Jul 17, 2013; Hoover, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jacques Smith talks with the media during the 2013 SEC football media days at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Tennessee’s defense was the worst in school history. Under former defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri, the Vols were not successful in the 3-4 scheme. This season, under new coordinator John Jancek, UT has moved back to the 4-3 and the personnel is seemingly much more comfortable. Coach Butch Jones is looking for a higher level of consistency and intensity for the upcoming season.
Safety Brian Randolph missed the last nine games of the season after tearing his ACL. He is back for the 2013 season and is pretty close to 100%. “I feel like I’m 100%. I’m very thankful and blessed I get to go out there,” Randolph said about his knee.
His presence for the Vols is huge, as he is a stabilizing figure in the secondary. Even as a redshirt sophomore, he is one of the leaders of the Volunteer defense. “I feel like we have a lot of leaders,” Randolph said. “We all have a good relationship.”
Joining Randolph as a leader of the defense is senior DE Jacques Smith. Smith unfortunately fractured his thumb towards the end of practice on Tuesday and is looking at a 4-6 week recovery time. With Smith’s injury, freshman Corey Vereen was attempting to get more reps, but he injured his knee and is undergoing an MRI to determine if there is any damage. Luckily for the Vols, the defensive line has plenty of depth. “That’s football. Next man in.” head coach Butch Jones said regarding depth. One player looking to break into the rotation is redshirt freshman LaTroy Lewis.
Lewis praised the seniors for providing leadership and helping get guys in the right spots. Lewis said, “Coach Jones emphasizes the leadership of our seniors and they are really rising to the occasion.”
With Smith and Vereen going down, there is a sense of urgency. However there is a sense of urgency everyday for Lewis. “That’s what’s expected everyday. That’s the new standard.” he added, “That’s the standard. That’s how we play each and every day.”
The defense this season will rely on several younger players. Vereen and Lewis on the defensive line will be joined by a couple of freshmen who are trying to carve out a spot as backups in the secondary. Malik Foreman and Cam Sutton have been impressing their teammates and coaches. “Our two freshmen corners, Cam Sutton and Malik Foreman. I’m very, very encouraged in what I’ve seen in them. And I think right now they are gaining a lot of confidence.” Jones said.
The Vols should benefit from added leadership and much needed depth rising up. Last season was tough for the Vols, and this season’s defense should be much improved. It’s still a work in progress according to Jones. “We’re still not where we need to be from a physicality standpoint. But we continue to progress and we are getting better.”