DEFENSIVE LINE
Tennessee is transitioning to a 3-4 base defense, but the Volunteers will play plenty of nickel this season with four down linemen. Two of those will be a pair of former five-star prospects looking to end their college careers on a high note. Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle is in the best health of his career, and defensive end Kyle Phillips has taken a leadership role with the team. After that, opportunity abounds for a group of freshmen and sophomores to emerge as contributors. Optimism is high that junior college transfer Emmit Gooden could have an immediate impact.
LINEBACKERS
Former defensive ends Deandre Johnson, Jonathan Kongbo and Darrell Taylor are technically outside linebackers now and have a few new techniques and assignments to learn. Their primary task will remain the same: Rush the quarterback. In the middle, Tennessee has veterans to deploy with Quart’e Sapp, Daniel Bituli and Darrin Kirkland Jr. Talented young players Will Ignont and J.J. Peterson have appealing potential as well.
DEFENSIVE BACKS