Defensive Line
Greg Emerson
Star Rating: 4 stars
Overall Ranking: 136
Position Ranking: 13
2018 Outlook:
Greg Emerson is a good athlete. Kyle Phillips, Darrell Taylor, Matthew Butler, and Deandre Johnson all will rotate at the defensive end position. Taylor and Phillips are likely to take the most snaps, and other players not listed could also probably rotate in as an edge, stand up outside linebacker type player. Emmerson is good enough to earn some snaps, and if he can catch on quick, it’s likely he will see the field some.
Brant Lawless
Star Rating: 4 stars
Overall Ranking: 256
Position Ranking: 7
2018 Outlook:
Brant Lawless is one of the best players in the class and has not gotten the attention he deserves. With Kahlil McKenzie and Kendal Vickers moving on, there are openings in the defensive tackle rotation. Now those spots will likely go to more experienced players, but I feel like Lawless can at least get his name thrown in consideration. I think he can work his way into some playing time this season.
Jordan Allen
Star Rating: 4 stars
Overall Ranking: 13 (JUCO)
Position Ranking: 2 (JUCO)
2018 Outlook:
I am going to go ahead and leave Jordan Allen in the defensive line category because that’s where he is listed on recruiting sites, but I doubt he will have his hand in the ground very often. I am a huge fan of Jordan Allen. He is an incredibly hard worker; he took 31 hours in one semester to be in Knoxville for spring ball. I really think he can excel as a pass rushing weapon in Pruitt’s defense. Right now, he isn’t an every down lineman. The Vols don’t need him to be, though. He can come in on passing downs and disrupt the offense.
Emmit Gooden
Star Rating: 4 stars
Overall Ranking: 17 (JUCO)
Position Ranking: 7 (JUCO)
2018 Outlook:
Tennessee is going to need help at defensive tackle this season, and Emmit Gooden can do just that. Shy Tuttle is the best returning player Tennessee has at the position, but he has had health problems his whole career. Outside of Tuttle, there is Quay Picou and Alexis Johnson. Gooden can come in right away and play a significant role.
John Mincey
Star Rating: 3 star
Overall Ranking: 797
Position Rank: 38
2018 Outlook:
Defensive end is a crowded position, but there is also plenty of opportunity to find the field. I imagine there will be a lot of players rotating in and out. Outside linebackers coach Chris Rumph seems to have taken a liking to Mincey, saying in Wednesday night’s National Signing Day celebration event, “This kid is what Tennessee is built on. He’s a country killer. He’s tough, he’s hard-nosed. He doesn’t do Twitter, Snapchat and all that. He’s about school and ball. That’s it.” I wouldn’t be surprised if he can find himself some snaps here and there, but he may also redshirt as they try and bulk him up to move him inside.
Kurott Garland
Star Rating: 3 stars
Overall Ranking: 1,175
Position Ranking: 60
2018 Outlook
Garland is another one of those guys that is a really raw prospect and still has a lot of developing to do. He put up great numbers in high school and is an aggressive player. He will probably get stashed away and redshirted this season, but look out for him in the future.
Kingston Harris
Star Rating: 3 stars
Overall Ranking: 1,216
Position Rank: 82
2018 Outlook:
Kingston Harris has tools in place to eventually develop into a good football player. I just don’t think he is ready for the time being to contribute in any sort of way. The Vols aren’t particularly deep at defensive tackle, and Pruitt has rotated a lot of players in and out in the past. So I would be shocked to see him find the field his freshman year.
