Defense
Under new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, the sky really is the limit for the Tennessee Vols’ defense. Coming from Penn State, Shoop had one of the nations best defensive players in Carl Nassib, the 2015 Lombardi Award winner. You have to think with guys like Derek Barnett, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Cam Sutton, the potential is absolutely through the roof. Throw in some up-and-coming stars like Darrin Kirkland Jr., and there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Tennessee fan. And if Tennessee manages to play an extra game or two, Barnett might even have a shot at breaking the career sack record.
Projection
Jalen Reeves-Maybin Tackles 109 Sacks 5 INT 0
Darrin Kirkland Jr. Tackles 91 Sacks 4 INT 0
Derek Barnett Tackles 72 Sacks 11 INT 0
Jonathan Kongbo Tackles 41 Sacks 6 INT 0
Cam Sutton Tackles 31 Sacks 1 INT 2
Toddy Kelly Jr Tackles 68 Sacks 1 INT 4
