Defensive Line
DE: Kyle Phillips, John Mincey, Kurott Garland
NT: Shy Tuttle, Emmit Gooden, Kingston Harris
DE/DT: Alexis Johnson, Emmit Gooden, Greg Emerson
Tennessee’s defensive line will be much bigger than last year, and it will focus more on clogging running lanes and absorbing blockers rather than pass rushing.
Right now, Tennessee’s coaches seem to like what they have with their trio of seniors on the line in Kyle Phillips, Shy Tuttle, and Alexis Johnson. Emmit Gooden appears to be the fourth lineman in the rotation, and he should be able to spell both Tuttle and Johnson on any given play.
Beyond those four, it remains to be seen what Tennessee has.
Greg Emerson and Kingston Harris are the most likely players to fill in next at either nose or the other defensive tackle/end spot. Freshman John Mincey has made impressive strides, but he’s not big enough to play inside just yet. He’ll probably only fill in for Phillips. Kurott Garland has looked fairly impressive this fall as well, and he may provide support if they don’t decide to redshirt him.
Matthew Butler and walk-on Paul Bain will both be backup options who could leapfrog some of the younger players as the season goes along.
