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
Youth has been served in the secondary, with sophomores Alontae Taylor and Bryce Thompson better after being thrown in the fire at corner as true freshmen and classmate Trevon Flowers in position to start opposite senior Nigel Warrior at safety. Any number of players could fit in at the Star (nickel) position, but a couple of true freshmen to watch out for getting in the rotation are Warren Burrell at corner and Jaylen McCollough at the Star or a safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Marquez Callaway is solid as the team's punt returner and has a pair of career touchdowns as a return man. The kicking game is solid with Brett Cimaglia at kicker and Paxton Brooks at punter, and while there is no set answer at kickoff returner, there are a number of worthy candidates, led by Ty Chandler. Nobody stood out there last season, meaning the position is anything but solidified.