lynn/USA Today 

Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2018 recruiting class >>>>

2018 — Bryce Thompson — DB

This was another tough selection.

While it's way too early to make a final judgement here, I think the answer, so far, is Bryce Thompson.

(I also considered Alontae Taylor, Jerome Carvin and Trevon Flowers.)

Thompson finished the 2018 season with the highest PFF grade of any true freshman cornerback in the nation. The South Carolina missed some time in 2019 due to suspension, but he made the most of his opportunities when he returned. Thompson had three interceptions against UAB, tying the school record for the most in a game.

In nine games this season, Thompson compiled 30 tackles and one sack.

Image via © Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Tennessee's best recruit in 2019 recruiting class >>>>

2019 — Henry To'o To'o — LB

It's definitely way too early to anoint anyone in this class as the best player that Tennessee signed, but I wouldn't be shocked if it ends up being Henry To'o To'o.

The California native has already established himself as one of the most talented defenders on the roster. He'll likely take over as the "captain of the defense" in 2020 with Daniel Bituli moving on.

To'o To'o finished the 2019 regular season as the Vols' leading tackler with 63. He was named to the all-freshman first team by The Athletic and 247Sports.

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