Defensive Line
DE: 1. Jonathan Kongbo 2. Darrell Taylor
DT: 1. Shy Tuttle 2. Quay Picou/Alexis Johnson
DT: 1. Kendal Vickers 2. Kahlil McKenzie
DE: 1. Kyle Phillips 2. Austin Smith/Dimarya Mixon
Thoughts: There will be quite a shake up on the defensive line in 2017 – especially at defensive end. Regulars Derek Barnett, Corey Vereen and LaTroy Lewis move on, and some newer faces, and perhaps some newer roles, will take shape next year. Kongbo and Phillips are the names to watch. Both played inside a good deal in 2016 with the Vols desperately thin at defensive tackle. Will they continue to do that in 2017, or concentrate on defensive end, the position both were recruited to play? It’s time for some younger players such as Darrell Taylor, Austin Smith and Ja’Quain Blakely, who is transitioning to end, to step up as well. Diamrya Mixon, one of the more experienced returning ends, was suspended for the Music City Bowl, leaving his future somewhat in doubt at this point.
Inside, it’s about getting healthy and getting deeper. Shy Tuttle is an All-SEC caliber player, but he’ll be recovering from his second major injury. He’ll be questionable for the start of the season. Kahlil McKenzie, also coming off a major injury, should be good to go, but he’s still looking to make consistent impact. Iron Man Kendal Vickers continues to be a reliable force inside. They’ll ask a lot of him in 2017. Between the newcomers, Quay Picou, Alexis Johnson, Paul Bain and anybody else on the roster, the Vols need a couple more guys to step up and be part of the rotation.
