Defensive Line
DE: LaTrell Bumphus, John Mincey
DT: Aubrey Solomon*, Matthew Butler, Darel Middleton
NT: Greg Emerson, Elijah Simmons
*depending on if Aubrey Solomon is eligible or not
No unit was hit with more curveballs during fall camp than the defensive line. Aubrey Solomon still isn’t cleared to play for the season, and likely starter Emmit Gooden suffered a season-ending injury early in camp.
If Solomon doesn’t receive immediate eligibility, then the starting trio along the defensive line will be significantly different than what most were projecting at the start of fall camp.
The Vols’ starters on the defensive line figure to change on an almost weekly basis unless a handful of linemen can become consistent and earn a spot. Consistency has been the biggest issue with the group, but as it stands right now, LaTrell Bumphus is the likely pass defensive end with Greg Emerson serving as the nose tackle. If Aubrey Solomon can’t play, look for Matthew Butler and Darel Middleton to man his spot.
Elijah Simmons and Savion Williams are two players who could pick up momentum as the season goes along.
