Right tackle Chance Hall battles defensive end Darrell Taylor in a pass-blocking drill during Tennessee’s practice at Haslam Field on Aug. 4, 2016.
Drew Richmond (51) and Dimarya Mixon (40) battle in a pass-blocking drill during Tennessee’s practice at Haslam Field on Aug. 4, 2016.KNOXVILLE – It took three days of preseason practice for Tennessee’s defensive linemen to generate palpable excitement from their coaches and teammates.
One day after defensive coordinator Bob Shoop wondered aloud how he was going to get all seven quality ends at his disposal enough snaps, the rave review continued about one of the Volunteers’ strongest positions.
“We think we have the best defensive line in the country,” quarterback Josh Dobbs said before Thursday’s practice.
Tennessee is expecting big things from its defensive line despite some depth concerns at tackle, where the Vols could have just four scholarship players available when the season starts. Head coach Butch Jones said he’s been pleased with the performances of the defensive front, particularly in the speed off the edge.
“Speaking from a DB’s standpoint, it makes my job a lot easier when we have a lot of pressure up front,” cornerback Cameron Sutton said. “We’re building that depth. We’ve got a lot of guys who have got a lot of experience, a lot of game-time experience, and we’ve been through a lot of those situations before.