Tennessee defensive back Cameron Sutton celebrates stopping Utah State on 3rd down during the Vols’ season-opener football game against the Aggies on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.DEFENSIVE LINE
Tennessee could have a deep and dynamic defensive line this season, and veteran line coach Steve Stripling might have the Vols’ strongest position group at his disposal.
After combining for 21 sacks last season, the end duo of Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt are back with plans of wreaking more havoc on SEC backfields this season. The group is bolstered by Corey Vereen, LaTroy Lewis and Dimarya Mixon, and freshman Kyle Phillips has turned heads this preseason. Pass-rushing specialist Chris Weatherd returns.
The Vols should have a solid five-man rotation at defensive tackle. Danny O’Brien and Owen Williams are returning contributors, and Kendal Vickers has had a strong offseason. Freshmen Shy Tuttle and Kahlil McKenzie look to be difference-makers already despite their youth, and both should only continue to get better – an exciting notion for the Vols.
LINEBACKERS
The good news is Jalen Reeves-Maybin is back after a sophomore season in which he had a team-high 106 tackles, but the bad news is the other returning linebackers combined to make just 30 stops in 2014. That total doesn’t include the numbers for Maggitt, who will continue to play some linebacker, and Weatherd, a passing-down specialist.
Midway through the preseason, the other starting linebacker job appears to be Kenny Bynum’s to lose, but he continues to be pushed by freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr., underrated walk-on Colton Jumper and redshirt freshman Dillon Bates. Bynum has dropped 15 pounds since starting the bowl game, it’s helped him play quicker and better in space.
Many of Tennessee’s talented young linebackers, including sophomore Cortez McDowell and freshman Austin Smith, will be key pieces of special teams coverage units.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The mix of reliable, experienced veterans and a few talented youngsters and the competition Tennessee has in its secondary resembles what the Vols want the rest of the roster will look like with another solid recruiting class or two.
Cornerback Cam Sutton is one of Tennessee’s best players and best leaders, and he appears to be locked in more than ever heading into the season. Emmanuel Moseley and Justin Martin bring speed and lengthy frames to the corner spot. Rashaan Gaulden appears to be a perfect fit into the nickel corner spot, where he’s been training to play since last season.
Safeties Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil are solid veteran starters, and there isn’t much of a drop-off to a trio of sophomore Todd Kelly Jr. and Evan Berry and freshman Stephen Griffin.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Nowhere was Tennessee’s talent upgrade more obvious last season than on special teams, where many of the newcomers bolstered the punt and kickoff coverage units that struggled in 2013. That should continue.
Kicker Aaron Medley was reliable on field-goal attempts inside 40 yards, but he hit just once in six tries beyond. Improving his range will be the key for him as a sophomore. He should also hope to improve a touchback rate of 24 percent.
Punter is one of Tennessee’s biggest questions marks. Walk-on Trevor Daniel, freshman Tommy Townsend and Maryland transfer Nate Renfro continue to battle. None of the trio had stood out early this preseason, but it’s worth noting Vols coach Butch Jones was able to coax major improvement out of Michael Palardy and Matt Darr the past two years.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com