DEFENSIVE LINE
The lineman Tennessee was counting on the most to contribute, senior Emmit Gooden, was lost during the preseason to a torn ACL. That puts the onus on the myriad of newcomers as well as the returning players to contribute. Aubrey Solomon, a Michigan transfer, hasn’t yet been cleared for immediate eligibility by the NCAA but would replace Gooden as the leader in major college experience. The Volunteers brought in three other signees – junior college prospects Darel Middleton and Savion Williams and true freshman Elijah Simmons – who could contribute, while junior John Mincey and sophomore Matthew Butler lead the list of returning players who could push for time.
LINEBACKERS
Seniors Daniel Bituli and Darrell Taylor lead the group, Bituli from the inside and Taylor on the outside. The positions opposite them are the question marks, with newcomers and returnees all in competition. DeAndre Johnson could be the best option opposite Taylor, although he’s being pushed by true freshmen Quavaris Crouch and Roman Harrison. Bituli’s spot is secure, with Will Ignont the most experienced player returning alongside him at inside linebacker, but junior Shanon Reid, redshirt freshman J.J. Peterson and true freshman Henry To’o To’o are battling to break the rotation.
DEFENSIVE BACKS