7. Shy Tuttle, DT
Injuries marred the first half of Shy Tuttle’s career at Tennessee. Last year was the healthiest he’s been for an entire season, and he still missed a couple games. But in the 10 games he played, he looked inconsistent.
Tuttle totaled 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble in 10 games last year. He would, at times, look like the borderline five-star tackle that Tennessee got in their 2015 recruiting class. But he would also at times look like he didn’t belong in the SEC.
This year, Tuttle will likely be counted on to play at Tennessee’s new nose tackle position in Pruitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme. He’s one of the few players on the Vols’ roster with the size and bulk to play it. He’ll need to come out strong in the spring to prove he has what it takes to learn and play his new role.
If Tuttle can impress coaches in the spring, he’ll nail down a spot that would otherwise be filled with question marks. And the rising senior will also prove to himself and others that he’s not a “bust.”
