Defensive Line
Commitments: Eric Crosby (4-star, tackle), Matthew Butler (3-star, tackle), LaTrell Bumphus (3-star, end), Kivon Bennett (3-star, tackle), Marquez Bembry (3-star, athlete), Deandre Johnson (3-star, end)
The Vols have a plethora of defensive linemen committed in the 2017 class, and this group is headed by talented four-star tackle Eric Crosby.
Crosby is the No. 229 overall player in the country and the 18th-ranked defensive tackle in the 2017 class. At 6-foot-1, 290 pounds, Crosby already has a huge frame and should be able to help Tennessee’s depth at the position as a freshman.
Matthew Butler and Kivon Bennett are the two other tackles currently committed in Tennessee’s 2017 class. Butler is likely to end up at defensive end despite being listed as a tackle because he has proven to be a pass rushing machine at the high school level. As a senior, Butler totaled 26 sacks, 44 tackles
for loss, and 36 quarterback hurries for Garner Magnet High School in North Carolina according to Max Preps. Bennett is also a bit of a tweener. Listed at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Bennett played both tackle and end for St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
LaTrell Bumphus hails from Savannah, TN and holds offers from Alabama, USC, Auburn, Penn State, and more. Bumphus is an athletic end at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, and he even played some wide receiver for Hardin County, catching 12 passes for 144 yards and two scores as a junior.
Deandre Johnson is the only other true end committed in the Vols’ 2017 class, and he committed less than a month ago. Johnson was committed to Mississippi State from the end of June till December 11th when he decommitted. The next day, he announced his commitment to the Vols. Johnson is an athletic end with offers from Auburn, South Carolina, and Memphis among others.
Marquez Bembry is listed as an athlete but is likely being looked at for defensive end. Bembry is a bit small around the waist for an end at 210 pounds, but at 6-foot-4, he has the frame to add plenty of weight.
