DEFENSIVE LINE
Loaded with once-heralded high school prospects who have served time out of position, as backups or battling injuries, this unit brings a lot of potential and plenty of uncertainty to a Volunteers defense needing to bounce back from a rough finish to the 2016 season. Former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke is the new defensive line coach, and he wants to rotate 10 players during the course of a game, meaning some true freshmen likely will play this year. But in the end, the health and performance of potential stars Jonathan Kongbo, Darrell Taylor, Kyle Phillips, Khalik McKenzie and Shy Tuttle will define this group that is led by fifth-year senior tackle Kendal Vickers.
LINEBACKERS
An injury-riddled 2016 season taught Tennessee’s players and staff never to assume that anyone will remain healthy. But if all goes well, Darrin Kirkland Jr. will be a leader from his middle linebacker slot, and Cortez McDowell will translate a strong offseason into a solid senior season as the outside linebacker. Behind them, there are talented and experienced players who played in meaningful games last season. Baylor School graduate Colton Jumper is viewed as a first-team caliber middle linebacker by defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. There is optimism that Quart’e Sapp can return from injury to challenge McDowell and provide quality depth.
DEFENSIVE BACKS