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
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. Jonathan Kongbo and Kyle Phillips (who will be limited this spring) are the names to watch. Both played inside a good deal in 2016 with the Vols desperately thin at defensive tackle. But both will likely get opportunities at defensive end with the depth chart looking different now. It’s time for some younger players such as Darrell Taylor, Austin Smith, Mykelle McDaniel and Ja’Quain Blakely, who Butch Jones said last year might transition to end, to step up as well.
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 by the fall, but he’s still looking to make consistent impact and he’ll be limited this spring. 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.
