Improved Defensive Speed
One of the defense’s biggest problems in 2013 was the simple lack of speed across the board. Teams like Oregon, Florida, Alabama and Auburn all had moments that made the Vol defense look like they were running in mud last season. Even the most routine plays by opposing offenses were often rewarded with touchdowns thanks to the inability for defenders to catch the the ballcarrier, even when the Vol defense was in the position to make a play.
Expect far fewer of those type of plays to be given up in 2014 thanks to some added speed across the board. The addition of Emmanuel Moseley has allowed Justin Coleman to slide into the nickel spot, giving the Vols more and better distributed speed at the corner positions with Cam Sutton on the other side. That also allows former corner/nickel back Devaun Swafford to line up at strong safety in place of LaDarrell McNeil for another speed upgrade in the secondary.
Linebacker gets a boost as well with former safety Jalen Reeves-Maybin assuming the outside linebacker spot next to A.J. Johnson. Dillon Bates and Chris Weatherd have each shown that they have the speed to play at this level level as well. Bates may be the fastest linebacker on the team right now and Weatherd already has a special pass rushing role thanks to his speed off of the edge.
Corey Vereen and Curt Maggitt (if healthy) give the Vols some added speed at the defensive end position over last year as well, and newcomers Derek Barnett and Dewayne Hendrix have already shown that they possess the size and speed to make an early impact along the defensive line. Former defensive end Jordan Williams has moved to defensive tackle and, even though he’s up to 285 pounds, still moves much better than a guy like Dan McCullers or Daniel Hood.
