Defensive Line
Daniel:
DE: 1. Derek Barnett 2. LaTroy Lewis/Kyle Phillips
DT: 1. Owen Williams 2. Shy Tuttle
DT: 1. Kahlil McKenzie 2. Danny O’Brien/Kendal Vickers
DE: 1. Curt Maggitt 2. Corey Vereen
Thoughts: I don’t know exactly how they’re going to do it, and that’s a good thing for the Vols. That means they have options – something they haven’t had in awhile. I feel good about the starting ends, though it will be a battle behind them. I see the defensive tackle spots as more of a rotation than a depth chart. I see those five guys having the biggest roles, but admittedly have no clue what order they would go in at this point. Charles Mosley could certainly be a factor as well, but not sure what position he’ll ultimately land at.
Houston:
DE: 1. Derek Barnett 2. LaTroy Lewis/Kyle Phillips
DT: 1. Danny O’Brien. 2. Kendal Vickers/Kahlil McKenzie
DT: 1. Owen Williams 2. Shy Tuttle
DE: 1. Curt Maggitt 2. Corey Vereen/Dimarya Mixon
Thoughts: Take a minute and just look at all of the able bodies in the Vols’ two-deep along the defensive line…go ahead, just look. It doesn’t really matter who starts, because the Vols will finally be able to utilize a deep rotation of talented players at every position. Mixon and Lewis put together solid springs at end, while Vickers and Tuttle really impressed me with their play along the interior. Shy Tuttle doesn’t know all of the ins and outs of the position, but that guy can flat-out play some football and will help this team in the fall. With most (all) of the projected starters out for the spring, this group was able to improve the quality of their overall depth…something that will pay dividends in the fall.
Reed:
DE: 1. Derek Barnett 2. LaTroy Lewis/Kyle Phillips
DT: 1. Kahlil McKenzie 2. Danny O’Brien
DT: 1. Owen Williams 2. Shy Tuttle
DE: 1. Curt Maggitt 2. Corey Vereen
Thoughts: The Vols finally have quality depth along the defensive front. My depth chart didn’t change much during the spring – the only chance I made was the addition of Shy Tuttle to the two-deep at DT after a more than solid performance. I’d bet on McKenzie and/or Tuttle starting numerous games for the Vols this fall. Tennessee should sub a ton more at DT and DE this year and should have a consistent rotation of healthy playmakers, especially at defensive end. This group, if Tuttle and McKenzie are the players many think they are, could be one of the best in the nation.
